A week and a day after I injured my hand sending my life sideways for a while, my neighbor passed away. I cleaned her house for her, did heavy lifting sort of things, came to her aid when she called; she was my friend.

She was a recovering alcoholic, had THE BOOK on her shelves; we had many a conversation about recovery, acceptance, serenity she was the closest thing to a sponsor I have had, my schedule being what it was and her physical limitations being what they were. I think in some ways I was her sponsor too because she fought the reality of her situation COPD patient with all its limitations. Many times I went over to do my two hour cleaning and spent a lot of time talking instead. I dont think she had ever explored recovery from an Al-Anon point of view but she had a lot of not your business to mind type of thoughts. I mentioned this board a lot in our conversations and gave the web address when she requested it I dont know if she ever came on and read anything I hope she did.

Yesterday we scattered her ashes, today new people moved into her house. Strange how life changes on you. She was an earthy person, artistic, organic, not like me at all in some ways; but like me a lot in others she liked The Lord of the Rings movies, The Hobbit, fantasy, adventure.

It is strange to look at her house and see other people there; I look over and see the blinds down and wonder, before I catch myself, wondering if shes ok

There are many people who form the foundation upon which I stand, and she has become one of them.