Lifestyle
Everyday Dear Everyday Angels: I would like to share a need with you in hopes that our community and your organization may be able to assist my friend.
If you would like to make a donation, please visit www. townelaker.com/ everydayangels to donate via Paypal or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, 2449 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock GA, 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. Also, if you know of a special need within your community that you would like to share, please send an e-mail to aaeverydayangels@ gmail.com for consideration and qualification.
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Around WALTON | July 2012
A dear childhood friend of mine re-emerged into my life several years ago. We both grew up in this community and were best friends. She went away to college, married and moved out west. We kept up throughout the years, and she always visited when she was in town. Several years ago, she returned home after an ugly divorce, without her kids, and moved in with her parents. It was then that I learned she was an alcoholic. This was completely out of character for her especially knowing how she was raised. I kept her at a guarded distance since she was no longer the girl I knew and loved. She had lost her husband, children, house, job, self- respect and confidence. She had even lost her will to live and drank even more to kill her pain. She continued to drink despite arrests and rehab efforts. She was hopelessly addicted to alcohol, both mentally and physically, and had clearly lost her power of choice. Her behavior was tearing her family apart until they finally had to kick her out. She came to me but I refused to help someone who would not help themselves. I wanted to protect my family from her destructive behavior as well as myself. I prayed for her and worried about her every day. This past January, she came to my home to visit. We had a wonderful visit, and she shared her story with me – how she got where she was and what it has taken for her to turn her life around. It wasn’t her family or friends who got through to her but a stranger she had met on the streets. She calls them her “angel.” She has been on the road to recovery for six months now. She is becoming healthy again and now has a part- time job. I can once again see the girl I know and love. I have done what I can to assist her and we talk every day. She has moved into a relative’s basement and is working part-time. Her evenings are consumed with AA and church groups. Her goal is to first recover fully before attempting to reconnect with her children. Her newfound strength is her faith and I have been so proud of her. She is repairing her relationship with her family, and they also are convinced that she is on the right path. Please keep her in your prayers as she continues her journey. This is something much bigger than I can personally comprehend without judging. I have learned so much from her these past few months, and while I will never be able to fully wrap my mind around this addictive disease, I have witnessed first-hand the lives and hearts that it can destroy. She often complains about the gas costs, and I don’t want her to have excuses. It is my hope that you can provide her with gas cards to allow her to attend her scheduled meetings. She could also use a few Wal-mart gift cards to help with clothing and toiletries. Of course, anything you can do would be most helpful. A concerned friend.
Everyday Angels will assist with gas expenses; however, we need to replenish our supply. We are always being approached with many community needs and gift cards are priceless. If you would like to help, please see how in the box to the left.