With the change of seasons upon us I am reminded of how my life has changed in the last 5 years.

In the beginning of May, 1994 I had been collecting unemployment for 8 months, drinking daily and barely existing. I weighed less than 100 pounds and I really didn't care if I lived or died. By this time the good days were gone and I felt sick almost all the time. I was being treated for seizure disorder with anti-convulsant medication, taking anti-depressants and drinking. It was impossible to count on being able to derive or walk anywhere without going into a seizure.

How I came to finally ask for help is unclear, but I do remember my brother orchestrating my stay at Tully Hill. Nothing was better right away. In fact, the fog was only lifted completely in the last year. It has been a journey I would not change. I had to hit bottom in order to be ready to accept help. Through Tully Hill, Maxwell House and AA I have met many wonderful people; some of whom are my best friends. In January of 1996 I was fortunate to be hired by Bell Atlantic where I work today. I have the best job I have ever had and work with some of the nicest individuals you could imagine. I would never have believed I would be where I am today. Now I can get up in the morning, go to work and give it all I have. Prior to recovery, just getting to work took all I had to give.

I now serve as a Board Member for BRiDGES/Madison County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc. and consider myself a productive member of society, something I never felt prior to recovery. My sponsor says, "there are no coincidences" and today I truly believe that.

I know I had to go through everything I experienced in order to get where I am today. Life is short; I try not to hold on to things and to look for the good in everyone and everything. Recovery and the people in it have helped me change my life for the better and for that I am grateful. What can I say? "RECOVERY WORKS!"