This afternoon, there was a knock at the door. I ran downstairs to answer it. Through the glass, I saw an old man about 75 years old. I immediately thought "Crap, I wonder what he's selling?" Even though his clothes were old and tattered, they were probably the best clothes he had. I could smell him a mile away. "My name is Doug" he said. "Can you tell me how to get to this address?" He handed me a torn piece of paper with a name and address scribbled on it.
The street he was looking for was one street East of ours. I still was a bit sceptical of him trying to sell me something. At that point, I hadn't really looked at him. I told him where to go and began to shut the door.
"Excuse me" he said, "Can I have a band-aid?" I asked "what for?" Doug said "I went to another house, asking for directions, and no one was home. I slipped and hit my head." Sure enough, he had a big scrape on his forehead.
I didn't invite him in our home, still thinking this was a bit odd. I came back with a band-aid. "Is it bad?" "No, just a large scrape." He took his glasses off and I put a bandage on him. I asked him why he was out and about today? He told me a man from the Episcopal Church in Salt Lake was helping people. His name was on the torn piece of paper he showed me. He asked me what my name was, and wished me a Merry Christmas. Then he walked slowly away.
Wow, I just had an opportunity to help someone who was really in need. I should have invited him in the house, and cleaned his cut. I should have drove him to the address on the paper, since he was in no shape to walk. I was so worried about inviting a stranger into the house, I missed an opportunity to really help someone. Doug's knock on the door has brought the true meaning of Christmas back in my life. Unfortunately, it was after all the retail Christmas shopping was done.
Wishing all my friends and family a very Merry Christmas!
Karen
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
The Business of Drug Addiction
My last post on addiction was at the beginning of our journey. Back then the thought of jail, heroine, or even the possibility that we'd still be struggling 2 years later, was not even a possibility. It's amazing how a person's perspective on life changes, when you step into the drug world.
Addiction is a disease, just like diabetes. The best way for me to understand it, is to liken addiction to an allergy. Some people can take pain pills and enjoy alcohol with no consequence. Addicts are allergic to it. Their body and mind react totally different to drugs and alcohol, making it impossible to make good choices. When they are using, their mind just wants the drug at any cost.
The hardest part of our journey was knowing how to help. Everyone told me to kick him out and let him hit rock bottom. Just what would you do to save the life of your child? I was not willing to kick him out and let his friends take charge. I was recently asked "Would you rather him die on the streets or die at home?" For me, I would rather him be at home. My wonderful husband has been with me every step of the way, but it was a bigger problem than what we could handle.
I did a lot of research before choosing his programs. I wanted to post about our journey, to help other families make their choice.
Step's Recover Program - Payson, Utah - $8,000 month
This was the first in-patient drug program we tried. It's was a new program that was 1/2 the cost of other programs we looked into. The center was new, clean and had a great feeling to it. They had daily workouts, activities and went to AA meetings. We committed to a 30 day program. At that point I was willing to commit to a week, if our son was willing to go!
Harold and I went to all the family group sessions, but our family was never involved. They had a few patients that were "Drama Queens" that took up all the staffs attention. J complained that his meds were disappearing from the medical office. Later we learned that someone on the staff was helping himself to J's medication. The family part of the program was very weak. The classes were not very informative. The instructors didn't teach very well. On day 30, at the family meeting, the staff realized that it was J's last day and tried to direct some attention his way. It was little help...very late in the game. We took him home that night.
Dayspring Out Patient, Utah - $4500 month for 3 months. Insurance paid 1/2.
This was our first out-patient experience. I can't say enough positive things about Dave and the Dayspring program for the families. Dave was professional, informative, caring, direct and we learned so much about addiction from this program. Unfortunately, our son was not ready to make any changes.
Jaywalker Lodge - Carbondale, CO- $34,000 for 3 months + weekly expenses, medical expenses, ski passes and gear.
I searched and searched for this program. It looked perfect! Nestled in the mountains of Colorado, away from friends in Utah. The center focused on Step 1 and outdoor activities to replace the drug cravings.
There were so many positive things about the program. Moab hiking, biking trips, fly fishing, snow boarding, AA meetings, to name a few.
