In January 2004, I was treated for alcoholism at Guest House in Lake Orion, Michigan.  Alcoholism affected every dimension of my life: socially, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.  I remember clearly the day of my “hitting rock bottom” and crying out for Divine Help. It will remain forever etched on my mind and heart as the miracle that led me to return home — home to myself and ultimately home with God.

Painful childhood memories carried into late-adult life would catch up with me sooner or later. Little did I know how much I needed profound healing. It was time to admit complete defeat and surrender those spirits that controlled my life in exchange for the real Spirit awaiting me. Once I conceded, the healing process began with a program of recovery that included counseling, nutrition programs, exercise, spiritual direction, and group sessions for sharing our common story. The holistic approach offered by professional staff at Guest House helped me to explore those aspects of emotional pain that I buried with the substance alcohol.

In addition, the beautiful grounds too, contributed to inner healing as nature manifested visible signs of God’s unconditional love, mercy, and forgiveness. Be it winter or spring, the eyes of my heart embraced a family of deer, silver cranes, flowing springs of water, sunrises and sunsets.  All this beauty contributed to my recovery journey. In this holy place I discovered and learned to let God walk with me on the path of vulnerability. Yet never alone. WE became a new concept and value. WE rely on the wisdom and power of the group, and WE rely on a Higher Power greater than ourselves.