Nine Years
Reflecting on the nine-year mark since April 10, 2015, feels like revisiting another lifetime. That day in 2015 was the first time in my adult life, at the age of 35, that I faced a day without alcohol. Up until that point, my most significant achievement was fatherhood, though my involvement had been minimal due to my struggle with alcohol. It was a substance that had dominated my life, blinding me to any future without it. Despite seeking help for the third time, my initial intent was merely to sober up temporarily before returning to drinking "responsibly."
However, God had a different plan in store for me. I found myself in a detox facility in Long Beach, California, a place that offered help to those without insurance, which I lacked due to being off work from my state job. Although I anticipated a short stay, the severity of my condition meant that I remained sedated for days to prevent alcoholic seizures, unaware of the passing time. By the time I was conscious, my body was still reeling from the effects of prolonged alcohol abuse, leading to a 10-day detox process. On the final day, a nurse informed me of an available spot in a treatment facility, a gesture I've been unable to personally thank her for to this day.
This marked the beginning of a transformative 60-day journey at a treatment center in Anaheim. The presence of a Celebrate Recovery Bible in my room, seemingly from nowhere, signaled that this experience would be different. Reading it became a nightly ritual, one that, along with the supportive environment of the treatment center, began to mend my spirit and reshape my life into one worth living.
Fast forward nine years, and the landscape of my life has dramatically changed. I had the privilege of founding Legacy Village, a treatment center that has touched nearly 1,000 lives, offering a new start to many. The center later specialized in aiding veterans, adding another layer of fulfillment to our mission. However, this journey hasn't been without loss. The passing of my father in 2023 and the closure of Legacy Village in 2024 have been particularly challenging, reminding me of the fragility of life and the relentless nature of life in general.
Yet, anniversaries serve a purpose. They remind us of our journey, the growth we've experienced, and the obstacles we've overcome. They marry the past with the present, providing a solid foundation from which to move forward. As I reflect on both the triumphs and the losses, I'm reminded of the lives we've touched and those we've lost to addiction, a disease that continues to claim too many.
Despite the bittersweet nature of this anniversary, it also serves as a source of inspiration. As my family and I embark on a new chapter in a different state, I'm reminded of the challenges I've faced and the strength I've found in faith. This anniversary reaffirms that recovery is possible, and it's a message I hope reaches those still struggling with addiction, grief, or trauma. It also reminds me that recovery, is an ongoing process.
Today, as I mark this anniversary, let's remember those still fighting their battles and pray for their path to recovery. Let's celebrate the strength found in overcoming addiction and the promise of better days ahead, assured by the guidance of faith and the lessons learned through our journeys. As I move towards the tenth year, the journey continues—one day at a time, filled with both challenges and opportunities for growth.
