I just got word this afternoon that Donnie A. from Olustee, OK (more recently Balaton, MN) passed last night.  He was visiting family in Oklahoma, and died in his sleep last night.  

Donnie was a real fighter.  He suffered from a list of medical problems a mile long, but would always lend an ear and never really complained, even when the pain was excruciating.  Donnie shared 25 years of clean time with us this last summer.  

Donnie listened to my 5th step and shared things with me that I will take to my own grave.  He taught me the importance of humility, lest I be humiliated!  He taught me how to ride my motorcycle, and laughed his ass off when I ran it into my own car.  He wasn't afraid to show emotions to me, even though he appeared to be a real "tough guy" to everyone else.  He was a real marshmallow.  He taught me not to take crap from anybody.  I taught him to be aware of others.  We were real polar opposites when I came into the program, and we learned so much from each other.

I will miss you, my dear friend.  Enjoy that NA meeting in the sky, brother!