I haven’t been on this blog for well over a year, I’m sure. I graduated SAFE for the 2nd time (I relapsed and went back) in August of 2008 and remained SI free. I struggled for a couple months with other addictions like substance abuse and food issues but by November I was finally seeing how I could be totally free- not just of the “acting out” behaviors but free of the craziness that always went on in my head. THEN I was given the gift of a surprise pregnancy and delivered my son in August 2009, a year after leaving SAFE. My life doesn’t even resemble what it was before and I can’t believe the person I was back then. I’m that different.
Do any other SAFE alumni ever wish you could go back and speak with some of the staff from SAFE? I know the program has changed and isn’t in Texas anymore so I’d never have a clue how to send a card or a letter or anything, I just wish that I could tell some of them, esp. the ones who were part of the team during both of my stays (Kristy was my therapist, Matt was my favorite tech) how much things have changed. Maybe they read this blog and if so I can’t imagine they’d know who I was and I’m not sharing my first and last name here, but either way, hopefully some of my treatment team (too many people to name) can at least know that an Ashley they helped in October/November 2007 and July/August 2008 is a whole new woman, a mom, back in nursing school, and is so glad I got to be at SAFE.
Hi Ashley,
This is Pam, I’ve worked with SAFE for several years now. I just wanted to say that’s fantastic about the birth of your son and how many positive changes you’ve made in your life!
Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing! We always like to hear how folks who’ve been through the program are doing. Best wishes.
Pam
Ashley,
I’m glad your life is going so well. I can relate to “acting out” behaviors you described in your post. Some of the things I’ve done are shameful thinking back on. It’s really weird to sit and think about how obsessed I was for attention. Thankfully things have changed for the better for me as well. I’m really happy your son is doing well. I hope you’re able to continue on the path of recovery, even if I’m not a part of it.
Best wishes,
N
i agree your really a beakon of hope for us all still in this tunnel thank you for sharing your success story…. best of luck to you and your child be well and be merry…… 🙂
Hi Ashly!
I’m not sure if u remember me or not but I was at SAFE in June/July 2008 and left not long after you get there. I remember ubecause u had been there once already. Congratulations on the birth of your son. It is so great to here about other success stories. I also have been free of all self injury and my life is completely different today than before I went to Texas. I really do wish I could somehow let the staff know how much they helped me and thank thme. Lauren was my therapist and Matt was my favorite tech also! Congrats and maybe we can keep intough through facebook or something
Thanks all for the nice comments. N and Holly I’m glad you are both doing well, also. Holly do I remember correctly that while at SAFE you had a grandchild on the way?
Holly, you were from northern Illinois, right? I think I remember you. If you’re the person I remember then you have made some pretty big strides in the past two years. Completely SI free gives you bragging rights, lady. Congrats to you!
Yeah Ashley u r right I was expecting a grandchild when I was there. My daughter had a baby girl October 23 2008 1 day before her 21st birthday! Her name is Amelia Therese Annmarie Sharron ___. She is the light of my life and I truly believe that she saved my life! It is amazing to think that she will b 2 in a couple of months. I can’t believe how much my life has changed since going to SAFE. My youngest daughter Olivia came home to live a year ago which is something I never thought would happen. I also went back to school and will have my Associates in Education in Febuary. My life is still completely crazy with school n having a 17 year old at home and babysitting amelia while her mom works but is carzy in a completely different way than it was b4 I went to Texas! I am so grateful to the people there! The only negative thing in my life since Texas is my mom passing away in January 2009 but because of what I learned in Texas i was able to b in a position to move her in with me and take care of her and for that I will always be grateful and sometimes it makes me sad that I can’t thank the people that helped me do that like Lauren and Matt but it makes me happy to hear about successes like yours. Congratulations on everything!