That’s why I do what I do

I work with other addicts and while its very fulfilling its also heartbreaking to watch them stumble over and over. Most people who attempt recovery fail their first time and some fail many times but what a glorious day it is when we finally get it! I worked with a young man who had a story very similar to mine, the only difference was the color of our skin and when someone’s story parallels yours it makes you try that much harder to save them. If I learned one thing in the past five years its that you can’t save someone from themselves.This young man lived in my home and was as close to my family as any member of the family can be, he stole some money from me and went back to drugs, on that day I cried like a baby , I questioned why I do this why I set myself up for heartache after heartache but I picked myself up , prayed for him and moved forward. I didnt hear from him for two years but yesterday as I was teaching my relapse class I heard a familiar voice call my name. I turned and there he stood looking at his feet, I threw my arms around him and we both cried. He has 9 months clean ,a beautiful girlfriend and a great job. He came to make amends for what he had done saying that the shame of it drove him to his deepest level of addiction but ultimately to his recovery. What a great day when an addict turns that corner in life and that’s why I do what I do. Special thanks to Jim S.who did the same for me.