A NIGHT OF HOPE

A NIGHT OF HOPE
Every now and again, we can all use a “shot” of hope. Last night was a great one for me.
With all the stats that I keep seeing on addiction recovery, the exploits of people like Lindsay Lohan and the “name” athletes and celebs we are bombarded with and the tough times we are going through, it is easy to have feelings of “hope” dimmed.
Last night, I had the opportunity to drive down to Toronto and take part is a special evening, one that left me full of hope.
The apple does not fall far from the tree, and not only in my personal situation, but the words of many in attendance, I was reminded of that throughout the evening.
Last night I was asked and happily presented my son with a symbolic medallion to recognize he had completed on full year clean and sober. To be asked by him to this was a real honour, to see him achieve this milestone at a much younger age was terrific. Too bad his grandfather and great grandfather did not have the same experience.
While it was a great moment to be a part of this occasion for my son, my regeneration of hope came from far more than this. During the evening, 4 younger (than me) people were recognized for achieving clean time of one year or more, and each shared a story that showed a positive impact on the people, including spouses and children, who were close to them.
Several other people came forward to be recognized for milestones leading up to one year, and they were all beaming ear to ear!
It was not the recognition of individuals that filled me with hope. It was the fact and living proof that there are many people who are truly recovering from addictions on a daily basis and are transforming their lives; all of them with help on a spiritual basis. They are no longer alone spiritually!
Was I proud of my offspring? Sure was. Was I pleased to be a part of a “helping” community including volunteers and professionals? Yup.
But more than anything, I was thrilled to be a part of an evening where miracles in people’s lives gave hope. Pure and simple. It was a recharging of batteries that were in need of a recharge.
As a friend of mine who is a motivational speaker and trainer taught me long ago, Rule #1 we all should learn is, “life is tough”. There are no exceptions.
As I was reminded last night; while life is tough, there is HOPE for each and every one of us who choose to change. Great HOPE. (www.hopeserenity.ca)