All right! BOILED AS AN OWL he is -- but at least he has called.
This is exciting news. So it looks as though John Z might be climbing back into the picture. This morning he is anyway. Well, maybe climbing is not exactly the right word to describe it. Staggering I think might be a better one to use. Yeah. I think staggering more apropos in this case.
Apparently John is shitfaced. Nothing new there. By now, the time I have spent getting to know John while he is ossified-to-the-gills has surely bypassed any measure of time spent with him when he has been lucid. That is pretty typical though prior to recovery.
I received a phone call from him last night and I had fallen asleep. I heard the dam phone ring form my "writing room" across the hall but was too tired, lazy or entranced into the comfort of my slumbers to get up and get it. That's what I get for not taking my phone with me wherever I go. But he didn't answer when I returned the call about an hour later. He is not picking up hi sphone this morning either.
A few minutes ago I sat down hoping to get some writing done and checked my email first. Mary, Johns' significant other of twelve or so years, who if you'll remember had left him and headed for the mainland, off of the Peninsula of Doom for higher and safer ground - sent me this email this morning. I just read it minutes ago.
"John and I talked yesterday he sounds desperate told him call you or ER he missed his doctors appt. I am going to Cape but not willing to see him in this state kills me but I am trying to take everyones advice. I just hope he doesn't die."
Me too Mary.
That does not mean he won't though. God, I really hate when this shit happens. I have not had anyone leave the planet in a body-bag for a couple of years, now. AT least not that I have found out about. So many men I never hear from or about again I think it would be wishful thinking to assume that all of them are still alive. Over this past year alone, I have personally known an been close enough to to enough now deceased members, but I have not sponsored any of them. I really would not relish spending this Christmas season in mourning over John Z. That would suck eggs, big time.
I guess I'll have to go over and see what's up. If he i s there I'll check his vitals and if I am unhappy with what I find I may have to call a nurse in for more professional evaluation. If he needs hospitalization she'll be in better position than I to know. Hey we're not doctors right? Or nurse. That's why I keep one handy. Not all Twelve Steppers are as fortunate though - I just happen to have lined up a "former junkie" Registered Nurse whom I keep handy for these matter.
She also happens to be my little sister. There are are lots lots of 'medics in "the rooms" - both AA and NA - you know. It must be something about that liquid morphine that hospitals keep stashed away on those lock down cabinets that just seem to 'call' out to some folks. These AA members can be extremely useful for Twelve Stepping activities and I think it is a good idea to make use of them. Shit, even though a prospect or a protegee drinks - you might get to save the life of a doctor or a nurse by getting them involved. You never know.
Got my little Twelve Step 'kit' ready and off I go to John Z's house. It is 2:51 PM and his place is only in the next town over - Hyannis.
This ought to be interesting. Or boring. You never know. But it sure as shit is necessary- maybe for John and although I feel fine today, I believe it will be necessary for me in the long run of my sober life living as a recovered alkie - a moniker I truly hope Johnnie Z will share with me one day soon. Wouldn't THAT be a gas? Me and John Z - going out together to help other alcoholics recover from alcoholism . . . . . . . . MAN!
Peace,
Danny S
