Michael wrote to me from San Patrignano, a recovering community in Italy: My story is very similar to Jeff’s. My life was a mess: I was thrown out of rehabs and out of the Marine Corps; I dropped out of college on a baseball scholarship and walked out of countless treatment centers. I was convinced that I was the smart one doing heroin, ‘living the good life,’ while everyone else was living the ‘sucker’s life.’
My mother frantically searched for a cure to fix me. We tried 12-step, medication, therapy, in-patient, out-patient. I wasn’t having any of it.
Just when everyone was prepared to write me off as a lost cause, my mother found your book and was deeply moved by its reality and truth. Somehow she picks San Patrignano out of your book and has the courage and determination to “Stay Close” and never give up hope.
We traveled to Rimini and I entered San Patrignano, but with a different attitude. As they say in AA/NA, I was ‘sick and tired of being sick and tired.’
San Patrignano has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. The Marine Corp was a walk in the park compared to this place. Here I was literally taken by the hand and shown how to start living a different way.
I’ve been sober for 3 and ½ years. Thanks to you and your sons for reaching out and trying to comfort and help people who are struggling.
This past Saturday, I traveled to San Patrignano to visit Michael. My heart was filled with joy to see him healthy and strong. I admire both him and his mother for their courage, and their story inspires me. Thanks, Michael, for sharing your story. Jeff, Jeremy and I wish you only good things. We’re here, staying close.
Today’s Promise to consider: It takes courage to confront addiction, both by the addict and by those who love him or her. But where there is life, there is hope. Today, we’ll keep believing.
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View Comments (19)
What a wonderful story of hope, love, persistence and all the positive traits that must be present for long term recovery.
We grow in many new and different ways due to our journey with our addicted child. It is the willingness to see our pain and disappointment as an opportunity for growth that brings those glorious smiles in the picture of Libby and Michael.
See what Libby has done with her struggles -- she has no idea of the "full" impact of her Blog, book and all the other ways she has touched the lives of so many parents in pain.
My sincere respect and admiration for all who give so freely to help parents like me.
In prayer for all of our children and their families.
Just beautiful.
Dear Pat,
I agree that Libby does not know the full positive impact she has on her blog, book, etc. She is so humble. She inspires parents and addicts all over the world, and, I never want to take that for granted. Thank you Pat, for reminding us how special she really is.
Dear Libby,
Thank you so much for bringing to us, this beautiful story of Michael. It is one of the many, many lives you, Jeff and Jeremy have touched with your story of encouragement. Your book and your blog has helped many of us go from despair and depression, to a sense of well being and hope.
My love to you, and to all who come here. Thank you.
Barbara
Hope and healing and such love. Thnka you for inspiring story.
Michael I am so happy that you (and your mom : D) have found your answer for recovery.
After reading Libby's book Stay Close a few years back I have been spreading the word about San Patrignano to anyone who will listen. There is now another 'San Patrignanno" in London http://www.italoeuropeo.com/focus/deepening/1259-san-patrignano-opens-in-london
With a 72 % success rate the San Patrignano recovery model should be one that is sought after by all countries. Many thanks to you and Libby for spreading the word about San Patrignano : D
Thank you, Libby, Jeff and Jeremy for reminding me never to loose hope.
This was a beautiful story (and picture). I especially appreciate your message, "Where there is life, there is hope."
Today, my son is in a dark, scary, all too familiar place. I had just read your meditation prior to seeing him, becoming painfully aware of his most recent (god awful) relapse. My parting words to him (as I asked him to leave the house) were "You are alive! Please don't lose hope."
Perhaps, just perhaps, this message will resonate with him.
God bless you and all who willingly and honestly share their experience, strength and hope. I am so grateful to you.
Love,
Nanci
We all work together to help each other. That's the only way we can break the bonds of addiction. Dr. MacAfee says, "Addiction must be taken out of the darkness and into the light. Only then can we fight it." And we, together, are doing just that. We are breaking the isolation, the suffocation....together.
Bev is right that there are multiple San Patrignano communities. In fact, the people of SP would like to start a community in the States! They are preparing for a State-side tour in May and June, coming to six major cities in the States. This is the link in English http://barrique.sanpatrignano.org/en/who-we-are They would love news coverage, so if you know anyone who might give this tour some strong press, please let them know. You could write directly to their offices in English, lots of the folks in their offices speak English. Michael, the boy in the photo with me, will be coming with the tour to help coordinate the transition from Italy to the States. In any event, please keep this effort in your good thoughts and prayers that they find footing in the States to realize their dream.
L
Nanci, My heart breaks for you. I'm sorry. You and Joy are both suffering. You are in the midst of relapse and she in the midst of her son's jailing.
Yes, your son is alive, and we join with you in prayer that he finds his strength to fight.
My love and prayers,
L
Libby, I followed your link to the San Patrignano site but it didn't seem to talk about the tour. Would you have any other information about this? I did read that there will be 'runners' from San Patrignano attending the New York City Marathon in November : D
Bev, This is the best link. To be sure you have the information, I cut and pasted a bit of information (from this link) below. Hope this helps. If you still have problems, just google San Patrignano, Barrique.
http://barrique.sanpatrignano.org/en/exhibitions
The show will then cross the Atlantic to arrive in the United States in May 2013. The project “New life for wooden barriques” will be included in the programme of events held as part of the year of Italian Culture in the United States. The exhibition will visit seven cities in the land of the stars and stripes: New York, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Miami, New Orleans and Houston. This will be an opportunity to promote not just the design pieces but also some Italian wines, one from each region, including those from San Patrignano.
Under the "Project" tab, they offer: For information about making a purchase:
Tel: +39 0541 362396
cchiozzani@sanpatrignano.org
Hope this helps,
L