John Buck's story

My name is John Charles Buck. I am an alcoholic, who somewhere along the way also acquired dubious distinction of becoming an addict. Over the years I've been no stranger to 12-step programs, time and again I had tried them -- A. A., NA and many other "A's." Though my usual routes of reaching may have varied (the court system, hard times, guilt, shame and remorse), the results were always the same. One part of the process always eluded me: "Recovery." I could never understand why I could not stop and stay stopped.

It was undoubtedly by divine intervention and "the grace of a loving and merciful God" that I arrived at The Healing Place in April 2004. My intention was to dry out and rest for a few days, and then once again return to the insanity that comprised my life.

But then something miraculous occurred. While in Detox, a series of guys approached me and engaged me in conversations.
Ultimately they related to me how they had found the one thing in life I so badly desired: a sense of peace and contentment. So I listened and soon found myself trudging along to and from classes. I quickly found myself immersed in a camaraderie with others seeking similar solutions. Again I listened; I took notes, asked questions, opened myself to suggestions, and started to apply what I was learning.

On a beautiful summer evening in July, I had a spiritual experience that changed my life. While returning from a meeting one night, I stopped in a park to meditate. I felt the presence of God as I understand Him, and I recited with all sincerity the Third Step prayer as it is written in the "Big Book.” I immediately sensed His removal of all my difficulties and have since come to know a new freedom.

I am eternally grateful for the new lease on life I have been given, another chance to get it right. And I am grateful to The Healing Place for providing me with the tools of love, patience, and tolerance I will need to deal with life on life's terms

And with God's will providing direction for my life, I am certain I will be able to do so.