My wife and I have been meaning to contact the Orchard and thank you all so very, very much for all you did for our son, Colter. He has done absolutely fabulously and is still very much 'clean'. More importantly he recognizes where he was and where he is now and for the first time in his life tells us he is proud of himself - in many ways, but certainly proud of what he accomplished at your center.
As a 'spin off', his roofing crew he has working for him have all quit alcohol and drugs (mind you he has threatened to fire them if they continued) and some of Colt's other roofing buddies have also joined the change, so your efforts have certainly had a ripple effect.
Anyway, we thank you for not just giving us Colter back, but a much better and healthier one!
Sincerely
Shane, BC

It is a blessing to be of service, to change the planet one person at a time. Words cannot express my gratitude to each one of you and how you have all touched me and helped me to become more of myself. Thank you so much for all your support and guidance. I will forever remember this part of my journey. God bless!
Katherine L., Arizona

Last night our baby boy was born, all 7 lbs 12 oz of him, arriving at 11:34 pm Sept 17. He and his mummy are doing great. All the work towards getting clean was worth it for that experience. Not so long ago most people had written me off for attaining sobriety. A lifer for relapses. A number of years ago the doctors told me my chances of having a biological child were extremely slim. Through a loving God, through which all things are possible, perseverance and dedication to change, and a commitment towards a goal, I now sit at 20 months clean and the proud father of a one day old baby. Those who say there are no miracles do not know what they are talking about. I'll send along pics one day soon.
Jeremy, Vancouver

I find myself in tears from time to time as an answer to the emptiness and misery in my life seems to be materializing. Although still somewhat elusive, it is there and that is a milestone and a miracle. My recovery has been slow but fairly steady with some dips and stalls along the way.

I often reflect on the gratitude that I feel for my stay at the Orchard. Gratitude for being heard with empathy, sincerity and benevolence. I felt a genuine nurturing concern for my emotional and physical wellbeing by all the staff. I cannot express enough how important that was and how it carried me from day to day in that difficult time.

Sincerely,
Max, White Rock, BC

When I arrived at the Orchard I felt very welcome. Everyone was so nice and helpful. My friends see a big difference in me and that is because of all your staff, the good seminars & meetings. Buckets of thanks.
Lynne - Vancouver, BC

Thanks to you and everyone at the Orchard I'm clean and sober today. Without all your support I could be out there still dying. I know I'm the one who has to do the work to get it, but you and all the staff gave me what I needed in my first 6 months. It gave me the foundation I needed. I'm forever grateful! Don't worry I'm still grinning out here in Calgary :) Miss you!
Lauren - Alberta

Hope all is well at the Orchard and with you and your family. I wanted to send you a quick note as I have 6 months today!! All is well, no cravings or any urge to drink. I am running our Wednesday meetings and I am in a step group as well as a big book study. I have a sponsor. Anyway just wanted to say thanks again for all the support and guidance you gave me Daryl, happy wednesday.
Shelley, Kelowna, BC

I can't express deeply enough the profound influence and impact the O has had on my recovery and my life. Not a day goes by that I don't think about the O or my time there in some regard. I wish there was some way I could come back up there, but I know everything happens when it is supposed to, and not necessarily when I want it to, so when that time does come.... thank you again and please pass along to everyone my holiday greetings and well wishes!
Dave, New Jersey

Hi, I was in your program in Nov-Dec 2004. I loved it, loved what I learned and love being sober. I struggled for a few months after coming home, but have now been sober for close to 3 years, have two beautiful kids and am very happy. My husband shares my sobriety date and is very involved in the program. I think of the Orchard often, I still do my Qigong sometimes and wonder about those in my cohort.
Daryl was my counseler and I thank him and everyone at the Orchard - what a beautiful place.
Ali S., California

...those that are here to heal, will. The beauty of the Orchard is that it is all here for the taking. The wise ones will absorb what is useful - the tools, and discard what is not - addiction and resentment, and add what is uniquely their own and Learn, Love, Laugh, Live and Walk on. I am able to do those things today only because of what I learned here. Thank you for helping me save my life.
Jonathan P. - Vancouver, BC

I don’t have words to express my gratitude to the Orchard. After 50 years of searching, I finally can see myself and like myself.
Susi – Victoria, BC

