I was born in Guatemala, but my mom died when I was only 2 weeks old. My American family lovingly adopted me when I was 9 months old. I was raised in a wonderful Christian home and went to a Mennonite Church. I acted as if I was saved, but you know, I really wasn’t. I just went through the motions.
I started drinking at an early age. I even rejected my family and left home when I was 15 years old. And my drinking continued. I was arrested for DUI, and sent to jail. After 7 long months, I was finally released . . . but went right back to my drinking habit.
I can’t understand why I’m still here, and how I’m still alive . . . it’s as if God has given me three chances, for you see, I was in three accidents because of my drinking. But after each one, I kept right on drinking.
Through it all, I was friends with Sharon, grandmother of Anneka. Because of my drinking, I’m embarrassed with all the things I put them through. I wish I could take them back, but I can’t. Well, at this time, things got so bad with me that Sharon said “You need help.” “I don’t need help” I said. I refused to believe that I needed any help, but she still had me placed in the Roxbury Treatment Center for 30 days. I now look at Sharon as an angel that was sent to me, but at the time, I hated every day at Roxbury.
When I got out, I actually began to realize that I DID have a drinking problem. And I was drinking to run away from other problems in my life. I finally realized that I needed to turn to my ‘higher power’, that same God who I learned about when I was growing up. It’s now only been about 6 months ago when I finally turned everything over to the Lord. After reading my Bible and praying, I said, “It’s all yours, Lord!”
I’m still dealing with temptations to drink. Every day, in fact. And I think I’ll have them for the rest of my life. But I’m determined. I’m a member of Narcotic’s Anonymous, a group that meets 4 days a week. And joining the church has helped me too. It helps keep me accountable. Yesterday [April 22, 2009], was my 5th month for being alcohol free! But even yesterday was so tough to get through . . . I ended up coming home from work, going to my room and I must have cried for half an hour.
People say I’m changing though (for the good). My sister, who now lives in Wisconsin, came in to visit over Easter, and our whole family got together. You know, it was the first time that I was with the family when I hadn’t been drinking. I had a great time. Everyone, my nephews and nieces were talking with me . . . you know . . . it was almost overwhelming.
I’ve been helped so much, I’ve been given so many chances. God has been so good to me and I’ve been given a fresh start. You know, all I want to do is to give back. I now just want to help others that are in need.