Alumni and other friends of A Home Away are invited to share your experience with A Home Away. Share your experience, strength and hope with others.
CLICK HERE and leave your comments under ‘Leave A Reply‘
SHARE WHAT A HOME AWAY HAS MEANT TO YOU!
24 Responses to “SHARE WHAT A HOME AWAY HAS MEANT TO YOU!”
Get updates by email:
Archives
Categories
- Addiction recovery insights (250)
- Recovery Slogan Videos by Jane Derry (27)
- Slogans (199)
- Alumni & friends share their stories with A Home Away (29)
- Alumni in Addiction Recovery (40)
- Chef Rene Hostettler's Gourmet Recovery Meals (72)
- Cocoa: Love our pet dog! (41)
- Drug rehab BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec (188)
- Holistic therapy in rehab (244)
- Recreation- holistic approach for balance in recovery (26)
- Spiritual exploration (51)
- Testimonials (30)
- Uncategorized (4)
- Addiction recovery insights (250)
Links
I attended Home Away three years ago. A key aspect of Home Away is just that – it’s a home. The neighbourhood setting is a key component for those seeking help for a variety of personnel issues. Most of those who attended with me came from out of the area and none of us had a vehicle so parking was never an issue for the neighbours. Outside of the occasional walk with 3 or 4 of us, our activities were within the Home Away property. With a rigorous schedule we went to bed early and rose early. Our habits were less random that a typical resident of sub-division.
I fully support Home Away remaining as it has been for the past several years. It provides a much needed resource for people from the Okanagan and other parts of Canada. Home Away also contributes to the local economy.
I hope the District of West Kelowna considers all of the positive aspects of Home Away and vote for it to remain where it is and offering the services most needed.
As an aside, as a result of my stay at Home Away, the coaching and counselling they provided, I have been sober for just about 3 years now. The beauty and tranquility of the neighbourhood contributed to my achievement. Please don’t ruin it!
Wendy S., West Kelowna
June 27th, 2010
I am a 69 year old recovering alcoholic. Eight months ago, I was spiraling towards rapid death because of my addiction. Today, thanks to A Home Away, I have regained my dignity and self respect. The light has returned to my life. This would not have been possible if I had not found AHA. It is here where I received from John and Jane Derry, the expert staff and the other guests, the support I needed to look honestly at my life and rediscover myself.
In addition, the scenery was awe inspiring. On morning walks, I grew to appreciate and respect the varieties of wildlife. The guests were greeted by fellow walkers in the mornings and of course, Cocoa the recovery dog was recognized and greeted by a large number of neighbors as he accompanied us on our walks.
A Home Away is a place of love, healing and discovery. It is the beginning of a better way of life for many of us and our families.
Sincerely,
G.F., Manitoba
Almost 15 months ago, I spent 91 days at A Home Away Treatment Centre. I am writing this letter in supp0rt of this most astounding centre. I know that it has saved lives of many including my own. I am truly grateful to A Home Away for my sobriety, without them I may not have made it this far. A Home Away has a very high success rate that I am aware of. I know it was the best place for me to begin my journey into recovery. A Home Away helps addicts that deserve the best and have struggled with a variety of addictions. A Home Away treats every type of addiction and has the most professional help and loving, supportive, and healthy environment.
Addicts have suffered far too long and A Home Away allows them to relax, rejuvenate, and learn how to live a healthy sober/clean life. I can only begin to tell you the amount of work that is put into this amazing addiction retreat centre. I only hope this letter will make you see that its more than just a treatment centre, but truly a place away from home. Once I finished my 91 day stay, I moved to Kelowna and have since visited this Home because I know I am always welcome for meals and sharing anything that’s going on with me.
Jane and John Derry are a marvelous pair who truly just want to help individuals like myself who may not have a home or have a healthy one to go back to. I appreciate you taking the time to read this letter.
Sincerely,
BD, Kelowna
Heya John and Jane, and all the rest!
