John and Jane. Life sometimes takes us to unexpected places; somehow I managed to make it to A Home Away. You have shown me a bright light in a dark room. Thank you for supporting me, lifting me up when I was down, showing me courage and love. I was a young frightened girl walking into this place and now I am a woman with God by her side walking her way out. You have helped me to find everything in life I was looking for. I love MYSELF! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Natasha
North West Territories, Canada

Dear John and Jane, and the rest of you! You all played a huge part in helping me recover. I cannot express my gratitude and respect enough. It sure has been an eye opener and I will miss you all very much. I will be back to visit all of you wonderful people. Until then, "One Day At A Time". Thank you so much.

Curtis
Red Deer, Alberta

John and A Home Away: A big old thank you goes out to this place of love. It has greatly helped and opened my once cloudy sight and thought. Everything I have learned here will be greatly useful tools in my new journey of recovery. I will always have a place in my heart for all I have met and shared so much of life with. Once again, thank you. Love always,

Shawn
Palm Desert, California

I would just like to say, what a great caring, loving place A Home Away has been for me. I truly believe that this place has helped me to open my eyes for the future, Thank you so much for the love and guidance I have received. Love,

Jay
Toronto, Ontario

To John, Jane and the rest of the staff at A Home Away: It has been an incredible experience through all the ups and downs. Never in my life have I been so challenged and fortunate to see what a gift you guys have given me. You are truly a devoted bunch and are one of a kind. May God bless you every day. Thank you for everything. Love you lots!

Brett
Fort Mac Murray, Alberta

To John, Jane, and all the staff at A Home Away: Thank you for all the help, guidance and love for my new journey. My stay at A Home Away was truly a great experience. I have had many "revelations" during my stay and have made some wonderful new friends.

Lloyd
Seattle, Washington

Well I never thought I'd say this - A Home Away has really become like a second home to me. This home and all the amazing, loving, talented people here have provided me a safe, nurturing place to uncover and discover and empower the real me. I now feel as though I have a place in this world. At 26 years old, I finally feel whole, I love myself! My gratitude runs so deep, it is hard to express in words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Andrea
Kelowna, British Columbia

My first introduction to A Home Away was in June of 2006 when I asked John Derry, Director, for help. I had been struggling with the disease of addiction and had finally reached a spiritual, emotional, and physical bottom. John invited me to be a guest at his addiction treatment centre, A Home Away in Kelowna, BC, in order to regain my life.

That day, John's gift to me was the gift of hope. He let me know that I wasn't alone and that if I was willing, I too could walk the path to recovery. No letter, no words, could ever express the value of one addict helping another. John had just let me know that as long as I wanted it badly enough, I could walk the same path he had.... There was hope!

I participated in the residential recovery program at A Home Away under John's guidance where I learned how to feel again. A Home Away treats your body, mind, and soul. My substance abuse was a symptom of my illness; I was what I needed to heal!

The days following have progressed to months, and now to years. A Home Away, and John Derry's residence are open to me in time of need, or to just stop by to share a meal with him and his guests. I find it difficult to express the feeling of comfort and security that this provides me on a daily basis. I know that no matter what happens in my life, A Home Away is a safe place for me to go.

In my time of need, when chemical dependency was destroying my life, John of A Home Away reached out his hand and pulled me from the ledge. He saved a lost person that day, not a bad person trying to be good, but a sick person trying to get well. Today, I know that I am one of many who share the same experience.

Not so long ago, I ran into John at his favorite coffee shop and I was finally able to say thank you to him for saving my life, for there is no doubt that that is what he did that day. Little did the other coffee patrons know that sitting amongst them were two miracles that day. Both of them had the courage and strength to change their lives, and one of them had the wisdom and compassion to share that with others. It is truly a miracle for one person to come back from the depths of addiction, and it is a miracle amongst miracles to save others along the way.

