Rick Anton

Rick was my sponsor in a 12-step program, and he saved my life. He was exactly who I needed, and I am who I am today because of him. I called Rick at the suggestion of my friend Jamie. Jamie and I met when we both had the same bizarre idea to spend our vacations at a treatment center. Jamie could tell I was struggling, which is why he suggested I call Rick who was his sponsor. Rick once told Jamie that if someone in recovery gets a sponsor’s number and doesn’t call within 24 hours, they would probably never call. I made sure to call Rick while I was on a car ride to the airport. We met, and he had just the right approach for someone like me who was losing their mind. He brought me back to earth, to solid ground.

 The thing I will always remember about Rick is that he’d tell me: “Daniel, your life is not your problem. Your thinking is your problem!”

 Rick role-modeled for all of us what service to others looked like. I don’t think any of us knew how many guys he’d sponsored and helped; how many Big Books he bought newcomers; how many fourth steps he’d listened to; or how many frantic phone calls he took late at night or during his work day.

 Rick did not believe in a traditional notion of God. He believed in Good Orderly Direction (GOD). And he loved to pass out little cards that read: IT IS ALWAYS AN INSIDE JOB. The text underneath the title listed 12 guidelines: 

1. Keep life simple

2. Practice being satisfied

3. Beware of indecision

4. Practice cheerfulness

5. Learn to like people

6. Live and let live

7. Use adversity

8. Don’t take yourself too seriously

9. Have a sense of humor

10. Practice objectivity

11. Tolerate your own mistakes

12. Forgive yourself

 I read that card every morning and every night for over a decade. I still keep it in my Big Book. 

Rick would always remind me just how good my life was and that problems would pass. And whenever we were parting, he would always tell me he loved me. 

I miss who Rick used to be. It was difficult watching him digress into Alzheimer’s disease and lose his humor and caring side. But I knew it was the disease. He couldn’t understand why he had Alzheimer’s and that he would not be going back to live in his condo. I am convinced that he knew that we were all surrounding him with love and ensuring he was safe. Keeping Rick safe was the name of the game as we waited for the inevitable day of his death.

I miss Rick, especially the Rick who was right there for me and helped me heal so deeply. I think the healing we all experienced prepared us to look out for each other. 

Rick, you did it. You found God through Good Orderly Direction. And you helped many others…hundreds, if not thousands of others…find it too. I miss you deeply, and I love you. The memory of you will be strong with me for the rest of my life.