Giving Thanks

As we are getting into the heart of fall and preparing for all the holidays and embracing the upcoming new year, I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude and hope. As I have mentioned previously this time of year is normal a struggle for me, but this year is different. I want to start off by saying a huge thank you to everyone has been along for the journey of getting to this point in my life. I would like to thank my parents first and foremost for sticking by my side and supporting me even when I gave up on myself. Sometimes I felt like I was alone and had nobody on my side and even though it was hard while I was going through it, I believe it was exactly what I needed. I needed to do this journey for myself and by myself. Of course, I'd be nothing without my children and I want to thank them for giving me hope, joy, and a will to live and continue on. The times I spend with them now are so much better and mutually loved and respected. I can see on their faces and their desires to spend as much time with me a possible that they are proud of me even if they don't fully understand the struggles I've endured and put them through. I'd also like to show some gratitude to the handful of people that I would like to give complete recognition for shaping me into the person I am today, 217 Recovery without you guys giving me support and the freedom to hold meeting I find dear to me and pushing me to achieve goals, you guys have done so much for me, I could go on forever. Addiction Treatment Services (ATS) thank you for all you do and showing me that hope really does happen there. I would also like to give a big thanks to the owners and manager at Spanglish for giving me the support and freedom to grow as a human being and allowing me to make time for my recovery and children. I have a handful of friends that also deserve some recognition as well, they know who they are as I don't call many people friends, but as someone who purposely distances themselves from others, you guys get me out of my comfort zone and love and support me thank you! Without you all I wouldn't be here to continue this journey and all the great things to come. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!