05/30/2024
Thank you to my friend Will Paz for allowing me to share how God happens is a testimony!!
I don’t post often or about my journey on social media. It’s been an extremely private one for me, but this past month has caused for reflection and gratitude. I feel I am called to be transparent.
February 1st, 2021 I would once again enter treatment for drugs and alcohol, and for the last time. It’s the day I took my last drink and used my last drug. I was exhausted, broken, and at rock bottom. I had already been to treatment before, tried to get sober my way, effectively pushed everyone away from me, and burned most bridges. I was a 35 year old ju**ie with no hope. Through the grace of God and the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous I have recovered from a hopeless state of mind, body, and spirit. I regained my family, my closest friends, and rebuilt my life into something spectacular.
Since getting sober I began a career at Origins in South Padre Island, TX. The only thing I knew about SPI is when I used to party down here, had no idea treatment was available here lol. I moved down without a plan or knowing anyone, just trusting God’s plan for me to work in treatment and help the broken just like I was helped years ago. I started this journey as a Recovery Advocate and worked my way through almost every department in the organization. Today I head the Alumni department and I am an Admissions Specialist for both campuses at Origins. I teach groups to men and women on recovering from alcoholism and addiction (which I find ironic since I was the last person to talk to anyone about getting sober). I get to help men and women recover from all over and meet some of the most amazing people and professionals I’ve ever had the fortune to come across.
I used to think I couldn’t have fun being sober. I couldn’t have been more wrong. My life today is more fun, happy, and full than it has ever been. The people God has blessed me with today are truly where I find gratitude. A guy moving to an island to work in treatment who didn’t even have a year sober (or really much of anything to his name) has found a family out here. Those of you at Origins I have worked with have helped me develop into the man and professional I am today. I wanted to share pictures of my journey over the past 3 years and some of my favorite people along the way. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey and thank you to all the ones I haven’t met yet. Even the briefest encounter with others brings joy and gratitude to my life. All of you matter.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, you are not alone. We do recover. I’m proof of it. Please reach out to me anytime. You can message me privately. I will never judge and I will always be there for you. I want to help. I have a responsibility to give the gift that was so freely given to me.
I love you all.
