Stories from EDGEWOOD
A Mother's Story
"A year ago I brought you my precious, but damaged daughter, Erica. I left her with you to celebrate her 23rd birthday... just a few days after her arrival in August.
I did not know if you could help her find herself again, but she was lost in a sea of alcohol and drugs. Five months later, she emerged from EDGEWOOD, like a chrysalis becoming a butterfly. Her guardian angel sat proudly on her shoulder again, ever vigilant.
A year later, with her birthday coming once again, she is doing so well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I thought my daughter was going to die -- and she would have -- without intervention and her desire to live again. Thank you much, from her Mom."
Timmi's Story
"You are the most amazing people I have ever known. Thank you for keeping me safe for another year; I came through your doors on February 28, 2008. This has been the longest, most painful journey I could have imagined, but I would not trade it for anything! All your kindness and support means everything to me and my lonely broken heart. Thank you from the bottom of it. I just completed my first course at Langara College and started a part-time job though I've not worked in years. I am healthy and strong. I tell you this for those of you who saw me when I came in to EDGEWOOD."
Timmi L
EDGEWOOD Alumnus
Jackie's Story
"Not a day goes by that I don't forget the miracles, strength and hope that was restored, and today embedded, in my soul. Thanks to all of you. It wasn't easy while in there, yet I knew, truly, truly knew it was my last chance. It took some time [for me] to trust in all of you and to believe that someone actually knew more than me!
Letting go of control, understanding behaviors, sharing feelings without fear, acceptance, taking ownership of actions: Wow! The friends, relationships I have today are amazing."
Jackie B.
EDGEWOOD Alumnus
"A year ago I brought you my precious, but damaged daughter, Erica. I left her with you to celebrate her 23rd birthday... just a few days after her arrival in August.
I did not know if you could help her find herself again, but she was lost in a sea of alcohol and drugs. Five months later, she emerged from EDGEWOOD, like a chrysalis becoming a butterfly. Her guardian angel sat proudly on her shoulder again, ever vigilant.
A year later, with her birthday coming once again, she is doing so well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I thought my daughter was going to die -- and she would have -- without intervention and her desire to live again. Thank you much, from her Mom."
Timmi's Story
"You are the most amazing people I have ever known. Thank you for keeping me safe for another year; I came through your doors on February 28, 2008. This has been the longest, most painful journey I could have imagined, but I would not trade it for anything! All your kindness and support means everything to me and my lonely broken heart. Thank you from the bottom of it. I just completed my first course at Langara College and started a part-time job though I've not worked in years. I am healthy and strong. I tell you this for those of you who saw me when I came in to EDGEWOOD."
Timmi L
EDGEWOOD Alumnus
Jackie's Story
"Not a day goes by that I don't forget the miracles, strength and hope that was restored, and today embedded, in my soul. Thanks to all of you. It wasn't easy while in there, yet I knew, truly, truly knew it was my last chance. It took some time [for me] to trust in all of you and to believe that someone actually knew more than me!
Letting go of control, understanding behaviors, sharing feelings without fear, acceptance, taking ownership of actions: Wow! The friends, relationships I have today are amazing."
Jackie B.
EDGEWOOD Alumnus
Bob's Story
"It's hard to believe that it has been six years since I had the "pleasure" of spending Christmas at EDGEWOOD. Although it didn't seem like it at the time, it was the best gift that I could have ever received! Today (and everyday) I am sincerely grateful for every person that "is" EDGEWOOD. Thank you for starting me on an incredible journey of recovery; you are all still a big part of that journey everyday!"
Bob N
EDGEWOOD Alumnus
Jim's Story
"I thought I had a really good life. I had a beautiful wife, a good job, nice house and 2 cars in the driveway but no matter how successful, or how good I thought my life was, I was never happy. I never felt "normal" and couldn't figure out why. I began to see my friends less and less. I began to find reasons not to attend social functions and family events. I had to work. I was self-employed and spent a great deal of time working. So much time that my work began affecting my family. I was working 6-7 days a week, I was out of the house before my family was awake, and usually missed supper. I would come in, say goodnight to my daughter, then go to my office and work more! Had someone told me at the time that I had a problem, I would have told them they didn't know what they were talking about! But then it happened. I had an opportunity to try a certain drug, which I told myself would be a one-shot deal, just to see what it was like. I spent the next months using day and night. It got to the point where all I wanted was the drug, everything else in my life came second to it. I hit bottom and knew I would probably die soon if I didn't get help. I arrived at EDGEWOOD knowing the drug had made my life unmanageable. But I learned that my life was unmanageable long before I ever touched drugs. The disease was already progressing, spiraling downhill, the drug just took the place of my work addiction and fast-forwarded the process.
I may never know why I chose to use, and really, it doesn't matter. What I do know is that I will be eternally grateful for what EDGEWOOD has done for me, and the person it is helping me become. EDGEWOOD is truly a House of Miracles."
Jim H.
EDGEWOOD Alumnus
"It's hard to believe that it has been six years since I had the "pleasure" of spending Christmas at EDGEWOOD. Although it didn't seem like it at the time, it was the best gift that I could have ever received! Today (and everyday) I am sincerely grateful for every person that "is" EDGEWOOD. Thank you for starting me on an incredible journey of recovery; you are all still a big part of that journey everyday!"
Bob N
EDGEWOOD Alumnus
Jim's Story
"I thought I had a really good life. I had a beautiful wife, a good job, nice house and 2 cars in the driveway but no matter how successful, or how good I thought my life was, I was never happy. I never felt "normal" and couldn't figure out why. I began to see my friends less and less. I began to find reasons not to attend social functions and family events. I had to work. I was self-employed and spent a great deal of time working. So much time that my work began affecting my family. I was working 6-7 days a week, I was out of the house before my family was awake, and usually missed supper. I would come in, say goodnight to my daughter, then go to my office and work more! Had someone told me at the time that I had a problem, I would have told them they didn't know what they were talking about! But then it happened. I had an opportunity to try a certain drug, which I told myself would be a one-shot deal, just to see what it was like. I spent the next months using day and night. It got to the point where all I wanted was the drug, everything else in my life came second to it. I hit bottom and knew I would probably die soon if I didn't get help. I arrived at EDGEWOOD knowing the drug had made my life unmanageable. But I learned that my life was unmanageable long before I ever touched drugs. The disease was already progressing, spiraling downhill, the drug just took the place of my work addiction and fast-forwarded the process.
I may never know why I chose to use, and really, it doesn't matter. What I do know is that I will be eternally grateful for what EDGEWOOD has done for me, and the person it is helping me become. EDGEWOOD is truly a House of Miracles."
Jim H.
EDGEWOOD Alumnus
