In that moment, I felt a flood of emotions. Almost instantly, Charlford House felt like exactly that—a home.
I have a unique story. I am a survivor of the Saskatchewan Residential School system, and I came to treatment carrying a lifetime of trauma. On top of that, my husband had passed away just a few months before I arrived. I was overwhelmed with grief and felt completely alone.
From the very beginning, I connected with the Program Director, Stacie. I found that I could really open up to her, and we bonded over the shared experience of losing our husbands. Seeing how she had turned her own grief into a way of helping others inspired me. I wanted to follow in her footsteps and use my experiences to support people facing similar challenges. Before long, I had fallen in love with the entire staff.
Music has always been a special connection between my late husband and me. Music therapy has played a huge role in my healing and continues to be an important part of my recovery journey.
Last month marked one year since my husband of 28 years passed away. During that difficult time, I leaned on my support network and honored his memory by staying sober. I know that I can carry his love and memory with me as I continue this journey.
Charlford House has given me the tools, strength, and confidence to build healthy relationships. One of the greatest gifts of my recovery has been being able to be part of my two grandsons' lives again. I cherish every moment with them.
Today, I continue to work on my recovery every day. I volunteer and work weekend shifts at Charlford House, where I have the privilege of sharing my story and what I've learned with new clients. It means so much to stay connected to the place that saved my life and has changed the lives of so many others.
If I had to describe recovery in one phrase today, it would be: "Hold On, Pain Ends." HOPE.
-Jennifer
