Steve struggled with sobriety for much of his adult life. An aspiring professional golfer who worked as a teaching pro, he had the potential to be a touring golf professional, but his addiction got in the way.

Steve worked the AA program in midlife and stayed sober for a few extended periods of time, introducing his sister Christine to AA when she faced her own challenges. Sadly, when his mother was dying, he started drinking again.

In time, Steve ended up on the streets of Orlando, Florida, where he lived for about three years. In fact, he typically lived near the bus stop close to where he grew up, alongside a grocery cart filled with his belongings.

When Steve got word that his father had passed away, a Higher Power brought him to a place where he realized it was time for a change. He reached out to Christine, who now had more than a decade of sobriety, to let her know he was ready for help. Christine moved Steve from Florida to California and connected him with a 30 day treatment program at The Anaheim Lighthouse, followed by a move to an Action Alliance residence.

Steve became very involved in the Alano Club in Garden Grove and also appreciated the community provided by his Action Alliance residence. He passed away from a massive heart attack earlier this year after more than three solid years of sobriety, helping many others along the way.

“Steve experienced a significant ‘God shot’* a few months before he passed,” notes Christine. “A friend from childhood – a friend from Florida! – happened to move into the very same Action Alliance home where Steve lived! Steve mentored this friend. The friend ended up speaking at Steve’s memorial service, and attributed his successful sobriety journey to Steve’s mentorship and support.”

While Christine and the rest of their family are saddened by Steve’s passing, they are grateful he was sober when he passed – a fact that was confirmed by the coroner. “It’s truly a miracle,” says Christine.

*coincidences, messages from others or an intuitive thought that have a great impact on someone in recovery.