An unexpected problem

Recently I got a call from a close friend, a sponsee in fact, who indicated he was in real distress.  We spoke for a while, I expressed sympathy and we discussed how his difficulties relate to the program.  I then more or less let it go.  After all, this guy has 13 years of exceptionally solid sobriety, he's sponsored a bunch of people... Sure he has problems but he can handle it.

In short, my reaction was awful.  Just because he's sober double digit years and is very solid, I actually undervalued his pain.  We later made it right -- well, less bad -- but the incident made me think again about how many people with 10 - 15 years relapse.  Perhaps we as a fellowship tend to make the mistake I made.  Just because someone has been around a long time doesn't mean he can't hurt.  I forgot that and from what I've seen I don't think I'm alone.