The Jaywalker program was very flexible. The guys are able to leave the center, with a buddy. Many of the guys kept there cell phones hidden, which enabled them to stay in contact with their friends at home. Our son was on Facebook all the time, chatting away with his friends. He loved the Jaywalker program, but his attention was focused on his past friends.
We finally decided to go to Colorado to visit him. We stayed the weekend in Aspen. When it was time to take him back, his counselor called and notified us that Jason was kicked out. They had a zero tolerance policy. One of the alumni had brought in a non narcotic drug, purchased at a smoke shop nearby, and a handful of kids were being kicked out that day. Imagine that...a drug addict being offered a non narcotic drug and using. Back to Salt Lake we went.
The Retreat - Minnesota $3500 for 30 days
The Jaywalker Lodge referred us to this program. The Retreat is a non-profit program in Wayzata, Minnesota. It took one phone call to realize this is the program we needed at the time. This program restored our sanity. I never understood the AA or the 12 step program. Being in the heart of St. Paul, where the AA program started, we had our eyes open to what the program is all about. Funny, AA is free.
It's so wonderful to have my son back. I enjoy our conversations and love hearing about his recovery. I was exposed to the charity behind Al-alon and AA. Intelligent, educated people sharing their success and happiness. They embraced our son and welcomed him in the sober community. He decided to stay in St. Paul another 6 months and go into a sober living community.
What I know...
Recovery Centers are big business. Families will pay anything, to get the help their family members need. At this point of my journey, I realize that our son won't change unless he's ready. Centers all claim to have the highest success rate, they all gladly take your money. I've spent a lot of time researching and looking for direction.
I always was apposed to Al-anon. I didn't understand that it is a group of people giving back and helping other families going through the same journey. I'm excited to share my experience and embrace families who are going through addiction.
What I know:
Addiction is a disease.
The hospitals will give you all the drugs you need and take your money.
The centers will take all your money and give you peace of mind for a few months.
I am powerless over J's addiction. No matter what I do, he will change when he's ready.
I don't need to solve everyones problems. I don't need to plan or worry about J's future. I don't need to tackle the world. It's in God's hands.
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Karen
Addiction is a disease, just like diabetes. The best way for me to understand it, is to liken addiction to an allergy. Some people can take pain pills and enjoy alcohol with no consequence. Addicts are allergic to it. Their body and mind react totally different to drugs and alcohol, making it impossible to make good choices. When they are using, their mind just wants the drug at any cost.
The hardest part of our journey was knowing how to help. Everyone told me to kick him out and let him hit rock bottom. Just what would you do to save the life of your child? I was not willing to kick him out and let his friends take charge. I was recently asked "Would you rather him die on the streets or die at home?" For me, I would rather him be at home. My wonderful husband has been with me every step of the way, but it was a bigger problem than what we could handle.
I did a lot of research before choosing his programs. I wanted to post about our journey, to help other families make their choice.
Step's Recover Program - Payson, Utah - $8,000 month
This was the first in-patient drug program we tried. It's was a new program that was 1/2 the cost of other programs we looked into. The center was new, clean and had a great feeling to it. They had daily workouts, activities and went to AA meetings. We committed to a 30 day program. At that point I was willing to commit to a week, if our son was willing to go!
Harold and I went to all the family group sessions, but our family was never involved. They had a few patients that were "Drama Queens" that took up all the staffs attention. J complained that his meds were disappearing from the medical office. Later we learned that someone on the staff was helping himself to J's medication. The family part of the program was very weak. The classes were not very informative. The instructors didn't teach very well. On day 30, at the family meeting, the staff realized that it was J's last day and tried to direct some attention his way. It was little help...very late in the game. We took him home that night.
Dayspring Out Patient, Utah - $4500 month for 3 months. Insurance paid 1/2.
This was our first out-patient experience. I can't say enough positive things about Dave and the Dayspring program for the families. Dave was professional, informative, caring, direct and we learned so much about addiction from this program. Unfortunately, our son was not ready to make any changes.
Jaywalker Lodge - Carbondale, CO- $34,000 for 3 months + weekly expenses, medical expenses, ski passes and gear.
