In Times of Illness - Narcotics Anonymous

professionals. We take care to focus on carrying themessage, not carrying the addict. We remember thatthere are many times when something as simpleas a phone call can make a big difference to anaddict who feels isolated by illness. We gratefullyaccept these opportunities to be of service to ourfellow members.“A man I sponsor, with almost ten years cleantime in NA,telephoned me with some bad news. Doctors said he had anincurable disease that would kill him within sixty days. He livedfor two years, however, and continued to work a program ofrecovery. His courage inspired all of us, and he will be missed. Hisexample in living the NA principles will always be remembered.”Like birth, death is a natural part of the life cycle.When we face the loss of a loved one in recovery, westrive to remember this simple fact. Applying thespiritual principles we learn in the steps helps usface reality. Even with time in the program, our firsttendency may be to run from painful situations.Facing our fear and reaching out in spite of itdemonstrates our faith in action. Our friends needour unconditional love and support now more thanever. We do what we can to assist them in facingthe end of their lives with dignity and grace. Whenwe encourage them to reach out and share with ushonestly, we may find that there are details abouttheir medical care that they would prefer remainconfidential. We honor their requests, and indoing so we honor them. We counter our own selfcenterednessby focusing on life, and on the miracleof recovery that brought us all together.In Times of Illness43