Feb. 8, 2008
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