Today is a sad and joyful day, as if two can be in our hearts at once.
My friend and AA sponsor Dennis Skiyles has passed away at the vets hospital in San Antonio TX.
I will miss him so very much. He was a great father, husband, friend and AA Man. AA has lost one of its best.
He was there for me through all my troubles and never once judge me but would give it to straight about my behavior.
He would always say, “God loves you the way you are and so do I. You must ask Christ for your forgiveness and work to change.”
We saw each other for the last time some few months ago as I traveled to TX on some business, my friend drove from San Antonio to Dallas to see me and spend some time together. We had a blast. Tex Mex dinner at a place he knew,we talked I did another 5th step. He listened, and then we prayed and laughed at what an ass I was. We laughed at what an ass he was. He said, ” Mark, I love you brother.”
God loves you, AA needs you, DTR needs you and your family needs you. Go home and serve God, your family, and help those men in need as you have for the past 13 years.
We finished dinner with DEEP FRIED ICE CREAM went back to our hotel.
The next morning we had a breakfast and headed to an AA meeting, because that’s what he does. It was a 65 year old AA Lead,
one of the Best I been at in years. My friend knew the right one to take me to.
We did our meeting and talked more. Soon it was time to part. That BIG smile lit up and he said ” I love you Brother, God loves you. Lets meet up again soon.”
Something deep inside said this would be our last meeting as I watched him walk away and get into his car..
I said to myself, “thank you good for putting him in my life, give him safe passage home to his beloved Paula.”
I will miss him greatly, God has him now safe and sound pain free. I can still see that beautiful smile that lit up a room when he entered.
Take care MY FRIEND AND SPONSOR. I LOVE YOU AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU
MARK BURCHELL/ SPONCEE OF DENNIS SKYLES FOR YEARS