George (not his real name) was misusing drugs for three years when he knocked on the door of The Salvation Army’s Harbour Light in Bermuda. Harbour Light is a rehabilitation centre for alcoholics and substance abusers and has been operating in Bermuda for 29 years.

After a marriage break up, George was devastated and stopped caring about life. He quickly resorted to substance abuse to try and take away the pain. He felt hopeless and the more he used, the more desperate he became. Concerned friends directed him to the doors of the Harbour Light and he discovered new hope through his six months of rehabilitation there.

He shares his gratitude list as he looks on the past year of his life:

I am grateful for the people in my life who directed my feet to the doors of Harbour Light so that I could get into the rehabilitation program.

I am thankful to God for allowing me another chance at life, having suffered a slight heart attack. I was successfully brought through surgery.

I am thankful that I can love myself without having to beat up on myself through the use and misuse of drugs.

I am thankful that my parents, children and family love me today. They see their real son; they see their real father; they see a different me today.

I am very grateful for gaining knowledge about drugs and alcohol, so that I now have tools to work with in my recovery.

I am grateful to God and am now seeking His will and His purpose for my life.

I am grateful for all the counsellors and staff at Harbour Light who are so dedicated to their mission.

I am thankful for the classes that I have attended at Harbour Light. My writing skills have returned.

George’s life was a mess. He committed to this program and found hope in the therapeutic environment. Now 54, he has restored his self-esteem and is a contributing member of society as a residential and commercial painter.