I was at this AA meeting place, standing there talking to my friend Josh when this drunk bum walks up. I have seen him many different times over the years. He is actually banned from going inside the 12 step club because he has gotten aggressive and violent in the past. He buts into our conversation and starts talking to me. Next thing I know he is talking about how he wants to beat up this other guy I know. Then he starts to try to pick a fight with me. I said, “I should probably walk away from you then” when he told me I was making him mad. So I did. That was the end of it. He ended up just walking away after no one would give him a ride.
The very next night he shows up again saying he needs to go to the hospital. He has been saying he has 6 months to live from liver failure for the last 6 yrs or so. My friend Josh felt bad for him and took him to the hospital. But again 2 days later he shows up and asks some other guy to take him to the hospital.
So here is my question: When is enough enough? I think this man is just using people to get rides across town, telling people he is going to the hospital but not actually going. So I have decided that I am not going to give him a ride to the hospital. But what if that day comes when he really needs to go, he really is sick, and I do not take him? That would destroy me because I do want to be loving and kind to those around me. Today, because I am sober, I have options. One is to let someone else take him to the hospital. The other is to dial 911 and let an ambulance take him. Because if he really is sick, he should have no problem with that right? I do not have to let others take advantage of my kind nature. I can stand up for myself today. This was not something I was very good at when I was drinking. I either got very angry or did nothing at all. Neither response being appropriate. I am glad I can respond appropriately today.