Chris' Story
On August 29th, 2022, I entered Simon House Recovery Center, arriving completely broken, an empty shell. I wasn't just losing my life; I was on the verge of losing my heart, my twin 6-year-old girls.
I thought I had hit rock bottom when I woke up in the hospital after a knife attack, but I soon realized that my true bottom was yet to come. Two weeks into my stay at Simon House, a Family Services worker served me with papers for a full custody order, a PGO (Permanent Guardianship Order). That day, a switch flipped, not because of what I did, but because of what the staff did. I didn't know how to ask for help, why I needed to seek help, or who to turn to. I was embraced with love in its purest form. There was zero judgment, and no one put me down because of my past or the real possibility of losing my children.
At Simon House, I learned that it's okay to be vulnerable, to cry, and to ask for help. It's okay for fathers to ask for help. The staff, clients, and alumni at Simon House provided me with the answers I needed – they showed me the "how," "why," "who," and "what." The beautiful realization that I wasn't alone came on my darkest day. There were others who knew exactly what I was going through, others who had been through the same struggles.
Today, I am a daddy again, and I now know that it's okay for fathers to ask for help. I can also show my girls that it's okay to seek help, especially when they don't know why they need it. My life today is far from easy, and I still face struggles and internal battles. My triggers are always there, front and center. But now, I have the answers.
The spiritual toolkit bestowed upon me by the staff, clients, and alumni, through the indigenous programming at Simon House, has been a blessing. I've learned about the 7 sacred teachings, smudging, healing circles, drum circles, sewing circles, pow wows, and sweat lodges. I have reconnected with my spirit. With these spiritual tools, I ask for help, communicate my feelings, and reach out to my network for guidance and support. I use my medicine wheels to guide all aspects of my life and to be the daddy my girls need.
Today, I am no longer in doubt. Today, I have answers. Today, I know I am not alone. Today, I know the Creator. Thank you, Simon House, Simon House Alumni, and all others connected to Simon House, for your open door, non-judgmental approach, and love. I now know the "who," "what," "why," and "how." I know it's perfectly okay to be myself, to be vulnerable, and to ask for help. It's very okay for fathers to ask for help.
Many blessings.
— Chris