Photos and words by current client, Joe V.
While Family Weekend is a time for several clients to see their families, let old wounds heal, and, in turn, form new healthy relationships, a new family dynamic amongst clients is also apparent. The Back2Basics family consists of clients of both the six month program and the Beyond the Basics transition program, as well as staff and alumni, who find time in their busy days to attend this gathering. With good food cooked up by the clients and interns, and the noise of greetings and stories shared, the house is a buzz with action. The feeling of home and community is unmistakeable. It’s pretty amazing to see everyone involved with this program mixed together joking, laughing, and smiling.
While the disease is as serious as it gets, and life isn’t always sunshine and blue skies, it’s moments like these that make it hard not to see what sobriety is about, and the gifts it can give. Moving around Hunter House, the pathways of progress are illuminated well; clients , interns, staff, therapists, and family members talking amongst each other relating and serving as a living reminder in one way or another of where each has been and where each can go. Offering support and advice just as much as making jokes and light banter. Albeit maybe a different family, a strong caring family without a doubt.