BJ
Kelowna, British Columbia

Look back on memories momentarily as this is the past. Look ahead with hope and courage momentarily as this is the future. Be present right now as this is God's gift. Live in this moment with honesty. Look at the world through a child's eyes with openness and wonder. Feel reborn, each day, each hour, each minute. As two moments will never again be the same. Open your heart to love, and your soul to God. Then find inner peace. Then live life, right now, this moment, 'Cause this is the present, And this is God's gift!

Thank you A Home Away for teaching me about living life each minute and for all the love you've shown me. Mostly thanks for showing me a path to God. Forever grateful,

Trevor
Edmonton, Alberta

Dear Family, as I sit here and try to reflect on the past 42 days I cannot help but think back to day 1 - I was bent, broken and self-destructive. Today - I leave a beautiful young woman strong in my convictions with a happy heart. I never knew that my life could be touched in such a miraculous way that would transform every dimension of it forever. My mother gave birth to me, but A Home Away has given me life! My heart swells with immeasurable joy, pride and love when I thinking of all of you. Thank you, thank you thank you for nurturing me, loving me, and give me back myself.

Mary
New York, New York

To all staff and guests at A Home Away: I feel a hundred pounds lighter! I get that although I did some bad things, I am not a bad person. I feel my shame basket is empty now. I feel balanced for the first time. I feel grounded, happy, optimistic. I feel like myself, a new enlightened self. I know that all of these feelings were made possible by the dedication, honest, love and respect that was graciously shown me by you during my stay. My discovery is complete, and my recovery begins. Thank you all.

PS. To my wife and children: Thank you for showing me the path to A Home Away; the path to sobriety and happiness.

Brad
Calgary, Alberta

This was the hardest emotional journey I've ever experienced with the greatest rewards! I love life now and am ready to face the good and the "unknown" with excitement - yahoo! Thank you for the honesty, love and support. Lovingly,

Carrie
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Dear John, Jane, and all of the other staff members and facilitators.

The words I write here don't begin to reach the depth to which I have been touched. My journey here has literally brought me from death's door to a place of self realization and strength that I could never have imagined.

John your vision has already touched so many and has provided me with a plan and commitment to my recovery, but more than that a true deep discovery of who I am. I take with great gratitude the tools to manage and develop my craft - Life! Thank you for this safe healing place and for all the beautiful people who have given me strength through their stories. I will never forget or lose touch. Love,

Tania
Portland, Oregon

To everyone who walks through this house: This will always be my recovery house. The gifts I have been open to receive here are amazing, and this book is not big enough to write them in. I have been given my life back and found my creator. I will always have a place in my heart for A Home Away; it truly is a home. All my love to everyone.

P.S. Give Cocoa a cookie for me!

Will
Vancouver, British Columbia

Dear John and Jane and household (Cocoa too). I love both of you. I've never felt this kind of true love before - wherein trust graces it's very presence - I really do feel like a chick freshly hatched. "Its a Brave New World" for me now. I will call upon my higher power for every moment - sad or happy. But mostly joy in my heart. It's about time that I feel this - and it is at A Home Away that joy showed itself.

Love you, thank you. Sincerely,

Anthony
Winnipeg, Manitoba

"A Home Away" I have experienced the most incredible journey of my life. The road I have traveled the past 42 days has been everything form bumpy to rocky, rainy, sunny, slippery, beautiful, exciting ant the list goes on. Along this journey I have faced fear and found, love, joy, acceptance, trust, forgiveness, and faith. As I continue down that road I will carry the knowledge I have gained, and AHA will forever be my traveling companion. Love,

Shannon
San Antonia, Texas

To John and Jane and every one else at A Home Away: I could not have imagined what today is like. I will never forget this day or the people I have shared it with. Today I can say that I am happy! For me that is huge. I would like to say thank you for helping me to become the man I am, the man I have always wanted to be. For that I will never forget you. You will always be in my prayers. Thank you.

Mike
Kelowna, British Columbia

To John and A Home Away. You guided me and taught me how to face my fears. You taught me how to be real and how to truly honour myself. You taught me how to live in the present, and how to have peaceful closure with the past. You gave me a foundation to build a new life around, and you taught me how to live life on life's terms. You helped me to help myself.

