Cortney

I owe Thistle Farms my life. It changed the way I look at the world, the way I look at myself. I'm now open to new experiences because I know it's all to teach me something. The idea of that used to be so intimidating because I've never known what it felt like to love myself and be open to learning what the world has to teach me. But now it's exciting to not know what happens and be free enough to let go. There is joy in experiencing new things, regardless of whether I succeed or fail. It's truly living.

Kelly

When I was welcomed into the program, I knew that meant leaving my family for two years. It was so hard to be away, but I realized I would need to take it one day at a time and even one hour at a time. I needed to do this work so I can be the Mom and wife they deserve, and the woman I deserve to be for myself. So when I walked into my bedroom that first night, I fell to my knees and gave myself up to what God had to teach me. On May 18, I'll complete the program. On May 19, my family will watch me graduate. And on May 20? That's what I'm the most excited for - I don't know what the day will bring. But I'm ready for it.

Kristy

To me, graduating is a big accomplishment because I stuck and stayed through something: even through hard times. In the past anytime things got hard? I would run. So now, when bad things happen - and even when good things happen - I know I don't have to run. I don't have to run to people, drugs, alcohol...none of that. I can show up for myself and for others, even when I'm not feeling my best. I can be an adult and go to work and pay bills. I'm learning to live life on life's terms and I'mreally proud of myself for that.

Sam

I'm graduating, and those two years feel like they went by so fast. I never expected to have people in my corner who would stand by me even when I fought the process, but they did. Because of this second chance, I've been able to evolve and grow. I'm excited by the fact that I can be alone and at peace, but I know I'm not alone. After always wanting to belong and never feeling like I did, I know where my place is now...and I'm looking forward to whatever the future holds.

Shamika

I'm excited about graduating, and paying bills on my own because I just thought that would never happen. I'm excited about getting my driver's license again because that's also something I never in my life thought could happen. I'm excited about my career movements, whatever they might be - all I know is I intend to keep moving up. I'm excited about one day owning a home, hopefully, and to live a life that's safe and healthy. I'm just excited that I can now be excited about the future.

Teresa

I think God intervened the day I came to Thistle Farms and set things up so that I had to choose if I wanted to turn one way or another. And this time, I decided to take the better path. Now, I've got 2 years clean and it feels good. I'm not giving that up. I've slowed down and can celebrate life now; the fact that I'm alive and the fact that I get a second chance with my family.