Paul Langford's Impact - One Last Donation
Hello,
My name is Tyler Dowdy. Paul Langford was my best friend and so much more.
As most of you know, Paul passed away last Tuesday (6/30) from a brain aneurysm.
This weekend, Paul's family and his partner sat down to come up with some ideas on how to honor Paul's continuous impact on this world.
We made the decision of putting together a donation fund in Paul's name. All of the proceeds will go towards the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center in Phoenix. Which is where Paul got sober over 10 years ago. I put a link in the description so you can know exactly where your money is going. They have helped an incredible amount of men get their life back.
So, who is Paul Langford? I'm cautious to say that he was just a pillar of recovery, because he was so much more. He sponsored hundreds of men over his decade in recovery, he served in dozens of different roles in AA/HA. From sweeping the floor and making coffee to being on statewide recovery boards. He traveled all across Arizona to share his story and give others hope.
But something set Paul apart from the everyone.
He had a way of making you feel 'enough'. He would never judge you for your past or what it took for you to hit rock bottom. Or how many times he had seen you come back to the rooms with 1 day sober. Paul just wanted to see you get better.
It's hard for me to explain Paul without sharing my experience.
Paul was my idol. From the second he showed me that unconditional love, I just wanted to be like him. I still do.
When we met, Paul's normal day would be waking up at 4:30am to go to work, being the hardest worker at an open door laundromat in Arizona, get off and go meet with a sponsee, go to the gym with a recovering addict, drive home to walk and love on his dog, make sure I was okay (as he let me live in his house for free), shower, go lead a meeting for young men and women in HA/AA, and then stay after to help the people he just gave hope to. That was everyday for Paul when I met him. How can you not idolize someone like that?
Paul went through more hardships and pain than anyone I know. He had every right to be mad at the world and close his heart. But he did the opposite. He chose to smile, and love, and help. He was my hero.
I wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for that man. He saved my life by loving me everyday and showing me how to live. He also saved my life literally, giving me CPR while crying and carrying me in his arms to a doctor. In a different country.
That is my story with Paul. There is so much love and laughter in between. But he brought a guy that had nothing to live for back to life. And I am just one example.
Paul was our angel on Earth. He was a man that was truly too good for this world. He worked overtime in a sweltering hot laundromat so he could pay for other addicts to get into AA conventions, go to recovery retreats, afford 12 Step books, and feed them.
Paul's legacy will continue to have an impact on this world from all the people he helped and saved.
With that being said, we come to you asking that you donate to this cause that Paul was so passionate about. Especially if Paul or someone that Paul helped has made an impact in your life.
And lastly, to those people have faced addiction and never met Paul. Whether you dealt with it personally or with a family member. We ask that you help one more person get sober. They could be the next 'hero' that someone needs.
Thank you so much. We love and appreciate you taking the time to read this. No donation is too small. And if you cannot donate, please share.
We love you,
Tyler D, Josh B, and the Langford Family.