By chance, I ran into an old acquaintance last Saturday at my local nursery. I’m not exactly sure where we first met, but we see each other out in the community now and again, and from time to time she’ll post a comment here at Making All Things New.
When I asked her how she was doing, she told me she’s getting ready to retire this summer. Now, when most people retire, they dream of travel, relaxation, an easier lifestyle.
My friend, however, is choosing another path. When she finishes up her long career working for our local library, she’s decided to open a “Sober House.” Not really sure what that was, I asked her to explain. In a nutshell, various agencies will refer recovering addicts to her, and they will live in community at her house. Amazing. Just so you know, I don’t watch a lot of TV, so I’ve never heard of the reality show on cable which tracks the exploits of a bunch of famous people living in such a house. I’m trusting that my friend’s house will be nothing like the TV version 🙂
I walked away from our conversation struck by how special my friend must be to be willing to dedicate this new stage of her life to helping people in recovery. She doesn’t have to do it, but she’s choosing to. Oh, that we should all be so compassionate and willing to serve.
One reply on “A Sober House”
Thank you, Paul. Our conversation brightened my day, especially hearing about the person you mentored for years. It only takes one steadfast person, something I learned as a foster parent decades ago in Vermont. I know I’ll be blessed beyond measure by living with people who are recovering their lives….and maybe a few will become vegetarian, too!