“I remember speaking with Camille by phone. I remember how warm, gentle and understanding her voice sounded. I remember the weight of my unbearable shame, guilt and fear. I remember her saying “D, you will feel better once you get here”. I remember my disbelief and skepticism.
Nearly a year later, I feel transformed. My mind is clearer, my body and soul healthier. I am filled with so many beautiful memories and valuable lessons from my time at Avery Lane. And I have no doubt that the best decision I have made in my adult life was to listen to Camille on that awfully lonely and grey November day.
I spent 60 days at Avery Lane’s beautiful house with 6 other ladies at the end of 2017. We woke up every morning together, ate together, took our meds together, drove to the center together, cried and laughed together. I owe so much to these ladies and have managed to stay in touch with some of them. But I arguably owe even more to the staff, counselors, therapists, nurses, doctors and our amazing chefs (!) at Avery Lane….I think I will be forever indebted to them. I grew and healed in ways I didn’t think possible. And after leaving the inpatient program, I spent 4 months as an outpatient.
I can only say that seeking help is the first big step. I am so grateful to have found the team at Avery Lane…this past year has been far from easy or simple. I’ve had my moments of doubt, crisis, despair, loneliness…. but in each of those instances I had an incredible group of women to help me through my journey…reminding me of the many tools at my disposal, the strength of my soul and the freedom that comes when you face your worst fears.
Everyone has their own personal demons, trials, tribulations, past and present. I can only say that seeking help is the first big step. I am so grateful to have found the team at Avery Lane…this past year has been far from easy or simple. I’ve had my moments of doubt, crisis, despair, loneliness…. but in each of those instances I had an incredible group of women to help me through my journey…reminding me of the many tools at my disposal, the strength of my soul and the freedom that comes when you face your worst fears.
Thank you – each and every one of you. I know that this is only the beginning of my recovery, and I’ve never been more excited to wake up every day with gratitude and courage to live a life and be a person I’m proud of.
To all the ladies struggling out there – take that first step. Make that call. Pack some comfy clothes – along with all the patience and open-mindedness you can muster. I can promise you it will NOT be easy but it WILL be worth it. Try not to worry about time or money – this is the most important investment you’ll make.”
D.R.
Avery Lane Alumni