Meet Ray - It all started when I came across a Facebook post that Ray...
It all started when I came across a Facebook post that Ray shared that read, “If I ever slept on your couch, THANK YOU. If you ever gave me money to eat, THANK YOU. If you ever gave me a ride, THANK YOU. If you ever looked out for me in any type of way. I APPRECIATE YOU!” I just had to reach out to ask what this post meant to him.
It wasn’t long into our conversation that I realized that Ray is an open book. He quickly shared, “I'm 42 from Trenton. I have 2 children; my son is 17 and my daughter is 12. And I am a recovering drug addict from 20 years of abuse.” I asked, “Life must have taken a turn to bring you down that road, did it?” He replied, “Yes, a build up of things really. I had a breakup with the one I thought I was going to grow old with but got my heart broken. That had pushed me into a depression as I was already struggling with life circumstances, and childhood issues.”
He openly shared, “I was adopted at age 2 by my uncle who is my birth mom’s brother. My birth mom was an alcoholic,” he continued, “She kept my older brother and gave me up. That really messed me up until I understood what she was going through. After she died, I forgave her for giving me away.” I could feel my heart ache for him. Sad at what happened, but thankful that he was able to release the burden of carrying all that weight on his heart for so long.
After years of trying to deal with his issues by taking drugs to numb his pain, Ray realized he was on a road to nowhere and decided to make a change. He decided he had enough of the drug life, and wanted a better life for himself, his children, family, and friends. On January 27th, 2021, he asked his Dad for help. “The next day we called everywhere. We called every Mental Health agency and every Rehab in Atlantic Canada, “he smiled, “My Dad prayed for me everyday. He never gave up on me. My mom, his wife too. I am so blessed.”
Ray spent three long months away from his family at the Rehab Centre. I said, “I can only imagine how hard that must have been.” He replied, “Yes, it was very hard. There were older men at the Centre who had all been there before who made me feel like I couldn't do it my first time,” he grinned proudly, “I showed them, and I will never go back to where I once was…..ever!”
I exclaimed, “Congratulations Ray! Your children, family and friends must be so proud of you?” With a wide smile he replied, “Yes, they are. I’m proud of me,” he continued, “It changed my viewpoint on life. how fragile it really is, and how lucky I am to still be here.” I piped up, “I am glad you are here too!”
Before we ended our conversation I asked one last question, “What is the most important message you want me to convey in your story?” Without hesitation he replied, “Don't give up because you are loved by someone. And if you never heard it today, I love you.” With a warm heart I answered, “Right back at you. Thank you for sharing your story, and for being so open. You are an inspiration, Ray.”
I felt very hopeful and inspired after our conversation. We can all learn an important lesson from his story. We all experience challenges in life and make some choices that we wish were different.
I believe this quote sums it up best, “No matter how far you’ve gone down the wrong road, you can always turn around.”
What a wonderful thing.