8-14-06

Melinda, Jessica, & Stephanie,

My life before SPIRIT was a dark, cold, and lonely place. I was drifting aimlessly. Lost, broken, and alone. But most of all, my life was devoid of hope.

When I started SPIRIT, I was sick with nerves. I think that lasted a few days, and then I started learning. The resource information was only a small part of it – most of what I learned was what was inside me.

I never knew I had such tolerance, patience, empathy, humor, talent, and a nearly inexhaustible capacity for friendship. One of the most painful, crippling, difficult parts of living with mental illness is the isolation and loneliness. SPIRIT is a miracle elixir of hope and fellowship. For the first time I can ever remember, I had found a place of support and loving acceptance.

Now our class is coming to an end, and I am nervous again. But this time it's different. It's an excited, optimistic feeling. I know without a shadow of a doubt that, though class is ending, the community of support is not gone.

I know I will never again be hopeless. I will never again be alone. I will never again be afraid. And I will never be the same.

Sincerely, and with all my heart, I thank you.

Class of Summer 2006