I will never forget you, you'll always have a place in my heart!

I love you all. Peace,

Bruno
Los Angeles, California

To everyone at a Home Away, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to have an incredible healing experience while I was here. I now I have experienced so much growth in all the areas: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. I now love myself and have learned now to let go of the shame and guilt of the past and the constant worry about the future, and to live in the present! I have so much in my life to be grateful for, which I now see. Thank you all! Take care and I will come and visit often.

Diane
Kelowna, British Columbia

To John, Jane, and all others, and of course, Cocoa: I cannot express my gratitude enough for your help. You have showed me a new path, a light in the darkness! My nightmare is over, my journey begins. I will always keep you all in my heart. My eyes are open now, because of you.

Ana
Charlotte, North Carolina

Thank you to everybody at A Home Away for making me feel like part of your family. I am grateful for all the help, love and support that I have received. Take care and all the best.

Tara
Edmonton, Alberta

John and Jane, I am so grateful and blessed that each and every one of you made my experience at A Home Away absolutely unforgettable. In the past 42 days, I've been challenged in ways I never imagined - but it was all worth it. You've given me the tools, support and now I need to do the work - Your belief in me has allowed me to grow into the woman I never believed I could be - I love myself now and I love all of you. And my journey doesn't stop here, it is just beginning and by being honest, open and willing and living in the moment - I believe everything will work out as it should. I choose sobriety and I choose to be happy. I feel cautiously confident moving forward. I thank you more than words can say. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Jessie
Salt Lake City, Utah

Thank you for lifting the fog so I could sail thru safely. I am leaving you only in body...I will always be here at A Home Away in spirit. I'll free those feelings and its time to go!!

Craig
Kamloops, British Columbia

John, Jane and friends, I thank you all for putting me back on the map and teaching me the way of a happy life.

Murray
Fort Mac Murray, Alberta

To AHA and all my friends. I will be forever indebted to this house of miracles. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to go that extra step. My love to you all. John, words can't express my gratitude. Thank you.

Ronale
Calgary, Alberta

Just a short note to thank all the staff at A Home Away. Your guidance, insight, love and respect has provided me with a solid foundation for my healing and recovery process. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to experience the love, honesty and openness at A Home Away. Thanks again, Love,

Brian
Spokane, Washington

Dear John, I wanted to take a moment to thank you and all your staff for the time I spent at A Home Away. As you know, after I relapsed at another treatment centre, I was looking for a treatment center that had the following criteria: 1. Qualified, Professional Staff, 2. Twelve Step Program, 3. Professional Environment, 4. A business model based on spirituality. A Home Away gave me all of the above. Most importantly though, it gave me, Reid, back. I'm dead serious, I am back being proud of me and I am so excited about my future.

It's not necessary for me to breakdown and analyze my treatment and my growing spirituality, you know what I'm saying. I will never forget what you have given me John. Never.

I know credit is due to all your staff. It's a great team, please thank them. Say what you want John, but the bottom line is you are the quarterback. I owe you, and I won't forget. You sell miracles John, I hope you never quit. You are doing the world good. I am going to be living proof of that.

God bless you, and thank you. Love, Reid.

Reid
Calgary, Alberta

What a beautiful thing to accomplish this feat,
Having to meet expressing our feelings in this constant heat,
Staying open and honest with our defeat.
Now I'm free...with all this knowledge,
and I'm free...with all this growth,
and I'm free...to be myself.
Traveling down the Road to Recovery.

Kevin
Nanaimo, British Columbia

To All of my friends and family at AHA: I cannot express in words my gratitude and appreciation for the life you have breathed back into this wayward body and soul. I have learned skills to live a full life without the need for alcohol, and I have found and renewed passions I lost or never had. Thou I questioned your methods ?, I never questioned your motives, and have learned through the process of letting go and accepting what is, that life is good, and that there is a possibility for a rewarding and loving journey ahead. I love you all.

