As I look back on my childhood and the events that brought me to Hope Harbor (formerly Laurel House) I really have a tough time wrapping my head around it all. Was I acting out because of my drug addicted mom or was I just going through typical adolescent boy stuff? Perhaps I was upset with the hard time I was having in school because of dyslexia, which in the late 80s/early 90s wasn’t very common and very frustrating to go through. It could have been my dad getting remarried and having everything change from the way I lived. Whatever the reason, I ended up at Hope Harbor… and I am glad I did.
There was never a time where I went without something I needed during my stay. The meals were delicious, and the holidays were so memorable, especially Christmas, I was given so much. Some of my favorite memories include going to the river with the church, and spending the weekend in a cabin. Also taking trips to places like Six Flags, Knott’s Berry Farm, Disneyland, Arizona, and even late night Del taco runs. I loved driving through the foothills and one-on-one basketball games with Steve (which I always won by the way). It truly sounds like a summer camp, doesn’t it? Yet, it is way more.
I am now grown up, married with children of my own and they are the world to me. Through it all, I’ve never left Hope Harbor. Steve and Donna have been there for me every step of the way. That’s the incredible love I mentioned before. Hope Harbor is a family and I’m glad it’s mine.