|
My name is Shari, I began treatment over some 9yrs ago, I was sent to an outpatient for Women's Group ran by Jenn Bovee. I was a heroin addict since the age of 25; I'm now 50 years old. I began group with Jenn when I was 40yrs old. As many recovery's entering treatment, I not only had a drug addiction, but I had a lot of insecurities, hidden pain, low self- esteem, and hated who and what I was. I was also one of those women who portrayed myself as a hard core don't care type of women, when really on the inside I was crying silent cries and was so lonely. Jenn, took the time to break through all my barriers and show me how to love myself, and to forgive myself and others, Jenn gave me a hug one time, and that hug impacted my life, because , I never had hugs from my parents but always yearned for a hug, it's like a way of silently saying " that someone cares" and to this day, I pay that forward, I work for the Scott County Family Wellness Court as an Outreach Specialist, and every time I meet with one of my recovery's, I make sure i give them a hug. Jenn taught me to change my life, to change how i treated myself as well as the way I treat others, Jenn helped me to let go of the pain I had been carrying inside ever since I was a child. Jenn helped me gain my self- esteem back and for me to love myself. I had relapsed when I was attending group, and Jenn didn't push me out, she welcomed me back and showed me that somebody does care about me. Jenn helped me to become that woman that I had so long wanted to be. Jenn taught me to cry and not be ashamed of my tears, Jenn taught me to get honest with myself, with her, my peers, my family. Jenn taught me to live life on life's terms without the use of drugs. Today, I'm 8 1/2 years clean and sober and I owe a big part of this to Jenn Bovee.
S. J.~Davenport, Ia
|
