HER STORY ~ part 2

I got the news yesterday that Kimberly had been accepted into The Harbor House, a christian based rehab located here in Jackson. I can not tell you how proud I was to hear that. This has not been an easy task for her, but she has held strong.

Kimberly started her 25th day of sobereity TODAY! A huge accomplishment for someone that hasn't went more than 24 hours clean unless she was locked up. "When I am locked up I don't have a choice, and I am thinking about getting high", she said. Kimberly described the past Sunday and Monday as pure hell. "I wanted cocain so bad that it felt as if my entire body was on fire. If it were possible to spontaneous combust I swear I would have", she explained. But she fought all the urges and all the pain. She has attended at least 3 AA meeting a day.

I arrived at work this morning carrying the things that I had gotten for her to take with her. Rachel had colored her a picture to "make her smile". I was so excited about getting to see her and for being able to tell her "bye", knowing where she was headed. She looked great. Her long, greasy hair is now a clean short choppy style. She has a smile on her face as big as Texas.
























As we stand outside, waiting for her ride, the emotions were running rampant. Her mother told her how proud of her she was and how much she loved her. "Your going to get thru this", her mom says. Kimberly nods her head in agreement.

Her things are loaded in the truck and she is ready to start the beginning of her journey. She hugs me goodbye and I tell her how very proud of her I am. Tears fill my eyes. As she hugs me back she assures me that she is going to do this and thanks me for everything that I have done for her. What she doesn't realize is what she has done for me. Kimberly has touched my heart in a way that I can not explain. She has helped me to understand how controling this addiction is. I am thankful for the life that I have, and as different as our lives are, she to is thankful.

I know in my heart that one day Kimberly will do great things. She has an uncanning ability to instantly touch lives with her words. One day she will help others battle this addiction and win also. She will have "the normal people life" again. She will work and be successful. It's not going to happen overnight but I know that it will happen. I am so very proud of her for being strong and brave and for fighting something that is so easy to give into.