The YMCA took the place of drugs in my life and gave me the mental strength for the long road ahead of me. It's taken lots of hard work, but I am proving to my son that I meant what I said when I told him I was getting clean. I have been sober for 4 years and I'm in the right frame of mind to be a dad again.
As a youngster, I never had the chance to go to the Y, but I can see what a positive effect an environment like this can be for kids and grown-ups alike.
I am a bit imposing looking, so it took a while, but the members and staff at the Y eventually warmed up to me and the "regulars" and I would chat during my workouts. One of your Personal Trainers in particular, Wendy (Parsons), has been a great mentor to me and a pool of knowledge when I had questions about my workouts. She noticed how hard I worked and acknowledged the boundaries I was overcoming in my workouts and my life.
Wendy and the Y members have been really great to me and the other guys in my sober living facility. I can't thank the Ridgedale YMCA enough for being a part of my community and giving guys like me a chance to be our best. The facility is clean and well-maintained and the team is top shelf.
I want to thank the Ridgedale Y for showing kindness towards people who may be down on their luck.
A friend of the Y for life,
Daniel