The Day I Met the Guides

The Day I Met the Guides

“Don’t be afraid, Tony,” said the voice coming out of Tony's mouth.

“That wasn’t me! That wasn’t me!” said Tony in his real voice.

“Don’t be afraid,” the strange voice repeated.

I could feel Tony’s heart racing, under my hands. “Oh my God! Oh my, God! Oh my God!” he kept repeating.

“Just breathe,” said the voice. This voice came from Tony’s vocal cords, but it was clearly not his. And he wasn’t faking it. 

Read More

8401 Miracles: 23 Years of Sobriety

8401 Miracles: 23 Years of Sobriety

Today is my 23rd re-birthday. I have been sober 8401 days, each one-day-at-a-time. 

Each one of these days is a miracle. I could be dead right now. Or living in a lower level of hell than I used to.

One of my brothers died from alcoholism. I held him as he drew his last breath at the youthful age of 45. I know where that path leads. It could have been me. 

Read More

Great Moments in Life: Kids on the Bus

Great Moments in Life: Kids on the Bus

On the morning bus recently here in Kyoto, I sat down next to a bunch of elementary school boys. They all look at me suspiciously, and then start saying to each other "You go talk to him in English!" 

After it was determined that one of the boys could speak English better than the others, the one boy looks at me and says "hello!"

Read More