not a bedtime story
Once upon a time there were 2 cleaned up junkies who lived across the street from us on Reading Rd. This was a long long time ago like 1976 or 77---not sure of dates. Their parole officers didn't like the idea of their living together there so you guessed it--big generous giving me invited one to live with us. This is of course way pre-Alanon.
One day Yogi came home with hands blown up three times regular size and a story of a car accident. Yup, I bought it and went on blindly believing he was still clean and getting the help he needed from out patient Confront.
Some time later, timing not clear on this, B called me to come home because there were police surrounding our apt. I of course drove home went into the apt saw the mess of everything upside down turned inside out and started demanding answers. Yogi was in handcuffs. Big big policeman said little lady if I were you I'd shut up unless you want to go along in to jail yourself. I got quiet.
I was very lucky. I was so naive. We were pot smokers at the time and the police left a bag of pot in our bedroom out in the open. Cleaning up we found a bag with probably a hundred yellow jackets that weren't ours in a shoe in our closet. Yogi was not only dealing from our apt but he was robbing all the establishments nearby and placing the stuff in the closet we gave him to use. I had no clue. B said he had no clue. The police seemed to know we didn't know anything. I later found jewelry missing and realized where it probably had gone. What an experience. I got my act pretty cleaned up myself after that incident but it didn't stop me from taking in stray people from time to time.
Sometime before I left PA to come to WV I was at an open AA meeting and saw Yogi there. He was surprised to see me. I was surprised to see him. Said he was sorry for the trouble he caused way long time ago. He was sober & clean now. That was the last time I saw him.
What is the purpose of telling this story?
Yogi's obit I found in Allentown's newspaper online. He was only 55 years old. I don't know the whole story but from the guestbook it looks like he went out again. This disease kills. End of story.
Labels: another death
posted by Mama Dukes @ 2:41 PM
4 Comments:
Oh wow, it hurts me that this disease has taken you to places which you describe in this post. It shows how horrible and destructive the dz of addiciton is, even to one that does not drink or use. I am so glad that you have been able to climb out of such darkness and use these experiences to help not only yourself, but other God's children that need to be carried.
It is sad to learn of Yogi's tragic outcome. It is truth, and hopefully this message can help someone from walking that path.
May you keep on shining your soul onto others.
Muah!
Yes, Yogi's tragic outcome is not a bedtime story. The message is clear: Stop The Madness
The disease kills, but what a long slow death! It was killing him way back in the 70's when he was living with you and B. Look at all the wreckage he caused in his wake.....you losing your stuff, and could have lost your freedom as well.
The saying really is true "BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD GO I"
As alcoholics, we have a choice about what kind of legacy we want to leave behind. What a tragedy about this man.
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