Jeanne
The saddest day of my life was when my husband said he didn’t want me to see our children until I was sober for one year. I got started with alcohol in high school. I was shy. Alcohol loosened me up. As I grew older and set out on a career, I was somehow able to keep my job as a dental hygienist — even though I often came to work drunk. I had to drink to appear sober.
At least that was my twisted thinking at the time.
I would drink beer and wine and then chase them down with vodka. I’d drink to black out. Every day, I dug a hole of despair deeper and deeper. I went to AA, and I spent time with my sponsor. I started working the 12 steps, but I didn’t get to Step 4. I was in bad shape. Because of my addiction, I lost my family, my car and eventually my job. I didn’t know the meaning of the word “happy.”
Then something wonderful happened.
I walked through the doors of the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission. I can hardly believe the changes that are taking place in my life. I can laugh. I have feelings again. I can think clearly. No longer am I sitting at the bottom of an endless pit, trapped and without hope. I’d fallen so far away from God. But today, I can say my God and I have never been closer. I never thought I’d enjoy going to chapel services or doing chores at a Mission. But I’m embracing everything that’s offered to me here. I never want to disconnect from my Creator again.
For so long, I didn’t think I was worthy of God’s love. I know I have a long way to go, but I know I’m making progress. Thank you for your part in my recovery. Your donations mean more to me than you’ll ever know. Thank you.