Wow, my expierince there was beyond anything to what i ever imagined! All of you were able to restore some order in my life, and make me feel happy with my own god given body. The mind; I have learned is a dangerous place to walk alone…and I learned that there. I learned how to have fun, without drinking, and to be honest schocking, i didnt know i could snowboard…i knew i could drunk, but that probably looked even worse. haha. I learned to be ok with me, and most importantly my feelings…thank you….they were stressed to the max when i walked in the door of my house, i almost lost it….but I was able to hold a conversation, and yes there was an “i feel….. when you”….and wow it worked. Thank you also for reviving a passion/dream…that has been dead for so long….
There is no way a July semester is possible. October is the next, but if i can work enough, April I can make into forsure, and i sat down with my parents, and it went really well, they are both so happy i have found something im willing to take a risk on other then the sure thing that i dont like, i was shocked, but i feel they find it comforting i have support there. I owe that to everyone who was at AHA with me, and discussed ideas with got feed back. or helped me write my essay! None the less, I will be coming to film school….to be the director, producer and writer i know is in me…and so be IT! I still also say my I AM statement daily, its engraved in me.
everyone at a home away, are amazing! fun, caring, down to earth and very knowledgeble. I love each and everyone of them!
thanks to you all, from the bottom of my…. used to be so black heart!!
its now red and pink again!
you all mean the world to me!
Matt
And I will see you all soon! pretty sure the BBQ! hint hint. haha.
I just want to say how proud I am about being part of the team at A Home Away Retreat.
John and Jane Derry’s passion and compassion for creating and operating A Home Away is seen each day in their facilitating people to overcome their addictions.
I see their program as having two major components. First are the daily sessions where each person is challenged to take an honest look at themselves. This can be a difficult but rewarding process that is needed to initiate change.
But the individual isn’t left without support. This is where the second component of the program comes in. People are offered healthy options to replace old self defeating behaviours. This holistic approach helps the person to grow in mind, body and spirit.
This includes:
-Spiritual growth where Jane Derry has discussions encouraging the individual’s spiritual path, realizing this is a global community and there may be people with different faiths.
-Recreational outings where people are encourage to explore healthy activities.
-Yoga sessions, where people learn there are ways to take responsibility for our own health and experience the benefits.
-There are also the music sessions that I am pleased to lead. This is an inclusive group activity where, through improvised group drumming, people learn healthy community values and self empowerment.
-Even their delicious meals educate the guest to the importance of a well balance diet.
I want to thank John and Jane for letting me be a part of this beautiful place of healing. I see how it helps the guests of A Home Away, and I also reap the rewards of this satisfying work. Their motto could be ‘We don’t help people…We help people help themselves!’
I would recommend A Home Away Retreat to anyone struggling with addictions and wants to change.
Jim Copeman
Drum Circle Facilitator, and
World Fusion Percussionist
http://www.feeltherhythm.ca
http://www.myspace.com/smallchangeok
Hi Jane,
Just wanted to say thank you soooo much for everything you have taught me!!
You have played such a huge part in my sobriety and life that words can not explain how grateful I am. I didn’t get a chance to write in the guest book so I just really wanted to let you guys know that I owe my life to you!!
What you guys do there is make miracles happen and you saved me from myself!!
Your support and love will not be forgotten and you and John have such a huge part in my heart that will never leave!! I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I do love both of you you’re amazing people!!
I little about where I am!! I am here in Kelowna with another alumni, hit 2 meetings already, one yesterday and one today and having heard alot of inspiring things!!
I will definitely keep in touch with you guys and be seeing you guys tonight at the meeting if you do come!!!
Thanks again,
K.L., Alberta
Today is 90 days for me…..90 days of abstinence. I made it through Easter dinner!!! The first holiday in at least 15 years where I didn’t find myself bent over the toilet. I am free of all other substances too. This is a miracle, the miracle of recovery.
Thank You Jane, John, and everyone else at A Home Away.
Love, the forever grateful N.J.
