Just over a year ago on May 9, 2016, a Norwalk, California home group member Kent M. died. We remember Kent in light of our experience of his witness to recovery.

Though the memorial sharing was somber, there was grateful remembrance and inspired shares of our experience of Kent that brought smiles, laughter and joy in our hearts. He seemed to be “fired up” at most meetings. He was so glad to learn of an anniversary of sobriety or in welcoming a newcomer. He announced news of upcoming SA fellowship events, reminding  all of the importance of coming to meetings and working the Steps of the program. One person shared that Kent would drive a carpool to the annual retreats and conferences. His last carpool would be a visit to the SA International Convention in San Diego.

Kent spoke from the heart. “There was a wisdom he would bring forth in the midst of all he said, even at times with a monotonous tone of voice, a wisdom borne of suffering, of living the experience, and in working the program.” One member said, “he struggled like we all do.”

Kent was humble enough to listen to other SA fellow members when called on his stuff. He recognized the value of learning to take the direction in the actions that worked for others. He often referred to his sponsor, meeting with him regularly, and speaking to him on a daily basis. One newcomer to the memorial meeting wished he could have met such an SA member.