Dear Kind People:
Eleven years ago, I hit rock bottom in the grips of alcoholism. While I had come from a good family, it is also one in which alcoholism runs rampant. At that time, I had lost everything — family wouldn’t speak to me (tired of drunk dials), I had crashed my teaching career, owned nothing, no assets.
God helped me say, “Enough.” I threw myself into recovery, attended meetings and/or counseling every day, and spent that year finding the gifts of sobriety. It was one of only two years in my life (age 58) that I hadn’t worked since age 16. My nervous system had to reset itself, and I had to build a new life from the ruins that I’d created.
At first I wanted to go back to school to become a counselor. However, God had other plans and steered me back into teaching. I taught English composition part time (no money there) and then received an offer to teach high school again. I knew I must be needed there, either for my own soul or to help one child. It was the best decision I ever made.
Now I find myself with a tremendous loan debt at age 68. I own a very old home that needs a new roof, and I drive a 23-year-old car that I pray will last at least another couple of years. I just have to trust God every day that everything will be OK. I am spiritually blessed, and I am grateful.
Blessings on those who have read this.