Mark M.—A Remembrance

Since our last issue of Essay, we learned that Mark M. of West New York, NJ died of complications from AIDS. I met Mark a couple of times, and he would phone me from time to time over the years, so I followed his progress in the program. Sobriety and victory over lust did not come easily or quickly for Mark, but when he died, he was, to my recollection, over two years sexually sober. Once Mark made the surrender that ushered in his continued sobriety, I could literally see him grow in grace. As the pool of resentment and anger was uncovered, typical with so many of us in sobriety, he dealt with it in a good program way. The pain of his defects and illness brought him closer to his Higher Power. In his darkest hours I would hear him praise God and give thanks for what he had. I sorely miss our talks, Mark, and thank you for letting His grace in your life touch mine. See you later…