George Brown
By George Brown

Have you noticed how much Pope Francis looks like Ben Franklin? Pope Francis has demonstrated that he also shares some of Franklin’s best virtues – wisdom, common sense, passion, a clever wit, and a keen sense of humor. Both men’s stories are interesting and merit consideration, but the story I wish to share with you is not about one of these great leaders; it is about Bob. What’s interesting is that Bob not only looks like Ben Franklin and Pope Francis, but he also shares with them the virtues I have noted. After reading Bob’s story, I believe you will agree that he too is a great man, at least in the eyes of one little boy.

Like his two famous lookalikes, Bob is of immigrant heritage. His parents each found their way to America through Ellis Island, met, fell in love, and then settled down to raise a family in New York City. Bob’s boyhood was “typical” for an Irish lad growing up in the Bronx during the Depression and World War II. After high school Bob joined the Army and served as a cryptanalyst during the early days of the Cold War. He played a key role in breaking a code that had great benefit for the United States and her western allies. Bob’s early life and Army experiences are interesting, but the greater story is about his life work.

Bob learned to drink alcohol in all of its forms while in the Army. Regrettably, drinking became a habit, an addiction, that followed and plagued Bob’s life for many years. In course of time this addiction led to a faltering career, a lost marriage, and would have, undoubtedly, cost Bob his life had he not discovered and embraced the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Sobriety transformed Bob’s life. He pursued and was appointed to serve as manager of the Employee Assistance Program where he worked. Soon he found himself trying to help coworkers deal with their demons and addictions, and in doing so one principle became abundantly clear. A person has to hit bottom and want help, not only for the sake and benefit of loved ones but for him or herself. To illustrate this point Bob shared a story with me about a coworker for whom he had facilitated rehab placement three times, only to see the man fail all three times.

One evening the man’s wife called Bob and asked him to come to their home. When Bob arrived he found the man sitting in his living room, barefooted. In desperation the man’s wife had hidden his shoes, but the man was undeterred. He pleaded with Bob to take him out for drinks and said he would happily pay for both of them.

But, unbeknownst to this fellow, before arriving Bob had called the rehab facility imploring them to give the man one more chance, which the administrator of the facility agreed to do with this admonition, “We’ll take him, but if he fails this time, we don’t ever want to see him again, or anyone else you may want to bring here.”

Bob told the man of his plan to take him to rehab, which the fellow didn’t take kindly. But at that time Bob was a tall, muscular 250 pound man so, with little difficulty, he was able to “persuade” the fellow to come along. Bob told me that, as he was ushering the man out the door, his little five year old son looked up at Bob and said, “Sir, please make my Daddy all better.”

On his fourth try the man successfully completed the rehab program and returned to work, but a few years later he was transferred and Bob lost track of him. Thirty years slipped by, and then, as Bob was sitting at home one evening, the phone rang. “Is this Bob E_____?”, the caller asked.

“Yes, it is”, Bob replied.

“I’m so glad”, the caller said. “I’ve been trying to locate you for several years. I was finally able to get this number from someone I know at the company where you and my Father worked together years ago.” He explained who his Father was and said, “I wanted to thank you for what you did for my Father.”

The son went on to tell Bob that his Father had had a successful career, rising to a position of regional manager for the company. More importantly, he had been a great Father. The son recounted several stories about his Father and the good times they had shared while he was growing up. “My Father passed away a few years ago, but he spoke of you often, and I just wanted you to know how much he appreciated what you did for him”, the son said.

Bob told me that he and the son, now in his late 30s, had a pleasant conversation for a half hour or so, then, as they were about to hang up, the son paused and said, “Sir, I want to thank you again for making my Daddy all better.”

Yes, I believe that Bob, as much so as Ben Franklin and Pope Francis, is a great man. Bob would be the first to say it isn’t so, but the story I have shared is just one of many that could be told by the thousands of individuals whose lives Bob has touched during his 36 years as an active member and sponsor in AA. Now, well into his 80s, Bob’s passion for this work continues unabated.

Although I’m not a member of AA, I too have benefited from knowing Bob. I’ve benefited from his wisdom, and have enjoyed his clever Irish wit and good sense of humor. Thanks, Bob, for being a great friend and for all that you have done to help others along the way.