Change Your Thinking, Change your Life” seems to be the mantra repeated incessantly throughout my amazing journey here at A Home Away. Personally, I can change this simple yet hugely significant phrase to “Come to A Home Away, Change Your Life”.
There are not enough words or a strong enough word to express the degree of gratitude, honor, respect, and love I leave here feeling towards you both, John and Jane. You together have given me the gifts of a new start of life, wisdom, courage, grace and love for myself. I will never forget either of you and hope to re-pay all you have so selflessly given and shared with me through paying it forwards.
Leaving here truly is bittersweet as I will miss you both dearly, yet I look to the future with a new found motivation and full of aspirations. Always in my heart!
All my love,
M.B. Spokane, Washington
February 23, 2010
To A Home Away,
Thank you for giving me a new life. I am forever grateful. The gifts I have received here have exceeded my wildest dreams. Surrendering to the process was difficult but the most rewarding. I’ve learned a lot about the person I am because of this program. It’s been an honour and a privilege to have known and met every single one of you. Thanks and best wishes.
Lots of love,
D.E., Montreal
From our hallway guest book, March 10, 2010
John and Jane – I feel so much gratitude toward both of you.Thank you for the lifelong lessons I have learned.
Geri – My favorite moment was playing follow the leader out on the road ? “Very good very good yay!!!”
Sharon – Loved Yoga! Thanks for listening and providing me with encouragement during our group walks to the lake.
Art – Thanks for sharing your wisdom!!
Casey – Interesting and engaging theories that make sense.
Jim – Thanks! Had lots of fun drumming and singing.
Sabrina – I am thankful for the great sleeps I had after your massages.
Rene and Brandon – Great Chefs!! Thanks for the food prep and cooking lessons.
Henry and Elena – Thanks, I appreciated your warm smiles.
Cocoa (aka Monkeybum) = UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
Forever Grateful,
L.J., Kelowna
To John and Jane,
For your generosity and thoughtfulness.
Thank you so much for all your love and support through my stay. Coming to A Home Away is the greatest, most rewarding thing that’s happened in my life. I will stay close and use my experience here as a stepping stone to a new life with endless possibilities. You two have saved my life, and are two of the most powerful people I have ever met!
Love:
your friend, C.K., Calgary
Hi Jane!
Thank you so much for the invite, I just happen to be having an Easter Dinner on Saturday night this year so I would LOVE to be able to attend yours.
Let me know a good time to stop by….. visits to a Home Away are so good for my soul, I love it!
Former Guest – coming up on 4 years of sobriety – one day at a time
Walking softly on this earth.
Dear AHA; John, Jane, Cocoa and Guests,
I find myself in reflection today, of my time at A Home Away. Grateful and humble. My journey thus far, is not at all what I ever imagined and for this, I am thankful.
When I left A Home Away earlier than I had imagined, I had a choice to make. I could zero in on what I had learned or I could throw it all away. I am happy to say that I am approaching 90 days on Easter Monday. Somewhere in my mind it feels like an irony and yet in my heart, I know and believe it is MY message from God.
On Saturday morning I heard a friend in a meeting say ‘If you wanna make God laugh, tell him your plans’. Later that day, I read Jane’s message on the blog which stated, ‘If you wanna make God laugh, tell him your plans’. Twice in one day??? How is this possible, I chuckled to myself. I hear God’s messages everyday, but this one, well it made ME laugh. Today, with gratitude, I am reminded that God’s message is sometimes loud and clear!! Sometimes, subtle… Like the Phoenix rises from the ashes, I am risen everyday.
I wish you all, another 24!!
Sincerely,
KE
Hi John and Jane.
Just a note to let you know that I am still ok and celebrating my one year birthday today. When I think of where I was and the company I kept exactly one year ago yesterday, I can only shake my head at where I was.
I have worked through one full set of steps with a sponsor and while I did not find them “amazing” or anything (particularly step nine, my amends were met with colossal indifference actually) they were worthwhile for insight among other things.
