My best friend in the world would always say that it wasn’t a fancy rehab, but the Magdalene House, that changed her life (and she did try the fancy one). I didn’t get it. But I was here for it, because in front of my eyes, I watched my soul sister become exactly who she is because of recovery, and the Maggie’s community. And that person is sound, solid, faith filled and someone with a soul that can change this planet.
And then, my mom, who we had been trying to convince for so long to try treatment...... went to Maggie’s. Two weeks. Free. Nothing fancy to the outside world. And yet...She hasn’t had a drink in almost two years. She sponsors women. She devotes her life to recovery instead of wine. It’s beautiful.
So, I started going to birthday night at Maggie’s to celebrate her recovery. One month at a time. Chip after chip. And that’s how you truly see what Maggie’s is. You listen. You watch these incredible women who thought their lives were hopeless, speak of strength, of new hope, of FREEDOM, of self discovery. Of lives rediscovered. Of broken worlds mended. Of families and marriages reconciled. Women from ALL WALKS OF LIFE, sharing solidarity in the world of the twelve steps and true recovery. It’s life changing just to have the honor of sitting in that room and watching their support system heal and make BEAUTIFUL things happen.
I tear up even as I write this, because you cannot know what the Magdalene House is until you see it. It’s a house full of miracles. The women are angels. And God lives there. Really. (And my 6 year old asked me when we would see Him....After my 8 year old listened to hilariously brave women tell their story with lots of perfectly fitting expletives and asked if they knew kids were there, ha).
The Magdalene House means the world to me and my entire family. I love the women I meet through my mom AND my best friend. They are the courageous and they are the Maggie’s girls. They are warriors and amazing. Thank you Maggie’s for being what you are. My family and I are forever grateful.