I searched and searched for this program. It looked perfect! Nestled in the mountains of Colorado, away from friends in Utah. The center focused on Step 1 and outdoor activities to replace the drug cravings.
There were so many positive things about the program. Moab hiking, biking trips, fly fishing, snow boarding, AA meetings, to name a few.
The Jaywalker program was very flexible. The guys are able to leave the center, with a buddy. Many of the guys kept there cell phones hidden, which enabled them to stay in contact with their friends at home. Our son was on Facebook all the time, chatting away with his friends. He loved the Jaywalker program, but his attention was focused on his past friends.
We finally decided to go to Colorado to visit him. We stayed the weekend in Aspen. When it was time to take him back, his counselor called and notified us that Jason was kicked out. They had a zero tolerance policy. One of the alumni had brought in a non narcotic drug, purchased at a smoke shop nearby, and a handful of kids were being kicked out that day. Imagine that...a drug addict being offered a non narcotic drug and using. Back to Salt Lake we went.
 |
| The Retreat |
The Retreat - Minnesota $3500 for 30 days
The Jaywalker Lodge referred us to this program. The Retreat is a non-profit program in Wayzata, Minnesota. It took one phone call to realize this is the program we needed at the time. This program restored our sanity. I never understood the AA or the 12 step program. Being in the heart of St. Paul, where the AA program started, we had our eyes open to what the program is all about. Funny, AA is free.
It's so wonderful to have my son back. I enjoy our conversations and love hearing about his recovery. I was exposed to the charity behind Al-alon and AA. Intelligent, educated people sharing their success and happiness. They embraced our son and welcomed him in the sober community. He decided to stay in St. Paul another 6 months and go into a sober living community.
What I know...
Recovery Centers are big business. Families will pay anything, to get the help their family members need. At this point of my journey, I realize that our son won't change unless he's ready. Centers all claim to have the highest success rate, they all gladly take your money. I've spent a lot of time researching and looking for direction.
I always was apposed to Al-anon. I didn't understand that it is a group of people giving back and helping other families going through the same journey. I'm excited to share my experience and embrace families who are going through addiction.
What I know:
Addiction is a disease.
The hospitals will give you all the drugs you need and take your money.
The centers will take all your money and give you peace of mind for a few months.
I am powerless over J's addiction. No matter what I do, he will change when he's ready.
I don't need to solve everyones problems. I don't need to plan or worry about J's future. I don't need to tackle the world. It's in God's hands.
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."
Karen
Saturday, September 24, 2011
An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away!
If you want a wake up call, I'd imagine a mini stroke would do it! Mom was at a political luncheon when suddenly she felt dizzy and couldn't move her arm. Instead of calling 911, she drove home and spent hours trying to reach a doctor. When she finally was told to go to the hospital...she did.
My Mom has always had good health. This was the first time I even thought about life without her. My Mom is so much like her Mother, Eva. She fills her day running around town, helping anyone she can. She's also like her Dad and is very health conscious.
So when I got a minute to reflect over the past month, I became very thankful for Harold and my Mother. These two people work harder on their health then anyone I know, and they were the unfortunate ones to suffer this month. I will never take good health for granted anymore. I've jumped on the low cholesterol, low fat, low sugar, band wagon.
HERE'S TO GOOD HEALTH!
Karenine
Saturday, September 10, 2011
It's Back Breaking!
My hubby had some bad news from doctors this past month. Two weeks ago he had surgery for severe lumbar stenosis. His poor spinal canal was practically closed shut, causing him a lot of pain in his legs. We were lucky that Dr. Berry came in on his day off and fixed the problem.
To complicate things a little...before the surgery we found out that his heart had gone back into a-fib. So tomorrow we are going to go have a cardio-version to try to get it back in rhythm. FYI... I'm not going to watch that procedure EVER again.
Normally this kind of month would really get a person down. I'm so proud of Harold and his positive outlook. His back is doing great and I'm sure his heart will do as it's told!
To complicate things a little...before the surgery we found out that his heart had gone back into a-fib. So tomorrow we are going to go have a cardio-version to try to get it back in rhythm. FYI... I'm not going to watch that procedure EVER again.