Stephen
San Diego, California

To everyone who had made an impact on my life at AHA. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the hard work, from counseling to cooking meals, you all have contributed. With all my love,

Mike
Edmonton, Alberta

To all my friends and family at A Home Away. I can not express my gratitude, and love, and appreciation, and hope, you have given me. I truly believe I am a better person because of you. Thank you for all you have given back to me. I couldn't have done it without your guidance. You will always be in my prayers. God bless and than you.

Wendy
San Francisco, California

John! If only words could express my many thanks for you and your vision for A Home Away. John you have given me my life back, and my family. Thank-you so much; you have given me the right direction. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

Oly
Mobile, Alabama

To my Home Away: Thank you so, so very much. You have given me my life back. And for that I am so grateful. You helped me find my true authentic self, which I am so proud of. You John, Jane, and everyone else have touched me oh so deeply. The staff are all truly amazing and have been my life coaches. I have learned what I took and will continue to learn what I take. I am humbled by your love and your gifts, and will carry you all in my hearts. You have not seen the last of this guy. I know life will be so grand. This I know for the first time. A Home Away will forever be with me. Thank you so much. I love you all from the bottom of my heart, soul and feet. Much love always,

Andrew
Victoria, British Columbia

John and Staff of A home Away:

There's not a lot in my life that has been as powerful an experience as the one I've had here. My eternal gratitude to everyone who has helped to set the course to my recovery. I feel profoundly blessed to have been here for 6.5 weeks and for all the tools I've collected and for all the wisdom imparted. Nowhere could I have ever received the support and welcome that I know is here.

Thank you John. May God bless all who cross over this threshold and enter A Home Away.

Gratefully,

Sue
Ashville, North Carolina

Very special thanks to everyone at A Home Away involved in my recovery. It's been a long, hard journey and the battle was fierce. I'm so grateful that I have been restored to sanity. I pray that I will always remember how hard I had to fight to surrender. I can see now that its truly all about being willing, open minded and doing the work, and following the rules. Today I leave here with hope and the courage I asked for. I know staying present and living in the moment, one day at a time, will keep me safe, clean and sober. I know my life is great now! It's truly a spiritual experience. Thanks and keep up the great work.

Pauline
Calgary, Alberta

To John, Jane, and all at A Home Away: Each of you touched my heart in places I never knew existed. I came here practically dead and today, as I leave, I'm more alive than I've ever been. I leave with hope! Today at the closing medallion ceremony, I felt love and was able to give love in a way that I never knew existed. One of my dreams it to have a sailboat like yours someday; thank you John. The food, messages, films, recreation days, yoga and music were all gifts to me. So thank you all. Love always,

Keyon
Toronto, Ontario

How To Live

To think of others before one's wealth
Lend a hand, offer health
Give advice when honest and true
Greener grass, sky more blue.

Face your failures, don't run from fear
Emotions surface, allow for tears
Feel the moment, feet on the ground
Music of silence, never makes a sound.

Time comes when you take a leap
Jump with your eyes closed, land on your feet
Vulnerability, is a frightening thing
Action equals reaction, breath in the meaning.

Live your life, every moment a gift
Treasure the relationships
Fail allows lift.
Faith without ego, letting go of control
Finding your balance
God fills your soul.

Thank you for everything.

Ryan
Lethbridge, Alberta

To John, Jane and all the facilitators and staff at A Home Away (and Cocoa),

When I arrived here, I didn't really know what I was looking for, only that I was looking for something that would make my life better. It turned out to be, in hindsight, remarkably simple - I was looking for RECOVERY. By providing a safe, warm and loving environment, and by exposing me to the true miracle of the twelve steps, I have found what that means. I have had over a month of truly amazing discovery and self-discovery. I thank God for having brought you into my life, and I am excited to being my recovery with Him at my side and you in my heart. Thank you for giving me a second chance at life. I am committed to live it fully and honestly, one day at a time. Love always,

Terry
London, Ontario

John and all the A Home Away staff,

The gratitude I have in my heart is indescribable! You have not only given me the tools for recovery but a whole new lease on life. And I plan on living that life to its utmost fullest. I love you all and will definitely remember you all for a very long time. Love you,

Mona
Vancouver, British Columbia

To Everyone at A Home Away. Thank you for allowing me to find my soul (so long lost), my joy, my love of self. My journey now begins.

