Listening like I never heard before

I used to tell Aubrey I loved him and then I'd give him a big hug.  I told him I would remember his story and, with his permission, I wanted to pass it on.  He said it was fine with him.  He is dead and gone now but I rarely miss him because he lives on in my heart.  I still remember...

Aubrey had to be one of the most garrulous, cantankerous, crusty, crispy opinionated persons I've ever met.   He had one heck of a porcupine personality and he was adorable in his own way.

He told me, "Back in the day, when I'd get drunk my mama would call AA and they'd come get me then take me, in any way they could, to the clubhouse.  I'd be cussing, fighting and raising hell but they didn't seem to care.  After pumping me with coffee, putting a little food in my stomach and helping me sober up, I'd sit in the meetings and afterward listen to them talk.  Finally, after so many times, I just straight out told them, ''You know?  You got to be the dumbest sons-of-a-bitches in the whole world.  All you do is repeat yourselves over and over what you heard others say, "Let Go and Let God", "One day at a time", "Keep coming back", "How it works", "Keep it simple"  and all that other bulllllsssshhhiiittt.  Do any of you have an original thought in your mind???!"  I was so pissed-off I stomped on out of there.
It was only after some time I noticed it was those very same people who were the ones that stayed clean and sober.  I started to really pay attention.  Now, over 20 something years later, I still listen in a meeting like I've never heard it before.  When someone reads "How it Works" I act like I've never heard it before.  Also, the basics are very important to me...working Steps 1, 2, and 3 every day."

I thank God for the honor and privilege of meeting Aubrey because he taught me so much...I, too, when I remember, listen like I've never heard before.  This is the precious gift he freely gave to me.  Thank you, Aubrey.  Hugs and kisses.