While speaking at Fontainebleau Treatment Center (FTC) years ago, a young man I had directed to the center asked if I would call an uncle of his in Independence.

He said he was a chronic alcoholic and needed help.

The next day, which was a Sunday, I called, and the man who answered the phone was rude. I identified myself and the reason for the call.

He said he didn’t need my help and hung up.

I decided Tuesday to call again. He answered with a different spirit and apologized for being so rude. After a brief discussion, he admitted he needed help.

I directed him to SASAC in Bogalusa, which was a seven-day social detox center. At the end of the seven days, he was sent to FTC.

He completed that program, thanked me for my support and promised to keep in touch.

He did for a couple of years, and during that time, I decided to write an article about our relationship.

I hadn’t heard from him for the last seven years until this past Monday.

When I came home, Jeanne said, “Harold, Lionel Vasso from Independence called and just wanted to say “hello.” I was anxious to return the call and see how he was doing.

He shared he had been sober and clean for 11 years. He wanted to know how I was doing and asked if I still went to FTC.

He told me he still had the article I wrote about him years ago. I told him how much his call meant to me, and we agreed to meet at a later date. We all need encouragement, and that call was what I needed. Isn’t it amazing how God works through other people?

His nephew, who told me about Mr. Lionel, never did achieve any length of sobriety, but because of his concern for his uncle, God was used to change a life, which is one of the greatest miracles.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.