What do you remember about creating your Valley Hope Cup during treatment? What did your design represent at that point in your recovery?
It was actually the 3rd cup that I did. The last cup I did was predominantly covered with the 12 Steps, Spirituality, and family. I still have it, along with many Valley Hope cups I received when I would come back for Renewal Days. Many, many, fond memories.
What did it mean to return for Renewal Day, see your cup again, and realize how much your life had changed in one year?
It was incredible! After previous attempts at getting sober (I actually have 5 patient numbers) to be standing there with 1 year of sobriety was amazing! I had given up on ever getting sober. I had accepted the fact that I would die from alcoholism. I will never forget that day, or many of the Renewal Days to follow!
Today, when you look at your Valley Hope Cup, what does it symbolize for you?
To never give up. On myself, and others! Valley Hope O'Neill almost gave up on me. I had come up on New Years Day of 2004. After 3 days, I just went insane. Throwing things, I was told later that it was bad. I had my car, so I left for home. Got my first DUI driving home from Valley Hope! Bad car wreck. My daughter called the Sherriff. The Sherriff told me to go back to Valley Hope. I called and asked to come back. My counselor said no, we don't want you back here anymore. But, by Gods Grace they did let me come back. I came back a beaten man. I went to lectures and listened to every word and things got better! Valley Hope didn't give up on me! I am eternally grateful for that!
Is there anything else about your Valley Hope Cup or your recovery journey that you'd like to share?
The largest printed word on my cup is the word "family". My story isn't perfect. I got divorced at 2 years sober. However, that relationship has healed. I am most grateful for the relationship I have with my children. My cup reminds me of that when I think of Renewal Days. When I came up for my 5 year cup, my daughter came along to help me celebrate! When I was called up to the front of the Lecture hall to get my cup, they asked my daughter to come up as well. The 2 of us hugged and just started sobbing. So many healing tears were shed at that moment. I think most of the room was crying. That is the special kind of healing that goes on at Valley Hope! My "Gratitude Cup" is overflowing thanks to Valley Hope!
People would say things like “be in the moment” and “one day at a time” and that never made any sense to me. I can honestly say that I’ve learned how to do those things today.
In the first six months of sobriety I have restored my relationships with my family and friends, fallen in love with my sober partner, thrived in my career and gotten plugged back in with communities I enjoyed before my addiction.
My passion for reading has turned into a wonderful opportunity of reading for a network that helps others. I am now two years into my volunteer work and absolutely love it!
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