A very close friend of mine struggled with a serious addiction to alcohol and drugs for several years. It was one of the hardest situations I have ever been through. For almost a year we didn't speak and I would often have nightmares of attending her funeral. I received a phone call from her almost two years ago that changed both of our lives. It was in that phone call that I knew she had finally changed, she had finally gotten the help she needed. She called me on May 28th, 2008- I will always remember the date. It was the first time in almost a year that we had been in contact and she was celebrating being sober for 90 days. I had never experienced tears of joy until that day. I had never been so fully and completely relieved that she was not only alive but doing well. In speaking with her that day I knew that this time it was different. It has been almost two years for her at this point, and I can honestly say that to this day she continues to impress me and make me proud.
While spending time with Jess this last Christmas she said something as we were walking through Sabino Canyon one morning that really touched my heart. All she said was "Life is Beautiful." It was so simple, so pure, and yet so true. I am so grateful that God gives people the strength to change, and so happy that she is able to appreciate this life and see it's beauty to the fullest.
I agree with you Jess- Life is beautiful and so are you!