Hey everyone. I just wanted to take the time to thank you for giving me the jumpstart in my path to recovery. Being at the Orchard was probably the best experience i've had in life. The bonds i've created with clients there have grown stronger here in the bigger bubble. My last night at the "O" I stared at the ceiling in bed, cried and laughed at the same time, and thanked whatever force landed me into your arms. I'm back at home living with my family rebuilding trust, restarting the steps with a sponsor, following my music career, and working a great job. I couldn't have imagined when I walked through your doors I would be leaving them with such potential ahead of me. Words can't express, only actions. Never the less...thank you. Truly.
John C. - Vancouver, BC

I'm writing to say thank you for giving me the skills to live a real life. It has been three years since I was there and my life is blessed. I was given the skills to be a productive member of society and more importantly the skills to be a good mother. My son J-- is now two and he is doing well. If it wasn't for you guys I don't know what kind of a mother I would be or if my son would be a part of my life. I will be eternally grateful to all the staff at the Orchard. Thank you.
Kate – Vancouver, BC

Well HELLO everyone....
I hope the day finds you all well.
I am just sending this note to inform you that in just a couple of days I will have reached a year alcohol free! I could not have done this without the special help of…all the wonderful staff too numerous to name. You have a superb program and I am sure you are all proud. I reflect back daily and ask how I let this horrible disease get it's grip on me. Well, not anymore or ever again!
I want to thank my wife, who drank rarely, but quit anyway to lend support.
Take care all, and THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.
Terry E. – Vancouver, BC

I can’t believe its almost 6 months since I was at the Orchard. I think of everyone often. I know for me I had to get past thinking I was a failure because of being to other treatment centers and not staying sober and going to the Orchard getting the help I needed so I could be the person and the grandma I knew I could be. I have been able to watch my little granddaughter so that is truly a joy and is only because I’m sober. I am really thankful for the Orchard, as are my family.
Elaine C.

I would like to thank all the staff for all their support in assisting me in my sobriety and all the words of wisdom. Please continue to keep it real!
Cheryl B., Lower Mainland, BC

After discovering the limitations and narrow vision that I lived with when I came to Bowen 16 months ago I look back at my time there. I was in a situation no different than a wild mustang in a small corral rejecting or seeing any new ideas. Your program allowed me to pause and see the corral of alcohol, pain killers, and depression that circled around me. Your efforts over the course of a few weeks showed me where the gate was. I now had simple choice to stay in that familiar small world or take the 1st step out into new territory where my strong will is of no use.
I know that corral will always exist and always be the same, but if the choice of freedom from it is offered I'll take it even if I don't know the trail very well.
Thank's for opening the gate!
Mark - Colorado

Hi all. I just wanted to say thank you for the second chance at life you have given me. I never would have guessed how much my life could have improved by learning what you all have taught me. My family is very happy with the changes I've made. My family and friends are so proud of me as I am also. To admit defeat and surrender to drugs and alcohol takes a strong person. I used to worry what people would think of me being an "addict" most didn't know and were completely shocked that I had to go and get help. The people I used to drink and drug with all respect me and do not come over with drinks or drugs, nor do they call or come over intoxicated. We still talk and some have been by for a cup of tea or hot chocolate. My sons have both improved their marks in school and have also improved in sports. I never realized how much I was negatively affecting their lives. We do readings and checkout every night, they love it. I bought a book called "The Secret", also a "Secret" gratitude book, very good reading. My marriage which was over when I came to the Orchard, has now blossomed into a new loving relationship. My wife still does not admit she trusts me yet but I think she is well on the way as she sees the changes in me. Everyday I say the serenity prayer, take time to think before I speak and am able to control my thoughts. I am able to catch myself if I start to get irritated or frustrated, I have also told my wife and kids to call me on it if they see I am getting frustrated. I am very grateful for everyone and everything in my life, including you all at the Orchard. If you feel this letter will be helpful to someone who is struggling in recovery please read it to them. Thanks once again.
Brad - Alberta

Not sure if you people are aware of my sobriety date, it is actually Feb 29th, but I will celebrate on Mar. 1st, taking my one year cake at FOOC (Friends of the Orchard Calgary Meeting) on March 5. It's been a very tough time since I left the Orchard July 07, so many peaks and valleys and relapses of course, but without my experience there, I'm not sure where I would be. You people taught me the tools that I needed to use to get out of the relapses. And the support from there and alumni all over is overwhelming. I love the family you began. I actually feel privileged to be a part of the Orchard family. The staff, well you couldn't find better, nicer, more supportive people. And I met some pretty good friends there too. All other attempts failed, or I failed to be willing to surrender. It's so great to be sober.
Janice - Calgary, Alberta