In all fairness

Addiction and recovery today is such a touchy, most necessary subject in the here and now, especially an important topic for our youth. Extended from the past and carried violently into the present unfortunately. Being a total dreamer, just one of my many dreams is that something, or someone or in greatness that all of mankind can look at active addicts, recovering addicts, and those whom have never experienced the nightmare look at those who are as indifferent and that we all are equal human beings and that we all can pitch in an ounce of dedication to lead our youth with no knowledge into leaders with the knowledge of choices and consequences. Teaching them the path of destruction that addiction carries, such a silent subject in my personal upbringing. Looking back on my own life, it was a very necessary subject of conversation or mentoring that would of been of great service.

In my path of life I have learned most hard headedly that sometimes we don't realize that we have entertained or in better terms encountered angels without even knowing it. That the extension of our helping hand, or even our kind words can make an abundance of difference, facing the bias often encourages discouragement in those trying to make a change, or a better step forward in the right direction. That small bit of knowledge that we can offer those struggling can often lead our youth with hope and a sense of direction in life. One thing I have learned is that once we know something we can not go back to not knowing, and not all about addiction and drug abuse but education. Giving our youth the power of that jumpstart in life, a jump I am just now almost accomplishing at the age of 40. Something that could of been done so many years ago. Even though these discussions need to start with our youth, those currently suffering need help as well.

As an addict in recovery for almost 5 years, after 15 years of active addiction I hold the firsthand experience of these subjects and I have the hope that one day I can open a center for addicts seeking a true change in their life, especially in my hometown, there isn't a place that one person can go for inpatient treatment close. A place of indifference, non bias that is different. A place where those that have lived the nightmare can learn that life can be fun again without the use of all these substances in today's world that takes us outside of ourselves because we no longer want to feel the pain. Where they can learn to laugh again, conversate, fully rehabilitate themselves. Those who never completed school to help them obtain their GED, help preparing a resume, job seeking, and transportation to obtain that gainful employment they so need to be self sufficient. Something needed to survive, and feel good about themselves. Housing, and creating a savings plan within their rent so when they complete the steps of the program that have a nest egg to gain there own housing and be independent. People need a change, not textbook respoken, they need action and that helping hand, not a hand out.

I drive by this place everyday and look at the empty building and dream of opening this center one day and maybe one day it will come true. But until then I will maintain in providing my story of redemption and the steps of change I took from beginning to now for those who are in need and willing to not listen but hear my story. Currently I am in my last year of college for my Bachelor's of Science from Full Sail University, an accomplishment I have worked very hard for and so very proud of. Another lifetime goal marked accomplished and then on to the next. Part of my story that its all possible to turn your life around one step in front of the other.

So pushing forward my hope is to mentor youth in the education and truth of addiction and its nightmare, and one day open my center of change where those seeking change can learn to laugh once again. When they smile I know I have changed a life, and then I can smile with them.