Hope for Recovery

The Beginning:
    Several years ago, while in the kitchen fixing breakfast, I was horrified to hear moaning coming from my son's bedroom. "Josh, what's wrong?" His reply was chilling. "I can't tell you, Mom. But I will tell you soon." "Soon" turned out to be that very evening, when my husband and I found out that our beloved son was a heroin addict.

The Middle:
    After one week in rehab, Josh was on his way home, clean and clear-eyed, but so scared and sad. He was like a ghost of himself. Questions and fears bounced around in his head, but he couldn't even say them. "How do I live now?"

The Fight:
    What followed was the most courageous battle I have ever seen. Josh found the strength to do everything he was told: Go to 12-step program, 90 meetings in 90 days. Don't be alone. Reach for the phone, not drugs... Day after day I was witness to the struggle, the pain, the depression, the anger, but also the rock-hard determination to stay clean.

The Hope:
    The battles were fought, reinforcements were called in, and the fight was won. Our son's triumph over a six year addiction was a miracle of his strength and willpower, his friends' and families' support and encouragement, and the grace of God. "Don't leave before the miracle," his sponsor Andy had called out as Josh tried to escape his first meeting, and thankfully he listened.
    The road to recovery was long and rough, but that's the point. Every addict's road to recovery is difficult, with so many potholes they feel they may never pull themselves out. It's a daily struggle for them and their loved ones. But I am here to say don't give up. The miracle absolutely can happen. Encouragement is everywhere - God, friends, family, counselors, the 12-step program, media, and words of wisdom such as Lao Tsu's "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

The Book:
    As I watched Josh inch his way toward recovery, I got to witness every challenge he faced. After many, many months - maybe even a year, I was able to relax and enjoy our new son. I was so filled with admiration for him and his amazing perseverance that I told him to write a book about it. He wouldn't, so I did. I want people to know there IS hope beyond the darkness, so I have told Josh's story, as well as the equally encouraging stories of four other recovering addicts. Hope Beyond the Darkness is available for purchase by clicking the Amazon "Buy the Book" link on the left. God bless you in your journey.

*My son wants you to know "recovery really is possible" for many, but not every addict's journey is filled with hope. Some addicts never do find recovery... because that is reality. But if this book helps you find some hope and inspiration, I will feel like this book and my prayers have helped in some small way.