Normally this kind of month would really get a person down. I'm so proud of Harold and his positive outlook. His back is doing great and I'm sure his heart will do as it's told!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Football Season
The other night when I was driving home, I pasted Hillcrest High School during a football game. The Husky's were winning 28 to 0. It was all I could do not to pull over and watch the game. Then the next morning (Saturday) all the Little League teams were out playing.
I LOVE FOOTBALL SEASON!
Aubrey sent these pictures of Gabe playing in his practice game last week. Gabe scored his first touchdown! Way to go Toombs! I can't wait to come cheer you on!
 |
| Look at his form! What a little stud! |
 |
| Is Gabe telling the little guy not to mess with him? :-) |
Monday, July 11, 2011
Gone Fishing
Yesterday, after a quick trip to the sporting goods store, we headed up the mountain. I finally got a chance to watch Jason fish. We also had a few encounters with snakes and spiders, but it was all worth it. Harold and I bought fishing licenses, but watched Jason do the fishing. I really enjoyed watching because the guys said "If I caught something, I had to touch it!" I told them "that's why I got married and had boys!"
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The Joy of Summer
Sometimes running a business can eat you alive. I've always been a hard working girl, from my 3 jobs as a teenager to partnering up with Harold in this tough real estate market. But life is not all about work...Harold and I try really hard to keep our lives in balance. So we dedicate this summer to r&r and enjoying friends and family.
It's so nice when we are invited to a BBQ! Ken & Ed threw a great party!
 |
| Clay & Sharon at the Pride BBQ |
 |
| Harold and Kenny |
 |
| Good friends and yummy food |
 |
| Ed (we love this guy) |
 |
| Harold (thrilled that Kenny was grilling) |
 |
| Ken taking a break inside with Jennine & Blake |
Red Butte Garden's concert series
 |
| Harold and I enjoying great food and awesome people watching! |
 |
| Jamie, Kenny and I dancing to Sheryl Crow |
Kevin's 24th Birthday (NBA finals)
 |
| Kevin, Tori, Travis and James |
 |
| Harold doing what he does best...grilling! |
 |
| James & Sam |
 |
| Kevin & Tori |
 |
| Ken & Ed |
 |
| Jason and the killer cupcakes! |
Sunday, May 15, 2011
FIESTA!
We threw a fiesta for Harold's 60th birthday on Saturday. More than 50 people dropped by to help celebrate the big day with us. I couldn't have pulled it off without a lot of help from the boys. A big thanks goes to Kenny for putting a birthday video together for Harold. We loved it! Thanks everyone, for taking the time to come celebrate. We ALL had a blast!
 |
| Jason and I checking out the food from Rico's Market. |
 |
| Josh, Jordan and Sabina coming in for seconds. |
 |
| Ed, Harold, Karen, Jordan, Sabina and Josh enjoying the food! |
 |
| Tish, Jason and Devin |
 |
| Jessa and Harold |
 |
| Lindsay, Erica and Blake Erica looked as tired as the little one she was holding! |
 |
| Marston, Brook, Kevin, Austin and Chelsi |
 |
| Jason was a trooper! |
 |
| Karen helping Isabel |
 |
| Cooper swinging big! |
 |
| The darn thing wouldn't break! |
 |
| Ed helping out |
 |
| Finally we have candy! |
 |
| Jensyn getting ready to hit |
 |
| Scott, Cindy, Audrey, Bryndi and Blake |
 |
| Happy Birthday sung by the Mexican Indian and his Amigos! |
 |
| Kris and family watching the Amigos |
 |
| 3 Amigos? |
 |
Jessa! |
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Congratulations Kevin!
It's official...Kevin has graduated from Dixie State College! Following are pictures taken at the ceremony.
 |
| Marston, Kevin and Brook |
 |
| Todd and Michelle joined us for dinner |
 |
| The happy fam |
 |
| Kevin 2010 |
Hello Kevin....I have received your materials. You are done. I wish you well in your professional life, and in general.
Best,
Dennis L. Wignall, Ph.D.
Professor
Immediate Past President, Faculty Senate
Dixie State College
Dept of Communication
"Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Knowledge is limited.
Imagination encircles the world."
-----Albert Einstein
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)