I go to two, three or four meetings per week depending on the week and this I find to be the most helpful. Relating to others’ experience has always been important to me, generally providing meaning to life. Relating to others with the disease is even more important as it keeps my recovery front and centre at the same time allowing me to acquire more experience of humanity in general. I believe that acceptance (people, places and things and that I am an addict) is a very important part of the foundation of my recovery. I don’t even have to play the tape through anymore, nine hours ahead is quite enough to keep the healthy fear close by. My addict is much quieter that it was in early recovery and my emotional up and down is much quieter as well. For these among other things I am grateful.
I remember the day that the obsession lifted. It was April 2 at a Home Away. Sitting on the deck when a small eagle flew by. I think it was Aesop fable day. Nice.
I trust you are both well and not too challenged by some of the guests that have crossed your path in the past year.
SG
March 12, 2010 at 11:40 am (Edit)
Dear Jane and John,
I haven’t been here lately but something always draws me here!! Today it was this posting. I am so grateful that I don’t wake up every day reaching for my cigarettes. I no longer have a cloudy head, smelly clothes, an empty wallet or countless minutes of my precious time wasted away with a cigarette in my mouth. These things were all a part of my life for 28 years.
Thanks to the Breathing Easy group that John leads and the amazing support of the other guests and staff at AHA, I have now not had a cigarette for 93 days! I feel FABULOUS!! I feel healthier than I ever have.
Love to you all!
PJH
John and Jane,
I can’t thank you enough for everything AHA gave me. I’m becoming at peace with myself more and more. Its an awesome feeling.
Hope all is well at home, I’m calling it my home because i was reborn there
Give my best to the guests, let them know that I am thinking of them. Especially LJ and TR as I know they are ‘medallioning out’ today. Wish them luck from me, they are in my prayers.
Take care, lots of love,
DE
Dear John and Jane,
Thanks guys for your words of encouragement. It helped me to focus on what is really important!! I also received another reason for gratitude in the rooms today. A very young man was there. A week ago his best childhood friend died of an overdose. The two were sharing an apartment. Both were using. The young man heard his friend choking and gasping but did nothing to help because of his own state of mind. The next morning he found his friend dead. He was beside himself with guilt and remorse.
Thank God that didn’t happen to me during the years I was drinking. I too could have shown such poor judgment that it harmed somebody else. There but for the “grace of my higher power, go I.”
I’ll keep hanging in there ODAAT.
I’ll let you know about the Round Up next week.
Love, GF
Hi Jane and John,
I’ve been sitting in my home office educating myself on the finer points of using my new Mac before I head back to work on the 15th. I looked up and realized that I hadn’t flipped the calendar to March yet. It’s the “Wayne Dyer: Living the Wisdom of the Tao” that you both gave me for Christmas. I flipped it to March and was instantly taken with the verse. I would love to share it with you as my reflection for today and many days to come…..
LIVING IN SIMPLICITY
VERSE 37 ENCOURAGES YOU TO CULTIVATE YOUR UNIQUE, NATURAL SELF. PRACTICE ALLOWING YOUR ESSENTIAL NATURE TO SHINE BY NOT ENFORCING JUDGEMENTS ON YOURSELF THAT WERE IMPOSED BY OTHERS. REMIND YOURSELF THAT YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE NUMBER ONE. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO JUST BE. STOP INTERFERING WITH YOUR UNIQUE NATURAL BEING. LIGHTEN THE BURDEN YOU CARRY TO BE PRODUCTIVE, WEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL IN THE EYES OF OTHERS; AND REPLACE IT WITH AN INNER ASSERTION THAT ALLOWS YOU TO ACCESS THE TAO. AFFIRM: I AM CENTERED IN THE TAO. I TRUST THAT I AM ABLE TO STRAIGHTEN MYSELF OUT, AND SO IS THE WORLD. I RETREAT INTO SILENCE, KNOWING THAT ALL IS WELL.
