Below is a special message of Thanks from Steve who asked me to publish this on the TH website:
Dear Bonnie,
This E-mail is long overdue to you. The reason I am sending it is to Thank You from the bottom of my heart for all of the hard work you do to keep the Transition House open and functioning. Your organization has literally saved and changed my life.
Before I came to the Transition House, I was an alcoholic in a very deep depression. I just wanted to pass out drunk and never wake up. Fortunately, my aunt took me to Norman Regional ER who in turn sent me to Griffin Hospital. I then went to the Norman Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center, where I stayed for 10 weeks before coming to the Transition House.
Bonnie, I started drinking and doing drugs at the age of 12. I grew up a very privileged child, never having to worry about money. So I could always buy drugs from friends and steal liquor from my parents bar. Looking back on my life now, I can see that I was a very sad and depressed child, using those items to momentarily escape reality.
In my Twenties, I started using hard alcohol on daily basis to suppress my feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and depression. I was never professionally diagnosed with depression, so the thought never occurred to me that maybe I had a mental illness. In my early Thirties, I even completed my college education receiving a Master Degree in Communication. All the while drinking and fighting a mental illness I did not know I had. Because of my mental illness, I have had such bouts of low self-esteem and depression that I have been terrified to try and obtain a career where I could utilize my degree.
Every job I have had was lost to drinking and depression. I have obtained 7 DUI's over the course of my life. I have tried to commit suicide 3 times due to severe bouts of depression. I just did not want to face the realities of life. I was so emotionally mixed up that I could not seem to grasp the concept that life is worth living.
And now for the positive side of my E-mail. Since coming to Transition House, your organization has tremendously helped me to start breaking out of my shell of depression, loneliness, low self-esteem and the fear of living life on life's terms. Living in the Transition House apartments is re-teaching me how to communicate with others, cleaning my living environment, cooking for myself, personal hygiene and so many other things. The daily group sessions are so helpful to me in better understanding my mental illness and supplying the tools necessary to combat the times when my depression wants to take over.
One on One sessions with Katie and Jeanene have been another life saving change for me. Because of their sincere efforts and dedication towards helping me better understand myself, my emotions and feelings, I am starting to live a more serene and peaceful life. By letting me participate in the June Bug Jam 08, no one will ever know how much that helped me in building my low self-esteem. It was because I attending the weekly Music Wellness program offered at the Transition House. I want to Thank You for that opportunity. I also would like it to be known how much Ilene, Jessica and Alesha have helped me by just always taking the time to talk with me whenever I need someone to talk to.
Because of Transition House's strong suggestion and urging of attending AA meetings to deal with my alcoholism, I now have almost 9 months of sobriety. I also realize that for myself, if I was not sober there is now possible way I could be focusing and learning about my mental illness. I attend meetings almost daily, have a wonderful sponsor, am closer to my Higher Power, and have acquired a whole new group of sober friends.
Bonnie, as I said previously, the Transition House has saved and changed my life. I cannot believe how positive my attitude and outlook on life is today. Because I see how your organization is working so hard to better peoples lives, I am currently gathering information on how to become a Recovery Support Specialist or a Case Manager. I would love to give to others what I have been given at Transition House. I will forever be grateful to have been given the opportunity to experience the Transition House program.
Once again, from the bottom of my Heart and Soul - Thank You! I would also be very grateful if you would pass on my Thank You to all of the Transition House supporters for giving me a new meaning to life.
Sincerely,
Steven Boyer