On December 15, 2022, I graduated from Healing Transitions’ long-term recovery program as silver chipper #1000. And even though I’m no better than anyone who’s come before me or who will come after me, being HT’s 1000th silver chipper is pretty darn cool!

 

I first walked through the doors of Healing Transitions on June 26, 2006, and stayed six months before leaving. It wasn’t until 15 years later –  on September 21, 2021 – that God led me back to HT to finish what I’d started.

 

Healing Transitions gave me a solid foundation for my recovery process in 2006, and I’m so grateful. I thought my returning to the Healing Transitions in 2021 was a loss because I felt defeated. But the humility of coming back became my strength. So today, I celebrate both my wins and losses, because one day the loss will lead to growth.

 

I have strengthened my relationship with a power greater than myself, who gives all strength and power, and with the people around me who remind me that there is hope in healing. I strive to face each day with honesty, gratitude, and service. 

 

I had a lot of fun joking around with everyone at the Silver Chip Ceremony in December of 2022 in regards to the number 1000 and its different meanings throughout history. But in all seriousness, you can’t count to a thousand without every number before it. I’m full of gratitude for every silver chipper that has come before me, and I know I’m responsible for the thousand that will come after me. 

 

One is too many, and 1000 is NEVER enough.