EXPECT TO SEE THE ESSENTIAL NATURE OF OTHERS BY REMAINING SILENT. DELIBERATELY ZIP YOUR LIPS AT THE MOMENT YOU’RE TEMPTED TO GET INVOLVED IN THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND YOU. EVEN IF YOU HOLD OFF ONLY FOR A FEW MOMENTS, YOU’RE ON YOUR WAY TO ALLOWING THOSE AROUND YOU TO FIND THEIR ANCHOR OF THE UNIVERSE WITHIN THEMSELVES. THIS DISCIPLINE OF RESISTING THE HABIT TO GET INVOLVED BY PAUSING BEFORE INTERFERING WILL ENABLE YOU TO SEE HOW CAPABLE EVERYONE TRULY IS WHEN THEY’RE IN THE ENERGY FIELD OF SOMEONE WHO ALLOWS RATHER THAN DICTATES.
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
I really appreciated that today!! Thanks again for the calendar!
I’ve been keeping myself very busy these days. My temporary sponsor has become my sponsor! I am working the steps with her. Right now I am working on a list of unmanageable situations that arose at work in the past and how I’m going to deal with them differently when I start work again.
I have a home group now and I participate in 3 different women’s groups a week. I have made lots of friends in the rooms and love spending time with them. I meet a group of women for breakfast every Saturday morning before our regular meeting. I will be attending Gratitude Day here on Saturday. One of the guest speakers is a man that I have worked with for 13 years. I have met up with 7 people that I knew previously in the rooms. 4 of those people I work with now on a regular basis! Who knew?!
I think of you all on a regular basis! Please give my best regards to Geri, Casey, Art, Jim, Sabrina, Sharon, Elena, Henry and of course Cocoa!!
Love,
PH
Hi John and Jane,
It seems as though time has flown by once again since I have stopped in to say hello. I often stop in here to read others’ experiences and it warms my heart to know how much healing starts at a Home Away.
My life changed the day I met John Derry, and almost 4 years later I think about that day often. What I didnt realize before I came to A Home Away was that each and every day I made the choice to continue on the path of addiction that I had been on. I had convinced myself that I didnt have any other option, I was what I was.
I was physically and spiritually empty when I walked through your doors, but that first day John gave me hope. He let me know that I did have a choice. During the time I spent at A Home Away, I learned to love myself again, I learned to believe in a power greater than myself, and in my particular case, I learned that it was ok that I wasnt perfect. It was ok to need help in life regardless of what challenges we face.
I left A Home Away armed with knowledge, hope, and very importantly, the tools I needed to continue my journey of healing and self discovery. Of these tools, very important to me was learning the value of one addict helping another. I stay in contact with A Home Away and other addicts through meetings and friendships developed over time. The path was not always easy, nor smooth, but I always kept something that someone at A Home Away said to me at the front of my mind… ‘There is not a problem in this world that I can make better by having a drink’.
To those just starting their journey at A Home Away, everything that you want to accomplish is possible… if you want it, it is there…
God willing, in June of this year I will celebrate my 4th birthday, also my 4th anniversary of the day I came to A Home Away. There have been tougher days, and easier days, but each of the 1344 days of sobriety have been taken one day at a time.
I would really like to say thank you once again for all you have given, to not only me, but to my loved ones as well.
I have been blessed with a miracle, and for that I am thankful.
Thank You John and Jane.
With Love,
B.J., Kelowna
Hi John and Jane,
I just wanted to let you know I have received my 6 month chip. I have been going to meetings, and living my life better than I could ever imagine thanks to you and your wonderful team. I feel that I can live again and show up for myself and others.
I can’t imagine what my life would have been like if I had not shown up for myself and you not have been there for me. I went from a broken soul to a person who wants to live a full life and keep going enjoying each day. You taught me so much and I am able to share that with others that are suffering in their own ways.
I will keep in touch and hope to see you in the summer, 2010 BBQ.
