God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.
I find myself saying the serenity prayer to myself over and over again throughout the day. The serenity prayer is something that my Father lived by daily. I can't help but look everywhere in this house and be reminded of the prayer and my Father. The past couple days have been really tough for me. Just those days where I just want to lay on the couch, curl up in a ball and cry. I thought to myself when I got up today, maybe I'll tell why my Father is such a special person on my blog. I had to make myself get on here, I really don't want to. I'm hoping that by forcing myself to do this I'll feel better, at least for today.
I know every Daddy's girl, thinks there Dad's special, but mine truly is, in more ways then one. He has helped hundreds of people that might not be here today, if it weren't for him. November of this past year, 2007, my Father celebrated fifteen years clean of drugs and alcohol. He is a member of NA, narcotics anonymous. Over 12 years ago my Father started "A Vision of Hope." What is a Vision of Hope you ask? It was and is my Father's vision to help other addicts. He has owned many but currently owns two recovery houses, these houses are a part of his vision of hope. A lot of recovery houses are just party houses, pretty much. Not my Dads. He has rules and was tough, but you know what? It works. Sure there's plenty of relapses but he has the best success rate for those that actually stay clean. I knew my Father has helped lots of people, but I had NO IDEA how many until all of this. It is amazing! The viewings were packed and when I got up to speak at his funeral and saw how far back the room went and how jam packed it was, it took my breathe away. I can't even begin to tell you all the people that came up to me and told me how my Father has changed their life and how he helped them overcome their vices. Some had 10 years clean, some only a month, but he had impacted their lives in one way or another. It was very obvious at his viewing and funeral that he was a power of example for many.
I'll tell you more later. That's all that I'll up for right now.
ETA: I keep getting emails about it and keep forgetting to post it so here's the information for anyone wanting to make a contribution. I am just copying and pasting from his obituary.
In lieu of flowers, contribution may be made to UMBF/Shock Trauma Center 100 N. Greene Street, Suite 600 Baltimore, MD 21201. In honor of William Szymanski.
Thank you all so much!
That is a wonderful story about your Dad. Thanks for sharing and I hope it made you feel a little better.
Posted by: Davean | March 25, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Thanks for sharing your stories about your Dad. He was a great man!!!!!!!
Posted by: Carol (scrappygirl) | March 25, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Really amazing.
Posted by: Meg Feroli | March 25, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Katie, that is a beautiful story!! Thanks for sharing with us and by doing so I pray that it gives you comfort. Hugs!
Posted by: KimM | March 26, 2008 at 06:29 AM
Katie: I too am a great believer in the Serenity Prayer. I am an addictions counselor and my father has been in recovery for forty years. Amazing the strong ties we have with those that our father's both reached out and helped. I know that you will need time to heal, but keep your strong faith and continue to say the serenity prayer as many times as it takes to get you through the day! Hugs to you and your family! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Posted by: Jocelyn | March 26, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Oh I am so sorry for your loss, what a great thing to share. It is so nice to hear about the good in the world. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Posted by: scrapfairy | March 27, 2008 at 02:47 PM