Larry
Montreal, Quebec

To John and A Home Away, Thank you all for helping me find myself again. Thank you for your support and love. This has been a great experience for me. Thank you again, and I love you all.

Brigita
Eugene, Oregon

John, Jane and A Home Away. This has been the most awesome experience I have ever had. Doors have been opened into my past for my future. I am excited to share my experience and feeling with ...(my wife and children), some feelings and past experiences that I have not shared with them, a spiritual journey.

Thank you and I love you all.

Darin
Lethbridge, Alberta

To John and all who are a part of A Home Away: I truly thank you for the opportunity to find myself again. Within these walls lies an unending pool of love and support that I was invited to share from. Through you people and my fellow guests I was able to change my life! For that I'll be eternally grateful. I'll be checking up on my bowling record though. ?

To all, keep the love and especially the laughter flowing.

Gratefully,

Devin
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

To John, Jane, and the rest, Thank you with all my heart, you helped me find myself again! When I arrived at A Home Away, I was a broken shell of emptiness. I have found a loving father, son, brother and friend in myself that had been missing for way too long. Words can not show the gratitude that I feel for all of you. I'm OK now. I love you all. Thanks for being a major part of my recovery and life. All my love,

Vince
Fresno, California

To all those who shared with me at A Home Away. I thank you for teaching me:
How to feel again.
How to express myself with the use of healthy boundaries.
How to accept the thoughts which come into my head as neither good nor bad.
How to keep life simpler by just accepting.
How to replace the negative with the positive.
How to feel and give love.
How to believe and trust in God.
And to love myself, for I am worthy and deserving.
Until our path's cross again, Love,

John
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Thank you doesn't seem enough. Your love, and compassion have helped me to see who I truly am and I am so excited to continue on my journey of self-discovery. To "feel" is an exhilarating thing and I thank you and love you for all you've done for me. I can't even put into words how much A Home Away has been the best experience of my life. I will miss you all, you all know how I feel about you...I love you and you are my sources of inspiration.

Fiona
Kelowna, British Columbia

Thank you for all your love and support. You are truly doing a remarkable thing here. You have inspired me; you gave me hope.

James
Seattle, Washington

Thank you for having the courage to dream. It is enlightening and encouraging to experience a dream fulfilled. I have learned that it is OK to dream again and that I can believe that I have the power to make those dreams come true. Hope is an amazing gift, with hope comes so much else; courage, faith, serenity, happiness and commitment to name but a few. So Be It.

Brant
Kelowna, British Columbia

You inspire me that dreams do come true! You are an exceptional man! You forced me to be responsible and own my wants! Tough love, a little hard to digest, but incredibly effective!

Jennifer R
Sherwood Park, Alberta

The Home Away experience has been nothing less than life altering in the best and highest order. John and the team are the sunshine and moon dance in the lives of so many. Thank you so very much for all you've done and all that you continue to do! So be it. Love always,

Randy
Calgary, Alberta

Wow what a whirlwind adventure! This place is what life should always be about: Love, Honesty, Openness, Friendship and Courage. Here I've found all those and much more. Thank you for helping me find "me". I will forever be grateful. John, you are a wise and wonderful man!

T.J.
Penticton, British Columbia

I thought I knew it all and I didn't. My whole life needed to be looked at and I am grateful. This place has opened my eyes to so many new things. I am excited to embark on my journey to reclaim my life. The time spent here was amazing; the friends I shared my time with will never be forgotten. This house has a warmth I've never experienced and will try to make my home feel as welcome as this one has to me. I will never forget what I learned here. I never thought I'd say this, God Bless you all.