Lots of love and gratitude,
KP
Wow, that is a delicious looking loaf of Swiss mountain bread Chef Rene.
It has been a pleasure working at A Home Away. I am very excited to be moving on the new kitchen at Hillside Estate, my time behind the stove with you all has left me with lots of great memories and a new appreciation of the little things in life that are so easily taken for granted.
All of the guests I met; your courage and individual journeys are inspirational. Warm wishes to you all in all your future endeavors.
To the John and Jane, the staff and facilitators at A Home Away; keep up the great work you are “the difference makers.” Stay in touch!
Rob
I am very happy to tell you that I have never been better. It has been almost 2 weeks since I have graduated from the AHA program. I am coming up on 60 days of sobriety this coming Wednesday. I never knew that living life sober could be so wonderful!! I know that I would never have made it this far without AHA. I’m so happy that I made the decision to come to AHA for recovery.
I would love to share with you some of the life tools that I was able to take home with me. I learned how important it is to take care of myself. This includes mentally and physically. I am eating 3 healthy meals a day that I am cooking myself. Prayer to my higher power and meditation have become a large part of my day. I am doing a yoga program an hour a day and I am going to a gym 3 times a week. I am going to AA meetings everyday. I have also found my creativity again after participating in creative art sessions at AHA. I am finally looking after myself instead of care taking all of those around me! I love myself again!! I can look in the mirror and see a wonderful person looking back at me. I fired my inner critic many weeks ago!!
Needless worry, stress and anxiety attacks seem to be a thing of the past now thanks to all of the life tools that I received from AHA. I wake up every day with tons of energy, serenity and gratitude for being given another day. I am building new friendships and rekindling old ones that disappeared as my addictions became the main focus in my life. My calendar is filling up with lots of things to participate in. There hasn’t been a dull moment since I got home.
I know that life is not always going to be joyous but I now have the tools and a higher power to help me through the tough times. I am so grateful to have met both of you as well as all of the staff at AHA. I think of you all often!! I couldn’t have received better care and guidance anywhere else. I love you all and thank you with all of my heart and soul for helping me get my life back.
PJH
Grateful Alcoholic
Winnipeg, MB
Former guest exploring possibilities in Montreal
Friday, February 26th, 2010
Hi John and Jane!
I made it back safe, sound and sober!
There were a few triggers along the way, luckily i had the big book and sudoku near by!
I went to my womens only meeting on wednesday night. I was nervous and scared but EXTREMELY happy i went! I met alot of nice people and felt very comfortable. I met up with two of them yesterday for coffee and a meeting. Tonight I will be attending my first OA meeting and is looking forward to it.
I’ve found a great deal of opportunities in the Montreal area and is now setting up some apartment viewing appointments. Its really nice to be back with supportive family members. Hope all is well!
Best wishes, DE
” Hi Jane and John,
I wanted to share with you my story from last night (Sunday). We (husband, son, daughter and I) headed over to Vancouver on Saturday morning to take in some of the Olympic hype. The energy was amazing, an experience I am grateful to have been a part of. We took in the Norway, Switzerland men’s hockey game. International sporting events are amazing, such patriotism!
Anyways, when I got home on Sunday I wanted and needed to go to a meeting. I looked up on the internet where the Sunday night meeting was and headed out. I arrived at the Baptist Church only to find a church service…No AA meeting! A gentleman saw me in the hall looking confused. He told me that there is no meeting there on Sunday nights, but I was welcome to come in for the service…so I did. My point being, I took the opportunity that God had put in front of me for a meeting.
Guidance was presented to me in a different light and I accepted. The old me would have sworn and cursed that things didn’t go “my way” and left in a tizzy. I am very grateful for the experience, and I might even go back next Sunday! I did find out at the noon meeting today that the meeting has changed locations.
I have got myself a temporary sponsor and I am getting ready to start my step 4. My goal is to have my step 5 done by my 30th birthday! (March 19).
Please send my regards to everyone and let them know that clean life on the outside is great!
Love, NH “