My name is Henry, and I’m grateful to be here today. A year ago, I never would have imagined standing where I am right now. At that time, my health wasn’t great, my emotions were all over the place, and honestly, I didn’t see much hope for myself. I had been carrying a lot of guilt, a lot of shame, and a lot of fear about the future. I was stuck in old patterns, and I didn’t have the support or the direction that I needed.

Coming into this program was the first real step I’ve taken in a long time toward rebuilding my life. When I got here, I realized pretty quickly how much I had been running from — my responsibilities, my emotions, and even my own family. I hadn’t been sober around them in a very long time, and I honestly didn’t think I’d ever get back to a place where I could show up for them the right way.

Over the past few months, I’ve been working hard to change that. One of my biggest goals was getting my driver’s license back, and with support from the program I was able to pass my written test and start working toward the driving portion. I didn’t pass it the first time, but even in that, I felt grateful — grateful because it showed me how far I’ve come. Instead of giving up or getting angry like I would’ve in the past, I stayed positive, made a plan, and scheduled another test. That might not sound like much to some people, but for me, that was a big step in patience and perseverance.

I’ve also had to face some health issues this year. There was a moment when I ended up in the hospital with high potassium levels, and even though it scared me, it also opened my eyes. I realized that my life has value, and that I want to take better care of myself. The support I got from the program during that time meant a lot — the visits, the check-ins, the encouragement. It reminded me that I’m not doing this alone.

The biggest blessing, though, has been reconnecting with my family. Thinking about seeing them for the holidays — sober, present, and stable — means more to me than I can really put into words. There was a time not long ago when I wouldn’t have been welcomed at the table, not because they didn’t love me, but because I wasn’t in a place to be trusted. Today, I’m grateful that things are different. I’m grateful that when I show up now, I can show up as the man I’m trying to become.

I’ve started to dream again — dreams of stable housing, dreams of staying connected to the program long term, dreams of helping others like me someday. I’ve even talked about becoming a peer support professional after I graduate, because I know how powerful it is to have someone walk with you who understands what you’re going through.

I’m still learning. I’m still growing. I’m still figuring out what it means to live in recovery day by day. But I can say this with confidence — God has been rebuilding things in me that I thought were gone forever. And today, I’m grateful for a second chance, grateful for this program, and grateful for the life I’m working toward."