I wasn’t looking for a place like you, Brookhaven, but I knew I had to find some place to finally deal with my depression, anxiety, codependency, grief, and loss.
My family was so good about looking on the internet. I don’t even remember what made you stand out on the computer screen, but you did stand out. The more we all explored the website, the more I felt that here would be a good place for me to find myself again. I researched other sites, but none felt right, so I took the first step and called. I talked to Jacqueline and I felt as though she knew what I was all about. I felt as if she knew what I was talking about – she had been there.
So, we made the choice for me to come. I had no idea how long I’d stay but I knew I had to come. And, what a blessing it has been. I came here lost. I didn’t know who I was and felt like I had no idea how to be me or even where to start. I was accepted just the way I was, and I got involved in the program little by little and could feel my true self coming into view. All the therapy, the books, the projects helped me dig deep into who I really was and what my values were. Slowly, without really trying to, I saw a glimpse of who I need to be before the illness. I could see a time when I was happy and healthy. I learned slowly who I was back then and how I’d fallen away from being that healthy child within.
I thought I’d be ready to go home after 60 days. I yearned to start living again, but when I though of leaving I broke down and realized I wanted to finish what I had started. It truly is a 90 day program, and if you work hard it works for you.
So, I’m coming to the end of my story. I have found the me inside and want to be this person in the outside world. I’m a new person, starting a new life being who I am.
I can never thank you enough, Brookhaven Retreat, for giving me my life back and making me ready to start that life as a new being, with emotions, feelings, and strengths that I had been hiding from myself. I want to continue my healing journey when I leave and never stop the healing process. I am new, my life can be whatever I want. I have been to the bottom. You’ve helped me climb up to the sunshine again. I have the skills now to lead a happy, fulfilling life and I will desperately hold on to the new me and share it with the world. So, thank you, Brookhaven, you haven’t heard the last of me. I will share my continuing journey with you as I continue this journey and if I know someone who has lost their way I will lead them to Brookhaven Retreat. Thank you. I will never forget that I found myself here with this healthy, loving community.
Thank you.
