Windshield


Coach's Note:

I was asked once, when I could tell if somebody had a chance. In a moment of pure inspiration, I answered to check their wrist, if you could feel a pulse, they have a chance. Nobody is beyond hope. Here is one example: This individual enrolled in BP because it was there. By any standard: social, economic, health, spirit, whatever, this person was lost. He actually went through BP four times, but could never abstain long from his addictions: alcohol and crack cocaine. It is remarkable what God can do given a person's desire along with appropriate spiritual coaching. At the time of this writing, he is maintaining a stable marriage; he is a junior in college and has over four years clean time. He is my friend and has always been forgiven for cracking my windshield!

BP is the only program that has ever worked. I've been to three treatment facilities and spent time in the Terrell State Hospital trying to get over my alcohol and drug addiction. I didn't realize that my whole world was dark. Coach wanted me to move out of the inner city, but I had lived in a house my father had left me almost my entire life. When we went through the self-examining part of the program (the first part), it seemed like it took forever. I begged him to move on and became frustrated, but he would not go on because there were some in the class who were struggling. I almost quit.

Thank God, I didn't. I was able to work through some relationship issues with my sister and my kids. Coach actually took me to Dallas and made sure that I was signed up for special treatment with the VA. He has been the only one to come and visit me.

On one of his visits, we went by and picked up my eleven year old son. With coach's nephew we went to play putt putt and hit some balls and play video games. I asked coach if this was what the AA Big Book referred to as 'freedom'. He smiled and said that I had a long way to go, but not having to spend money with the crack dealers was certainly a part of it all. The next time we picked up my son, I had saved enough money to go buy him shoes. This may not be important stuff to most folk, but it was the first time in my son's life, I had taken him to play putt putt or shopping. I am grateful but also sad. Had I not met coach, I would not know either of those emotions.

Over the years, Dr. Jay has been my financial advisor, math tutor, auto mechanic, business partner (failed), best friend and spiritual coach. One time, he came to Dallas and took me and a friend out for lunch. Being rather care free, he three his keys under some rags in his pick up bed. I didn't like that so, without him knowing it, I picked them up and put them in my pocket. When we got back to the truck to leave, Coach became frustrated that he had locked his keys in his car, and I forgot that they were in my pocket for about an hour! Trying to get into his truck, we cracked the windshield. When he sent me back inside the restaurant to call his wife, I stuck my hands in my pocket. I hate when that happens! Being the man that he is, coach just laughed and we got in the car and drove off. He never has said anything about it again. But coach, I am sorry.

Basic Progress is incredible. I cannot be grateful enough. Please do what you can to help.

©2006 Basic Progress