I was beaten and broken ten months ago when I reached out for help. A good man guided me to another good man and I was introduced to First Things first. I answered many questions about my background and experiences with addiction and alcoholism. I was then asked why I sought help. I then admitted that I was powerless over drugs and alcohol and that my life had become unmanageable. I was licked, broken, destitute; mentally, physically and spiritually. I thought maybe I was too far gone to qualify, or be accepted into First Things First recovery Home. I thought I was beyond the point of no return.
John C. and the men in the house chuckled at this, and said “nonsense”. They commenced to tell me about a simple program of recovery. Well they told me that it could be simple or it could be difficult; it was up to me. All I had to do was to make a decision to follow a few simple rules and I would recover like so many others before me had. I looked around the room and saw happy, loving and content faces. I saw conviction and determination in their faces. The only convictions I had were theft, possession, DUIs and driving while revoked. I cried and asked for help.
John C. and the other fellows said that they would help me with the help of a supreme power a power greater than us all. They pulled me into their circle of power, love and compassion. I was on the road to recovery. My disease bucked and fought furiously but with help I followed the few simple rules. I made the commitment.
I have been without drink or drug now for ten months. I am off all pills that were supposed to control my behavior and physical pain. The men at First Things First showed me that there was a way to live a clean and sober life. They showed me structure discipline and morals. They reacquainted me with the rules of life, society and of a supreme power. This change did not come overnight or like a crash of lightning and a boom of thunder. It took time and patience, courage, faith and trust. First Things First in my opinion is 100 percent instrumental in my recovery and the way of life that I know today. When I am asked First Things First recovery homes means to me I think of many things but their sum is simple. I may now live a life that I was meant to have.
First Things First and the men here haved help me lay an unshakable foundation upon which to build a life on. I was dead and now I am alive. I may now try to pass on the wisdom gained in my recovery process to the next broken man. Of course, that is what it is all about isn’t it?
Richard W.