I’m a recovering addict and I’ve been clean for five years now. I’ve had the honor and privilege of working with the Visions family for three years. On most days, being able to work in teen drug treatment is one of the blessings of my recovery. However, working with adolescent addicts, alcoholics and drug abusers can be as challenging as it is rewarding.
A friend of mine recently passed on. His name was Bobby and he died with 34 years clean in Narcotics Anonymous. He shared with me that he’d been working in drug treatment since he had one year clean and he had loved it just as much in the end as he had in the beginning. His enthusiasm for helping people never died. He ended up touching many lives because of this.
Rarely, after a really long, trying day of work, I sometimes wonder why I’m not in an office job wearing heels and pearls. It’s then that I think of dear Bobby, and how every time I saw him, he’d wink at me and tell me I’m doing God’s work. I’m reminded that the important jobs take actual “work;” that’s why we call it that. I then remember who I am and what I stand for and I know that I’d never want it any other way.
I may not believe in “God” (don’t worry, I have a higher power), but I want more than anything else to do his work. Thanks for the reality check, Bobby. Rest in peace.
-Laurel
-Visions Adolescent Treatment Center
Originally posted on February 1, 2008 @ 6:00 am
