James H.

My story is not unique, in fact most of my story is like everyone else’s it’s just the faces and places that are different. Realizing that we are not alone in our struggles is one of the greatest gifts we give ourselves and others. As a veteran and Emergency responder my job was and is in service to others. Never for myself. Theres irony that we would die desperately pulling a stranger from danger and death before reaching out for help ourselves. We are the metaphorical frog in the pot, the water ever increasing as we adjust to the discomfort until we burn-out. During my story I lost myself, my health, my peace and my wife. I didn’t turn to drugs or alcohol or yelling screaming or any of the visible problemns. I turned to pride and as such it went before my fall. And I reached out. I chose not to drink anymore, not that I drank a lot but I wanted a clear mind for the rocky road ahead. I wanted a small token to remind myself of what I was doing this for. Demons behind me comes from scripture when the rock of the gospel faultered and was rebuked by God. My path is that path. It’s not for everyone but I do believe everyone can walk a path of faith in strength and courage whether religious, spiritual, agnostic, or atheist. Demons behind me and so is my past reminds me I am meant for greater things than my failings and flaws. That I am important and meant here for something great no matter how small. To stay in the fight. To walk ahead in light, To walk beside in faith.

To push from behind in the dark.

There’s a spark of hope in all of us, some times all it needs is encouragement to ignite.