MANSFIELD, OH — Last fall, a moment at a public prayer gathering changed everything for one local father.
“I was high as a kite when I ran into my kids at the gazebo,” he recalls. “The look on their faces—the disappointment. That ‘Dad’s at it again’ look—it broke my heart.”
That was the turning point. The very next day, he entered addiction treatment. He hasn’t used since.
Now, just months later, he’s regained custody of his son, started college, and is sharing his story in hopes of helping others find hope and healing.
“I Never Meant to Be an Absent Parent”
Watch: A father. A second chance. A story of redemption you’ll never forget
After more than two decades battling addiction, he’s determined to rewrite his story—not just for himself, but for his children.
“I was never there when they needed me,” he says. “I never meant to hurt them. I just hope they know I always loved them, even when I didn’t love myself.”
Today, his son goes to church with him. Their relationship is healing—something he never thought possible in the depths of his addiction.
Recovery Fueled by Faith
He credits his transformation to faith and the people who believed in him when he couldn’t believe in himself.
“None of this would’ve happened without God. He opened doors no man or woman could,” he says. “And He gave me a second chance.”
That second chance came after a near-fatal experience. Four years ago, after injecting meth, he suffered a ruptured aortic valve and a stroke. Doctors weren’t sure he’d survive.
“But by the grace of God, I’m here,” he says. “And I don’t take that for granted.”
“My Past Doesn’t Define Me Anymore”
He’s now in his second year of college, pursuing an associate degree in Allied Health Sciences—his inspiration drawn from the very doctor who saved his life.
“I want to help others like he helped me,” he says. “And show that recovery is possible.”
His experience at BrightView has been a crucial part of that journey. “I remember my first day—I was in full-blown withdrawal,” he says. “They gave me a blanket and let me rest. Those first three days changed my life.”
A Message for Others Still Struggling
For those still in active addiction, he has one message:
“If you get knocked down, get back up. Hold your head high. There’s a better life waiting—and you are worth it.”
He pauses, then smiles.
“My past doesn’t define me. I’m a changed man. I love my life today.”