The Day I Saw An Angel

This 320 lb. daily drinker saw her message of hope on the morning news and has not had a drink since (and lost 100 lbs!)

On Sunday, June 19th 2005, I was sitting in my living room and I saw an angel on the KUSI morning news. She was talking about Be Totally Free! Not just about of being free from drinking, but also from eating disorders, phobias, fears, etc.

Well, as I sat there having a drink at 8 am, weighting 320 lbs, I really didn't remember much but her face and her talking about being free. I jotted down the phone number and called right away. To my surprise, she returned my call and after talking for a short while, she offered to meet with me that morning. Since I’d been drinking, I asked her to meet at a coffee house on the corner near my apartment. Even though she had to change her plans for the day (by the way it was Fathers Day) she was happy to do it. She called when she was close for more directions; I then walked to the coffee house. When she drove up, I recognized her face. I walked to her car and when she got out she introduced herself. She couldn't have weighed more then 100 lbs. I hugged her; I didn't want to let go. To my surprise, she hugged me just as tight and did not let go of me either. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT HUG.

Well, we went into the shop and talked for a while, me spilling my guts and crying. She sat there listening, not judging, just understanding and telling me this can all go away.

She gave me a brochure with the website, her cell phone number, and Roy’s phone number. I went home, opened the website, and called Roy right away. We had a 3-way call with Roy, my angel, and me. Well, he said he was happy that I called but he wanted me to read the website first and call back if I wanted to. WELL! I was a bit upset - I was reaching out for help and he was telling me to read a website!! After stomping around a bit and swearing, I finally sat down and read some of the site. I called back; we again had a 3-way on the phone. He talked; I cried. He spoke to me with so much love and caring. After talking for a while he said "I am coming to San Diego NOW!” (He was in Los Angeles.) Two hours later he arrived. We talked for a long while.

That evening they took me to meet with others that also were looking to get well. Boy, was I a sight (by this time I was coming down). I was sweating like crazy, shaking like a leaf in a strong wind! We talked for about another hour. I was not feeling too good but did manage to keep it together.

Then I finally went outside and tossed my cookies. I was so embarrassed but they only treated me with love and care. They told me that I would never have to feel like that again.

They were right. A lot has happened since that day 11 months ago. For one thing, I’ve lost over 100 lbs and am still losing weight. The weight loss has been effortless. The first week of receiving their help I overcame my phobia of driving on busy streets and now drive everywhere without any fear. I transferred my job to Los Angeles so I could continue to get the care I need to recover. The love and experience that Roy has given me has helped me to face the pain, shame, and guilt of my past. I’m becoming a new person, one that I don’t have to medicate with alcohol, food, and sex. I’m getting ready for a career change so that I can earn an income that matches my new self-esteem. I am so grateful.