Jarrod
Kelowna, British Columbia

A Home Away, you walked with me through my past and my present. You gave me shelter from the storm. I thank you in every way for your sharing, caring and knowledge. Your gifts will stay with me always.

Diana
Vancouver, British Columbia

The knowledge I have gained here in the last month has allowed me to begin my recovery in a spectacular way. I truly hope many more find the doors to this wonderful place. The tools offered here are something I would have never found on my own. All my love and thanks. Today I am sober - Today is a good day!!

Tony
Fox Creek, Alberta

A Home Away, this place, wow. All I can say is Wow. This place and everyone in it helped me realize that there is a great life ahead of me. Thank you for helping me become the man I want to be. All the best,

Ken
Halifax, Nova Scotia

I feel truly blessed to have had you all in my life. Thanks for all your wisdom, patience and time. Your energies are a life force to be reckoned with. This place will have a place in my heart forever. Whenever I look for serenity in my life, I will come back to this memory. Love Always,

Leon
Edmonton, Alberta

I can only say Thanks, but will pray for you, so that your faces and memories will always remain in my mind, body and soul. There is no bigger gift, than the one you have given me. My Life! These are tears of joy I leave on this page, as I write, for you to remember and to be proud of the miracles you perform. Thank you. God Bless,

Peter
Brampton, Ontario

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me find myself. I love being Bonnie again. A Home Away is so warm and cozy. I had no time to be lonesome as I was at my second home. John you are awesome, I thank you.

Bonnie
Whitehorse, Yukon

A Home Away truly is a gift of God; it is a gift that keeps on giving as each one of us leaves touching other people's lives in our journey. For me it has given a new meaning to live life, I have rediscovered myself with feelings of who I am. I now will be the man, husband, and father that I truly am. A Home Away is filled with unconditional love which I've felt throughout my stay. For all that I've become throughout my stay, and my journey ahead, I thank you from my heart. Thanks for being part of my recovery and who I am.

Robert
Kamloops, British Columbia

I can hardly find words to describe the transformation I feel I have begun since stepping through the doors here at A Home Away. Nothing remotely close to "adequate" comes to mind, as I write my last thoughts to all of you before my journey back to North Carolina. Each of you has given me so much; the ability to stop the denial and look at myself honestly; I stretched to forgive and then love myself; I came to forgive key people in my life; I was heard; I learned to speak impeccably, not to take things personally, or make assumptions and to just do my best; I found I love to paint! And I realized I am worthy of love, respect and honor. Thank you, to each of you, for sharing your gifts, your time, your energy and your love... you will forever be a part of me. Gratefully!

Nancy
North Carolina

Please accept my deep gratitude for the miracle work you accomplished with my son by giving him back his life of freedom. Your understanding, compassion, and skill were very clear when you facilitated our family meeting, and they are evident in the breakthrough that he has made in his life. My prayers, foremost for my son, but also for our renewed father - son relationship have been answered. May God bless your wonderful work and all you work with.

Ron
Kelowna, British Columbia

Thank you for all the love, confidence, and hope that you gave me. Throughout my stay you furnished me with a set of tools that will help me forever throughout my life journey. Au revoir et prenez bien soin de vous.

Marc
Shawinigan, Quebec

I feel again; I feel alive again! Thank you with love to all the staff at A Home Away. You make a great team!

Larry
Grande Prairie, Alberta

All things said and done
We did some work and had some fun
My mind repaired
For self, I care
In love I leave with thanks to everyone.

Mark
Prince George, British Columbia

To all who shared with me at A Home Away. Your love, caring & support allowed me to grow from a totally broken lady into wholeness of body & mind. The experience of 'Let Go & Let God' truly came alive for me. Thanks so!

Carolyn
Edmonton, Alberta

Thank you for believing in me and for encouraging me to change the things I thought were impossible to change. I really do appreciate all the time you spent giving me hope. You make me believe that I'm really a very special person. I will never forget that. You are not only my counsellor; you are my friend too. Love,

Mary
Calgary, Alberta

We've been blessed by the love, care & nurturing you and your associates have generously & cheerfully showered upon us. The effort & care you have exhibited in putting together the program is evident. Thank you, and Bless you and all those who enter the door of this sanctuary.

