Over the years I’ve had many opportunities to speak at different drug treatment centers. I’ve received many letters sharing testimonies about experiences individuals had on their road to recovery.

A few years ago, I received a letter that really got my attention. It shared the following thoughts of one drug addict while spending 28 days in a treatment center:

“When I first arrived at the treatment center, I knew I had a problem. I had no idea how to help myself. I sat down on a bench and watched some squirrels playing beneath the pine trees.

Off in the distance, I saw a hawk sitting patiently on a branch. Like the life I was living, it didn’t mean much to me at the time. I just sat there and cried.

As days went by, I started to learn about myself. Then one day, I

saw a squirrel moving on the ground. He had these marks on his shoulders.

From being a hunter all my life,

I knew a hawk had grabbed this squirrel and tried to fly off with him. Somehow, this squired managed to shake loose and free him-self.

It reminded me of myself. Me being addicted, headed for certain death. By the grace of God, I somehow managed to shake myself loose from its grip.

A few days went by, and I was

feeling real sad. I thought I was

all alone. I was laying down behind a building asking God why. Just then, the same squirrel with the markings jumped up on the hand–

rail next to me and looked right at me. I knew then that was God’s way of telling me I wasn’t alone anymore. I was not unique.

A few days later, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the same hawk flying between some trees about two feet off the ground. This reminded me that my addiction is still out there, patiently waiting. That is one hawk this squirrel will never forget!”

I’ve often wondered if that person was successful in his recovery. If he didn’t forget the hawk that’s still out there, I’m sure he was.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, Inc., P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 7084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.