A smart diligent guy, Leo started and successfully ran his own business all these years. He understands good customer service and provided a good product at reasonable prices.
Leo also met a wonderful woman and got married. Life was good!
But, in recent years, he began doing some things that started him back down the path of addiction. And he knew where this was leading!
So Leo talked it over with his wife and decided to come back to Helping Up Mission. At 49, married and a business owner, it’s been a bit challenging for him to sit still and do this — but he’s persevering.
Recently in class I discussed the educational opportunities for guys here. Afterwards Leo came to talk with me privately. He shared his particular situation and then got a little emotional.
For his entire life, Leo’s pretended to be someone he’s not. He’d only talked honestly about it with his wife.
Embarrassment, even shame, were the feelings Leo described as he’s been living with this all these years. And now he’s telling me!
I assured him — however much progress he will make on this issue — just being honest with appropriate people under the right circumstances is both liberating and empowering.
We’re in this together now! We will make some progress — and he can feel different!
One Day at a Time,
Pastor Gary Byers
Deputy Director