“You’ve Given Life To So Many”
Another ceremony had nearly come to a close. The Megan House program’s 6th graduate, a young woman named Emma, had recounted a long journey through addiction and recovery. She exchanged a heartfelt thank you and congratulations with each of the staff members and residents in attendance.
And then her mother spoke. She spoke of numerous stops and starts during her daughter’s six year battle with addiction. She spoke of Emma’s journey to recovery being a testament to her strength and courage. But her most powerful words came when she spoke to Megan’s House staff.
“Thank you,” she said through tear-filled eyes. “You’ve given life to so many.”
Those six words, “you’ve given life to so many,” when coupled with the six words later spoken by Emma’s father, stand as a testament to the mission, and the success, of the Megan House Foundation.
Like all who graduated before her, Emma leaves her mark on the house these young women call home. Described by the other residents as extremely independent, she spent much of her time there serving as a role model and mentor to those who came before and after her. But it wasn’t always that way.
After numerous failed attempts at beating addiction, Emma described coming to Megan’s House “extremely lost.” Yet through the comprehensive treatment plan put together by Program Director Mary Beth Murphy and her staff, Emma’s belief in herself started to grow.
“I’ve been shown a better way to live, and every day, I strive to live that way,” she told the room. “I thank you for saving my life.”
Emma’s father was also in attendance. His words focused on strength in numbers. With awe over what he’d just witnessed clearly evident on his face, the grateful man told the staff, the residents and Board members in attendance; “alone, there’s not much there. Together, there is so much power.”
“Together there is so much power” and “you’ve given life to so many.” Six memorable words, uttered by two grateful parents, aptly describing the mission of one very special place; Megan’s House.