[Introduction]
Standing here before you today, my heart is full beyond anything words could ever truly express. Looking out at your faces, I am washed over by a profound sense of gratitude, love, and peace. Every single person in this room touched my life during a season when I was completely vulnerable. Over this past spring, summer, and fall, you didn’t just offer me kindness—you offered me a lifeline. You gave me permission to let go of doing it all alone, to finally place my life into trustworthy hands. I am standing here today restored because I surrendered my pride and trusted in you.
[The Dark Season]
There was a time, not so long ago, when everything turned completely dark. My health collapsed overnight, my body gave out, and I felt crushed under the weight of physical pain, relentless anxiety, and deep exhaustion. I felt isolated, frustrated by a medical system that seemed to overlook my humanity, and terrified of what the future held. I was running on empty, stripped down to just a couple of suitcases, searching for a place to land, and wondering if I had the strength to keep going.
In my lowest moment, beaten down and scared, I surrendered my self-reliance and did something I had never been able to do before: I reached out for help and trusted others to hold me up.
[The Miraculous Catalysts]
And that was when the miracle happened. The moment I placed my faith in the goodness of others, extraordinary, caring people stepped directly into my life. Ordinary heroes—from the compassionate ambulance attendants who rushed to my side to the dedicated healthcare staff who finally took the time to listen—gave me hope when I had no strength left to fight.
Then came the true turning point: meeting my primary catalysts, PA Cody Wenzel and Dr. Hitzelberger in Alpena, who guided me directly to Dr. Coriasso in Petoskey. Bringing their deep expertise, extraordinary skill, and genuine care to my darkest hour, these remarkable clinicians worked miracles on my body, cleared the path for my heart, and restored my vitality. By trusting their hands and their wisdom, I was given back my life—fully alive, healthy, and filled with smiles.
[Sanctuary, Healing, and Roots in Recovery]
As my physical body healed, my spirit needed to put down roots again. In the recovery program in Cheboygan, new seeds were planted in my heart. It was there that I relearned the foundational basics of true sponsorship and genuine fellowship—reminding me that we were never created to walk this road alone, and that true strength comes from mutual trust.
Alongside that spiritual renewal, I found a home away from home at Barilick’s 401 Cafe, a space where thoughtful young adults prepared and served delicious meals with genuine care. They even let me invent my signature “Winkie Eggs”—a breakfast I first created back in 1992 when I first got sober. Over warm meals and friendly conversation, that welcoming atmosphere gave me more than comfort; it gave me a sanctuary to sit down, pick up a pen, and begin mapping out the devotion and dreams I held for the future.
The spark inside me was reignited; I was beginning to rise, searching with intent for the talent needed to build trans formative programs for the younger generation. Soon, I began to see glimpses of my future managers. Young geniuses hurried across the room, each managing her own customers with striking ease and devotion. Each touched my heart by displaying a level of mastery I could never accomplish on my own—an exactness, a razor-sharp memory, and a natural grace that revealed something truly special within each of them.
I leaned in, challenging their personalities and imaginations to see what they were truly made of. In doing so, I witnessed firsthand an undeniable management skill that so many lack. I wasn’t just observing; I was cultivating a living blueprint, creating a dedicated space for each of them to showcase their innate genius and make Rogers City unimaginably better.
During this time, I also brought a young woman into my home to help me navigate day-to-day life while I recovered. What started as practical support evolved into a profound sanctuary of peace. Entrusting her with my home and my care during my weakest moments revealed a steady, selfless devotion that softened my spirit. Her presence, our quiet conversations, and her unwavering dependability inspired me to do deep inner work, reflect on my faith, and strive to be a better person. She showed me the quiet beauty of trustworthy service, and because of that connection, I am forever changed.
Because you and she truly saw me, I was able to find my way back. All of you now see this revived, restored version of who I am, but very few knew me back when the honking cough and dreadful pain made every single step a trudge of despair. People like you healed me in ways I could have never accomplished on my own. When I spoke from the podium on September 24th, the friends who had seen me just months before, back in May, could hardly believe their eyes or ears. God worked His miraculous grace through the love and presence of those around me. I gave it everything I had—working and praying harder than ever before, asking God to bring me back to life. Today, I stand here with a heart overflowing with gratitude for the people who helped restore my spirit and my health.
[Building New Paths for the Future]
Recovery gave me back my life, but faith and trust gave me a brand-new vision. Sitting in that cafe with a pen in my hand, I realized that my story isn’t just about surviving—it’s about building bridges for others.
I am stepping into the digital age to build internet-based revenue streams, channeling my God-given talents, coaching experience, and passion into modern opportunities. But I don’t want to do this just for myself. My vision is to build a platform that invests in and rewards our brilliant young adults—equipping them with God-driven purpose, financial independence, and a foundation to thrive. I want to build a legacy that lifts up the next generation, showing them what is possible when faith, talent, and technology come together.
[Honoring the Journey]
This entire journey has taught me the incredible value of living a life worth living—a life rooted in faith, honesty, and deep connection. Recovery and healing aren’t just about physical survival; they are about doing the hard inner work, laying down our self-reliance, surrounding ourselves with good people, and taking care of our mind, body, and spirit every single day.
By the grace of God and the grace of this community, every step forward—no matter how painful—has led me straight into an enduring peace. It has shown me that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action. It’s the hands that reached out to save me, the voices that gave me strength, and the trustworthy community that welcomed me home.
[Looking to the Future with Love]
As I look out at all of you today, the fear and darkness of the past are gone. In their place is a bright, clear future filled with purpose, health, and endless possibility. Positivity reigns. I see a community I am deeply proud to belong to, and a life I am honored to live alongside you.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your precise care, your extraordinary patience, and your unconditional love. You turned my darkest season into a story of rebirth, and by giving me reasons to trust again, you gave me my future back. I love you all. Let’s Eat~!
