"My early life was pretty normal. But after I got divorced, I turned to some hard drugs." Andy's Story: I smoked crack cocaine for 25 years, and after I quit that I drank heavily. I was a functional addict, working as a cook. In the restaurant business they always say a crew that drinks together stays together. But I was going to the hospital once or twice a month because of my drinking. I was even drinking in front of my grandson, and he would mimic what I was doing. What finally changed things for me was when my two daughters confronted me last Christmas. They were desperate. They grabbed me, hugged me and cried. “Dad,” they said, “we’re watching you drink yourself to death.” I knew it was time to do something. A friend had told me about Rockford Rescue Mission. I didn’t have any place else to go, so I came to the Crisis Center for about three months. John, one of the staff here, kept telling me about the Life Recovery Program. Finally, I applied and got accepted. It’s unbelievable, everything they’ve done for me here. I didn’t expect this. I thought I’d just come in, maybe get sober and they would send me back out to the streets. But it’s not just giving up alcohol. Everything is totally transformed. They’ve introduced me to Christ and I’m getting baptized soon at my church, Maywood. One of my daughters will come to visit and I’ll play some gospel music for her. And she’s like: “Hey, I like that! Dad, I can’t believe this is you!” (fb)

The last time I saw my mom before she died, she mouthed from her hospital bed, “I love you.” It was the first time in a long time that I had heard that from her. It gave me a huge relief. I finally felt wanted. “Mom,” I said, “I’ll be OK. I promise.” Paula's Story: But that moment couldn’t just fix a lifetime of unresolved pain. I was lost and confused— understanding it would be my last chance to make amends with my mom. I knew God had her and kind of had me, but I was still mad at Him. The pain of losing my mom, later losing custody of my kids, and finally going to jail, all caused my drinking to spiral. A friend challenged me to try Rockford Rescue Mission’s Life Recovery Program. I hemmed and hawed over leaving everything behind. But I knew if I ever wanted to be the person God made me to be, and the mother I had never had for my children, change had to happen. The program is not easy, but it allows you to look at the most inner part of who you are. I’ve had to dig deep into my mess and see where it all came from. Because nobody just picks up one day and says, “Hey, I’m gonna drink.” I’m so thankful for my time here. It’s brought me back to who I knew I can be—a loving, kind and beautiful woman. A mother. A sister. All in God’s timing. Right now, I’m just going to stay focused, keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep moving forward. (fb)