In Her Words: Mia Tells Her Story at 16th Celebrating Mothers Luncheon
Every year, at our annual Celebrating Mothers Luncheon, an Epiphany graduate bravely tells her story of addiction and path to recovery through Epiphany programs. This gives the graduate an opportunity to share openly about her experience - an important tool for sustained recovery - as well as gives event attendees a first-hand account of how their support changes lives. This year, Mia, a current resident of Epiphany Step-Down Housing, bravely stood in front of guests to tell her story. We invite you all to read her powerful remarks below - an incredible testament to the impact and importance of the generous support we receive for Epiphany's life-saving services.
“My name is Mia. I stand before you today with a heart filled with gratitude and a story of hope. My journey through addiction was a winding road. My story is one that reflects the transformative power of seeking help and embracing the support that was crucial in my recovery from substance use. Fraught with pain and struggle, but it was also a journey of redemption, guided by the love of a mother for her child.
Growing up, I faced a harsh reality that many children are spared: my mother's love was eclipsed by the suffocating grip of addiction. It was a bitter pill to swallow, coming to terms with the fact that the nurturing care and stability I longed for were unattainable in the shadow of her affliction. Her struggle with drugs cast a dark pall over our relationship, shattering the illusions of maternal warmth and protection.
As a child I was abused by my mother's boyfriend which led to me starting my own path into drugs at age 8 smoking weed to numb myself. This tumultuous start to my life serves as a reminder of the complex layers of human experience, where love, fear, and survival intertwine in a narrative with both anguish and resilience.
“Growing up, I faced a harsh reality that many children are spared: my mother’s love was eclipsed by the suffocating grip of addiction.”
At the tender age of 11, my innocence was shattered in the most brutal of ways. Witnessing the murder of a friend, a soul snatched away by the merciless hands of violence, and almost being murdered myself, left an indelible scar on my psyche. The echoes of that fateful night reverberated through my being, a haunting reminder of the fragility of life and the ever-present specter of danger. Haunted by the horrors I had witnessed, sleep became an elusive sanctuary, a realm fraught with nightmares and dread. The darkness of night became my greatest adversary, its silent embrace suffocating me with fear and apprehension. Terrified of the shadows that lurked in the corners of my mind, I sought refuge in the false promises of methamphetamine. Meth became my constant companion, a toxic elixir that numbed both body and soul. With each hit, I felt the tendrils of addiction tighten their hold, ensnaring me in a downward spiral of self-destruction.
Mia and her daughter, Amina
In the harsh crucible of survival, I found myself navigating treacherous waters, where the line between desperation and necessity blurred into obscurity. The streets became my battle ground, where the currency of desperation bought me a temporary reprieve from the gnawing hunger and crushing uncertainty that plagued my existence.
When I became pregnant that revelation ignited a flame within me, a fierce determination to rewrite the narrative of my life and break free from the chains of addiction that had ensnared me for far too long. As I felt the flutter of life within my womb, I knew I was ready to embark on a journey of transformation, not only for myself, but for the precious life growing inside me.
“As I felt the flutter of life within my womb, I knew I was ready to embark on a journey of transformation, not only for myself, but for the precious life growing inside me.”
As I found myself trapped in a cycle of addiction and my life spiraling out of control, I realized that I needed to make a change for myself and my loved ones. That’s when I made the courageous decision to seek help and start my recovery journey. I was fortunate to discover a beacon of hope – Epiphany Center. This is more than just a rehab facility; it became my sanctuary, a place where I could rebuild my life from the ground up. Epiphany not only provided me with a safe environment to heal but also offered a comprehensive range of resources that were instrumental in my recovery.
One of the most significant challenges I faced was balancing my recovery journey with my responsibilities as a parent. At Epiphany Center, I found invaluable support through their childcare services. Knowing that my daughter was well cared for allowed me to focus wholeheartedly on my recovery without guilt or distraction. This support was truly a lifeline for me, it made all the difference in my ability to stay committed to my sobriety.
When I came to Epiphany, I had been struggling with addiction for 20 years and was nervous but ready to change my life for myself and my 7-week-old daughter, Amina. For years, I found myself ensnared in the grips of addiction. Lost in a sea of despair and uncertainty. Each day was a battle, a struggle against the demons that threatened to consume me. Once I arrived at Epiphany, any nerves I had went away; I immediately felt welcome and safe, like this was where I was meant to be. The recovery staff was great and so helpful. The parenting classes taught me so much about being the best mother I can be and how to bond with my daughter. I felt very comfortable and never felt judged by anyone. Epiphany connected me to so many great resources like dental, family therapy, and housing. In group sessions, I was able to work through past trauma in a very compassionate environment and receive the tools I needed to continue my sobriety.
“When I came to Epiphany, I had been struggling with addiction for 20 years and was nervous but ready to change my life for myself and my 7-week-old daughter, Amina.”
Amidst the darkness, a flicker of light always remained -the love for my daughter, a love so fierce and unwavering that it became my beacon of hope in the darkest of times. It was my daughter that gave me the strength to fight for a better tomorrow. With every step I took along the path of recovery, I carried her image in my heart, a constant reminder of the life I desperately wanted to reclaim. The road to sobriety has not been easy; there were setbacks and challenges aplenty – but through it all, I persevered, fueled by the love I held for my daughter and the promise of a brighter future. With the support of Epiphany, this incredible community, and the guidance of a compassionate counselor, I found the courage to confront my demons, face my fears head-on, and emerge stronger and more resilient than ever before. Epiphany gave me hope for the future for myself and my daughter. Epiphany helped me become the best version of me. I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given to heal at Epiphany.
Mia and her daughter, Amina
Today I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the journey that has brought me to this moment. I’m ever grateful to Epiphany for showing me that recovery is possible and that no matter how dark the night may seem, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to lead you home. I hold fast to the love that sustains me, I draw on the strength from the bonds of friendship and the community that we have together, and to never lose sight of the hope that lies within each and every one of us.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to share my journey with you. I will walk this path to recovery with courage, compassion, and unwavering determination. Thank you for your support of me and for all the women who come through Epiphany’s doors. I honestly believe we do recover!
-Mia
Epiphany Center Client
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