One of Jeremy's tool boxes. The other one is in his heart.
Jeremy, what made you decide to change? How did you start the process?
“I got so low I never wanted to go down that rocky road again. For me, change is a lifelong process. I stopped hanging out with my old friends, but knew I needed friends. I started going to Celebrate Recovery every Thursday night. I have an accountability partner. We talk three times a week. I talk to God every single day. I go to church. I made amends with people I’d hurt.”
What did you lose?
“An inheritance from my grandfather, a business, respect of my family, pride in myself.”
What have you gained? (I’m smiling. I can’t wait to hear his answer!)
“A new house better than my old one with a nice shop out back, an up-and-coming lawn maintenance company, a leadership position for chemically addicted young men at Celebrate Recovery, regained trust and respect of all my family members, an inheritance from my Heavenly Father than can never be destroyed.”
Amen!
“And you know what else? I don’t always have to look over my shoulder. I don’t have to be afraid every time I see a cop. Peace. Tranquility. Flow. Organization. Continuity in my life. Total mental clarity.”
A pause formed in our conversation…
“Back when I was using, it made me mad that you (Julie) wouldn’t give up on me. I thought, she’s beating a dead horse. I wanted you to shut up and go away. I couldn’t understand why you’d encourage something I thought was impossible.”
Your addiction worked for good in me, too. I’m so grateful. I had a lot to learn on the Al-Anon side. I had to leave you alone and start working on myself. I’ll write more about that later. What would you say to someone facing any kind of addiction?
“Nobody’s beyond hope. Right now, I have two chemically addicted young men who call me daily. I don’t chase them around. It doesn’t help to beg someone to change. You can’t nag or guilt somebody into sobriety.”
You’re so right. None of us changes until he or she is ready.
“I’m available for these two men 24/7, but it’s their responsibility to contact me. If you’re serious about recovery, work on it. Every single day. Find a sponsor.”
Do you have one last piece of advice?
“Build a toolbox for yourself. Fill it with whatever works for you. I use things I’ve learned from counseling, AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, life experiences, my family, my sponsor, church, and group meetings. We’re all different. No two set of tools will be identical.”
What’s your favorite scripture?
“It’s Philippians 4:13. I know it in English and Spanish. ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.’ That’s the key. It’s His strength working in me. I can’t make it on my own.'”
Me either, Jeremy.
Love,
Julie and Jeremy
