Dear Dr. Archer,
My story began in 1974. I had normal dreams, just like any teen. Dreams of becoming a professional baseball player were gone when I found out my girlfriend was pregnant.
We were both 17 years old. I was depressed, but she had the baby and we were happy. We got married, and shortly after I still had hopes of playing ball, but God had other plans for me.
At 18, I was called into the ministry. I was a very caring and loving husband and father. Two years later, the moment I left the church I was in a very bad car accident. My passenger was a guy I worked with.
The car was so mangled authorities said they didn't know how we survived. I whispered "thank you" to God. I was running from God and that's when I started doing cocaine. I became very violent and unfaithful.
This went on for more than thirty years until one night I fell asleep and woke up in hell. What I saw and heard caused my life to change forever.
I believe that I would be a great guest on any show because God has given me the tools to give to others what they need to be drug free and live a productive life.
Willie
Dear Willie,
One thing about life; we never know what tomorrow will bring. Dreams of being a professional baseball player were replaced by becoming a father, with all the joys and challenges that brings.
You're not the first, and you won't be the last, to fall to the addiction of cocaine. What makes you a success is that you could have given up on life when you were 20. You persevered, however, and were able to overcome your addiction.
The lesson is that no matter how miserably, horrifically, terribly we screw up, there is always, ALWAYS a chance to turn it around. I leave you with this quote from "Cold Mountain”: No matter what a waste one has made of one's life, it is ever possible to find some path to redemption, however partial.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I wish a bright future for you and your family.
Dr. Archer
