|
Before I arrived at Touchstones12, I had been homeless for nearly four years. During this period of homelessness I lost four stone in weight, drank heavily on a daily basis and came close to loosing my life on a number of occasions. Overall, I hated the person I had become and I couldn’t see a way of changing my circumstances. Worryingly, I didn’t believe that it was possible for me to change things in my life during that dark period. Astonishingly, prior to this period of homelessness I held down a good job, bought and renovated my own home, and started a family.
During my homeless period, I had stayed away from my family because I felt so ashamed of what I had become. I kept in touch with my daughter for while, but towards the end of this period I only managed to visit her a few times as I couldn’t allow her to see me becoming ill. I longed to be good father, but failed to live up to my role during this period of my life.
Shortly after my arrival at Touchstones12, I began to realize that I was being given support and that I was being treated as an individual. Suddenly I gained a feeling of respect, something that I hadn’t felt for many years. With a lot of hard work and my newly found respect, I know believe in myself.
I am proud to report that I haven’t consumed alcohol in the past five months, the longest period of abstinence I have experienced in seventeen years. As a result, I feel that I have grown mentally, physically and spiritually.
During the past few months I have managed to build some bridges because I have visited my family on a number of occasions – they are made up to see me looking so well. Previously, I had stayed away from my family because I felt so ashamed of what I had become.
Since I have been at Touchstones, my daughter has been able to visit me. Recently, I was able to take some birthday presents to my daughter at home, it was a wonderful day. As previously mentioned, I longed to be a good father – I now believe that I am doing my best under my current circumstances.
As a part of my programme, I have recently been enabled to start some voluntary work. At first I was bit apprehensive about doing some voluntary work, but I believe that I have found something that I enjoy. Although I haven’t been volunteering for long, I feel that the work has given me a chance to use some of my skills and to be a part of something worthwhile.
From where I am sitting today, I now know that there is a way to change. I found hope, opportunity and a way to change here at Touchstones12.
Thanks to all -
A. T.
|
