Giving Thanks – Dale P
“As I was growing up, I lived in a decent home. When I became a teenager I started to go on my own path and do what I wanted to do: Drugs & Alcohol. I started losing my family’s trust, one at a time. I didn’t care about things anymore, just doing more drugs and alcohol. I was in and out of jail. I stayed on this path for the next 13 years! Not only did I lose some nice jobs, but I also lost my mother’s love & trust and lost touch with my one-year-old daughter. I had lost my relationship with my girlfriend, who was always there for me, as well as two close friends who were trying to get me help.
I was homeless, sleeping in the woods and staying at a crack house…I had decided my life was over…
A friend had taken me in for a few days so I could figure out something for myself. This is when I decided it was time to end my life. I think God had something else in mind because the police intervened and took the gun. I ended up in jail. I sat in my jail cell and had a long talk with myself. Keep going down this same path and end up dead or in prison for the rest of my life, or get some serious help. God was listening!
The next day, I met someone from Teen Challenge, so I set my new path in that direction. I was at Teen Challenge for 17 months. I learned about God. I was working on myself and getting my new life in order. I started working on things that I had lost in the past. I needed a place to go after I graduated from the program. I found LIFE REBUILDERS in a list of Sober Faith-Based Transitional Houses.
During my stay at Life Rebuilders, I went back to school, graduated, and found a job! I volunteered in the community, attended their bible studies. I helped out with the outreach program started at a small church. I got back my driver’s license, after losing the privilege to drive for 10 years. I had been writing to my daughter over the months, and was able to see her for the first time in 10 years! I reunited with my mother. I found my sister that I hadn’t seen for 34 years!
I graduated from the Life Rebuilders Redemption Program and moved into their Self Pay Sober Living House. I became the manager of the house. I eventually reunited with my girlfriend and moved into my own apartment.
Since leaving Life Rebuilders, life has been great! I have a good relationship with my daughter, seeing her often. I see my sisters and talk to my mom on a regular basis. I jog a lot, an activity I started while in treatment. I have been involved in 15+ races. I wrote letters to some old friends, apologizing for what I’ve done in the past. My girlfriend* can’t believe I am the same person! I volunteer at the Food Shelf and try to give back whenever possible! I stay in close contact with Teen Challenge and Life Rebuilders and get involved with their events.
God has been Great to me…it wasn’t easy to change my life around, but now that it has been changed, it is easy to stay on this awesome new path!” – Dale
Note from Life Rebuilders: Dale is now married* & owns his own home! He is our “go-to” guy for Van Repairs and Misc. Maintenance Projects. We are truly blessed that he remains an active alumni/volunteer in our program!
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