What a remarkable experience this has been. I find myself speechless at times. I am full of gratitude for my new life.
Three years ago on the 4th of July, I met with Dave Bishop for my interview with Pathways to Independence. At that time, I was barely getting by. Worst of all, I felt permanently scarred from the wreckage of my past. I was accepted into the program and I didn’t really know what to expect. I received much more than materialistic belongings. I received something more special than anything money could buy—the ability to heal. My past was very dark, and the thought of it made me cringe for a long time. Today, I do not cringe. I do not live in shame. What a blessing that is! There are absolutely no words to describe that kind of freedom in my soul.I know that there is still so much work to do, but I am willing and ready to accept that fact and apply myself. Therapy has helped me in so many ways. I could go on forever about how I’ve become a different woman because of my therapy sessions.My mentor, Patsi, has shown me how to grow and how to be accountable in all areas of my life. When I first entered PTI, I was petrified to go back to school since it had been many years. Patsi gave me the courage, confidence, and strength to move forward. Today, I have a 3.89 GPA and I am applying for the nursing program in January. I cannot thank Patsi enough for being my ultimate cheerleader through this whole process.I live in the Pathways building where I feel safe and sound. The people who live around me are going through the same things that I am going through. I feel accepted here. I feel like I belong. That is something I never really felt in my life. Thank you God, Pathways to Independence, and all of the people who have helped keep this program alive. You are angels in my life. God bless you all for your kindness and love.
