“There’s No Better High Than Making You Proud”
All of the Megan House graduation ceremonies are touching affairs, but the 15th celebration may have been the most emotional of them all.
Alyssa, who was often the source of comic relief during the serious work being done at the residential treatment home, had staff, residents and foundation members alternating between laughter and tears as she recounted her journey to and through Megan’s House.
At times, you could hear a pin drop in the room on that Thursday, December 8th. “When I first moved in, the idea of living with twenty girls scared me,” Alyssa said. “Little did I know these twenty girls would show me the true meaning of love and understanding.”
In return, the other residents spoke of Alyssa’s compassion and friendship, with no less than five of them referring to her as their best friend. “You’re going to help a lot of people one day,” chimed in one, as stories of leadership and confidence filled the room.
That confidence wasn’t always on display during Alyssa’s early days in the program. Staff members recalled a time when the young woman couldn’t get on the bus to go to work, the anxiety that had plagued her throughout life controlling her movements even in recovery.
That day seemed but a distant memory on this day, however.
“Although this is just the beginning of my journey, I will no longer live in fear,” declared the young woman through now confident eyes. “I am no longer a victim. I am a survivor.”
With family, friends and a pair of co-workers also in attendance, the graduate’s mother recalled a phone call in which her daughter told her “for the first time in my life, I’m proud of myself.” And as she thanked her mom for never letting her down, Alyssa fought back more tears to share the words that reminded all associated with Megan’s House why we do what we do.
“Mom, there is no better high than making you proud.”
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