Testimonials

I remember the day when I entered into addiction, my point of no return. With friends I had discovered crack cocaine. I had come to believe that “crack” was the answer to all my problems, that is, the turmoil inside of me. But it was the beginning of a downward spiral. I was a disillusioned woman, broken by sexual abuse as a child, divorced parents and a negative belief that the world owed me.

As my addiction grew out of control I became more and more isolated by my choice. I had a hatred of people. In truth I feared them. I pushed everyone close to me away and lived behind locked doors only to be opened to support my habit. I left society and my daughter behind and lived in darkness. The only time I left my home was in the early hours of morning, either to buy food for my dog or to sell drugs to support my habit.

When I hit bottom, I found myself in Fort McMurray in a hospital bed.  I was told that my body could not function any longer. My body had had enough abuse and was quitting on me. I didn’t care. If I couldn’t use drugs what was the point in living anyway!

Someone had informed my daughter in Vancouver of my plight and she came to see me. It was decided that I should fly to Vancouver to either die or recover to some degree. My daughter was told that if I were to live with her that she would have to handle me with gloved hands as I had no control of my body functions. I didn’t care. Let me die! What kind of life would I have if I couldn’t use drugs.

A few months earlier I had a weak point in my addiction and had cried out to God to PLEASE get me out of this life. Little did I know that HE heard me.

Later, as I waited for the plane in Fort McMurray to fly me to Vancouver, I knew I didn’t want to go. And as the plane never arrived, I decided to leave the hospital and find some drugs.  Which I did.

A day or two later when I was using, the phone rang. I answered and it was my adult daughter.  She had returned to Fort McMurray when she had learnt I had left the hospital. She asked, “Mom will you come home with me?”  I had every intention to tell her NO, but at that moment I felt someone touch me on the shoulder and say, “Linda, you are finished.” Out of my mouth came yes.

In my search to find another way to live I was led to Glory House. At this recovery home there was a program offered called Life Skills. I watched the women who went to this class and I saw how happy they were. They had this strange sparkle in their eyes and a confidence when they spoke. I wanted what they had.