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February 06, 2009

Here are newsy updates from two of our past grads.  Instilling hope in the lives of our suffering sisters is why we are here - instead of being hopelessly addicted to dope, we want them to be dopelessly addicted to hope!  These joyous updates will point out that in the warm climate of HOPE changes begin to grow! - Frieda
Letter #1

"Hello Frieda, and all the other Lydia Home angels!
 
Wow, another year, I sit here and reflect, I cherish the year that has passed and am excited for the new year!  Such a new way for me.  The memory of feeling that life was just not worth living is becoming very dim, today I cherish life like I never thought possible.  In the past I used to do whatever I thought would black out the year past, with plans to start the new year off right only to continue on in the sick cycle that I was in.  Creating another year of heartache, deceit, manipulation, destruction......
 
I am on a mission to create a new past and I am pleased with the beginnings.  Almost 3 1/2 years of a past that I do not regret!  It has not all been easy, some of it I did not think I would get through....but I did, because I have learned that I am not alone, and by doing so I have the gift of who I am becoming today.  The gift of my recovery in turn is a gift to the many people that care about me in my life.  How blind I was to think that I was alone and that nobody cared.
 
I thank God and all the angels (people like you women!) each and every day for my new life.  I try to show my gratitude by caring and sharing what others have given so freely to me.
 
Sincerely, XX Mitzi R."

(Mitzi was here for one month – in July 05 - but we still get regular updates from this dear lady, who later had serious health issues but persevered!)

and Letter #2:

"Hi Frieda,
 
Although I am not sure if you remember me, I am sure you remember my mom.  I am happy and proud to say she is just approaching 10 months of being clean and living a new/sober life out in North Vancouver.  She still talks about the Lydia Home and the staff there often.  Without your guys' help and support I really do not think she would be where she is today.  I want to thank you for everything.... thank you for giving my mom a chance when no one else would.  It might be basic work for you, an everyday thing but it really has made a difference in our lives.  I wish you the best for 2009.  
 
My mom is still working on her recovery.  She is living in N. Vancouver and I see her often.  All I do ask is please think of her (my mom) on the 5th of January.  That is her 10 month date and the anniversary of my brother passing.  She's a strong woman but an extra prayer or 2 never hurts.
 
Thanks, (re: Jacquie – July 08 grad)
Amanda (daughter)

(What a trophy of God’s grace if you only knew Jacquie’s difficult story; incidentally, we invited her to come out on Friday and share at our lunch table and she accepted – we look forward to this!)

God bless you for enabling us in this blessed ministry,
Frieda B. and staff.