Two very different individuals from opposite walks of life entered treatment at Azure Acres. One was a county sheriff with no prior drug rehab treatment. The sheriff was an alcoholic who arrived angry, shut down, resistant to treatment and in denial about his alcoholism.

The other was an opiate addict “junkie” with a long history of relapse who arrived to Azure Acres in liver failure as a result of Hepatitis C.

This poem is written by the sheriff about his relationship with the “junkie”. This is truly representative of the miracle of recovery.

Rick & Me

The con and the cop were roommates
As unlikely as it may seem
The con and the cop were roommates
At a rehab facility.

The con for drugs, the cop for drunk
It really doesn’t matter.
The con and the cop were roommates
Both addicts who prayed together.

They lived their lives in survival mode
Their brothers they had their backs,
And life for both was complicated
By under the influence acts.

Depression, aggression, anger, and fear
Filled their bellies full,
And accounted for all they did
To dig themselves a hole.

No alibis, no excuses, no,
It could not be their style
They accepted their fate and willingly state
They had both been in denial.

The day came light the future bright
For the con and cop have agreed,
In God we trust, good works a must,
Staying true to their word and deed.

The con and the cop were roommates
A brotherhood they have forged
Based on love and mutual respect
One might say it’s far from the norm.

But the con and the cop are brothers now
And had it not been so
The con and the cop can truly say
Each might not have been re-born.

Lessons learned, diplomas earned
There remains much to do in AA
Sponsors, meetings and 12 Steps
To keep the tiger and dragons at bay.

Thanks Azure Acres, counselors and staff
You did your jobs so well
And finally from heart to house
Love and best wishes to all.