Charles & Lorna
Vancouver, British Columbia

To A Home Away and all the beautiful people who reside and work here - I want to thank you all! You have showed me that LOVE exists!

Ed
Toronto, Ontario

I have spent a great amount of time and energy trying to understand the secrets of life. Now I see that I could never begin to solve anything when I've been too afraid to live. Life is a journey and I've been lying in a ditch, staring at a map for too long... every journey begins with a single step, and I've made mine. Thanks.

Brad
Calgary, Alberta

"Thank You" does not say what my heart feels. Words pour in and yet they can't express... Thank you for your sharing, caring, and love... for giving me the opportunity to see myself and others in a new light... a gift... Bless each of you as your work continues and I will keep you in my loving thoughts.

Bonnie
New Hampshire

I appreciate all you have done for me. I would not be here, one year clean and sober, without the love and grace of God and the people that God put in my life to help me heal. You have been a major part of my recovery and healing process and I thank God for you.

Bob
Toronto, Ontario

I am doing very well! I have been clean since a month before I arrived at A Home Away - which will be 2 years on May 9th. I had a beautiful daughter last year on May 15th, and she is such a joy in my life. I got pregnant about 3 months after leaving A Home Away and having that other little life growing inside me was truly an amazing experience and actually really helped with any desires I had to use - as it wasn't just about me anymore. Having those 9 months was a blessing to me and then having my daughter without any drugs really made me aware of how strong I am and what a beautiful experience it was!! Thank you for all your help!! 

S.M.
Calgary, Alberta

Well there is a lot going on in my life. I am about to finish with my second to last semester at Louisiana State University. I am getting married to a wonderful guy who is 3 years sober. We recently started a young adults Al-Anon meeting in Baton Rouge, it is the first one in Louisiana. I am working with my first Al-Anon sponsee. I think my biggest challenges are relationships. I am working on accepting people for who they are. I can try to change something and if it does not change I do my best to accept it. It's funny because when I tell people how much my treatment cost everyone is like whoa that's a lot of money and I always say but it was worth every penny. My experience at A Home Away was by far the most incredible life changing experiences I have ever had. My life is radically different, I am a new person. Sometimes I can't believe how confident and calm I am when I talk to people; I think did I just say that? Whatever yall did gave me what I needed to be a happy, healthy person. Taking it one day at a time I am a year and about 4 months sober. I hope knowing you helped one person turn their life around is well worth it! Congrats on everything yall do. Keep up the awesome work.

Aimee
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

I have come to understand that life can be challenging for everyone. It is not only me that has a difficult day or week, it is all about how we face and overcome those challenges. Today, I am truly happy and healthy; I owe much to A Home Away for making this possible. For the most part, I make good healthy decisions and I remember even today to give thanks for all that I have. From the day I walked into A Home Away, I am still sober. I was a lost boy those days, I wanted to be healthy, I just didn't know how. Thank you for giving me the strength, confidence, and tools to do this.

B.J.
Kelowna, BC

I'm happy. A year coming up June 1. Tons of meetings. Back working; 2 promotions in 6 months. General Manager for Canada now; big challenges. It's a miracle, and I love it. Still working on my marriage, don't know what to do about it so I'm not forcing anything. 4 months without smoking John, I know you'll like that. Still picking up all the pieces from my years of destruction. Taxes, bank relationships, I'm off of probation and legal issues are over. Can't travel to the States, foreclosed on my place in Florida. Praying lots, my relationship with God is as real to me as my relationship with my best friend. I miss you two, I would love to come to the BBQ. We will stay in touch, and I promise to visit this summer. LOVE YOU BOTH. PS- I remember when I was there and some of us were talking about getting A Home Away tattoos. I love you, but I am VERY happy I didn't follow through on that brainstorm! Take care.

R.H.
Edmonton, AB