South Philly Bloodlines
At a very early age, I experienced some traumatizing incidents in my life. I can remember my mother and aunts leaving me and my younger cousins with my grandmother for days. They were all actively…

Family Ties
It was brought to my attention recently that my mother, “Cookie,” had some very handsome men in her life. The conversation came up casually. My biological father has been living with my wife and me…

First Love, First Lessons
When I was released from the juvenile facility Cornwell Heights Security, where I met my oldest daughter’s mother, Loretta, memories flooded back, compelling me to consider dedicating a chapter to her. Loretta wasn’t just…

Leah & Me
As time went on, I continued to participate in illegal activities, finally committing enough crimes to earn my first stay at a State Penitentiary. I was sentenced to 3 to 6 years. Upon…

Through the Fire
After leaving Fairmont Charter, I quickly relapsed into active addiction, and this time, the consequences were more severe. I was in a relationship with Juanita, someone I had been with for over…

From Re-Enter to Rebirth
I vividly recall my time at Re-Enter, where an older gentleman courageously shared his experiences from active addiction. His candid recounting of various sexual tendencies and actions during his addiction was…

Making of Resilience
Throughout my recovery, I began to notice recurring patterns in my behavior. Each pattern taught me valuable lessons, helping me grow and develop as a person. When I look back…

Grief, God, and Growth
When I think about my active addiction, I remember how it took me to terrible places. Those places were not good for anyone, especially not for people. Looking back at those…

The Blessings
I can’t help but feel excited when I think about all the amazing things that have happened since I got clean. One of the biggest things that fills me with pride…

Blueprints
Have you ever felt that a place could be more than just a workplace, a place that becomes like family, like home? That is what Blueprints for Addiction Recovery Inc. has…

Letting Go of Control
Life moves forward, whether we understand it or not. It does not wait for clarity. It does not pause for reflection. It continues, relentless and unyielding. At times, it feels…

Love God. Love People
As I begin this final chapter, my heart is filled with gratitude and reverence for the Creator, who has granted me the opportunity to reflect deeply on my journey. This book…