July 4th 1980-July 4th 2009

For many years after, I got worked up on the 4th. It was a bad day. The memories were hard to take. I dreaded this day.

July 4th, 2009. Today I look at the 4th as a liberating, joyous day. The dread and negativity are gone. This day I was given a second chance at life. The path I chose was one of self discovery and self discipline. If I had gone home, I'm not sure where I'd be, but I do know it wouldn't be here writing this.

I have said many times that I'm grateful I was committed. The staff at BPC were caring and supportive. I spent alot of good years there. I worked in the Community Store. I was the manager for a spell. When I became the manager, I was given a set of keys. I even had one of those ward door keys..the big one!

They've since shut down the building I was in. But they will never shut down the way I feel about BPC. They saved my life. I have a deep gratitude for that place and the people who worked there. I cannot thank them enough for all they did. I could not have done it without them. I am here today because they cared for me and my life.

Yesterday the 3rd I went up the "hill". I went up there for closure. An era in my life has ended in the same it started.

I gave a copy of this letter to the director to let her know how I feel about the caring staff. I spent some time in the Community Store. I still am choked up thinking about the good things the people did for me. I lost many friends, both staff and patients.

I'm grateful today for those who took the time to care for me. They never gave up on me. I will pay it forward by taking the time to care for my family and my friends. I was given a second chance at life, and I want to extend it to those who are hurting. It's the least I can do and the right thing to do.

Today the 4th of July, 2009, I will remember how far it was to get to this point. The trials and tribulations. The hands that were extended. The joy.

Thank you BPC. Thank you all out there in cyberland. I owe you a great debt of gratitude.

Sincerely and gratefully,

Dave

p.s. Live, love, laugh, learn, listen.