Reaching Out

I am looking forward to seeing you at our opening event! Our board joined forces to open this Foundation in memory of Christopher Squier, our son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandson, and friend. He fought his addiction finding recovery in the wilderness.

When he left his work in the wilderness, he began working with children on the autism spectrum. He loved supporting the children. He taught me, personally, that it’s important to be at someone’s level when they are breaking down. Literally at someone’s level. I used his practice recently with one of my grandchildren who was having a fit. She was down on the floor crying and not happy. I got on the floor with her and began crying with her while asking her how I could help her. She said, “grandma what are you doing, I’m down here”. I let her know I would stay with her until she felt she could get up. She was up only moments later, hugging me.

Chris taught me getting on someone’s level matters. It helps them to remember that they matter. This is the finest form of recovery. In the 12 step programs, the 12 step says, “carry this message to others…”. Be available, be open and reach out. When someone is struggling, the phone weighs a thousand pounds, but answering a call is easy. Reaching out to someone who is struggling matters.

For me, it’s important to talk about addiction and mental illness. It’s not something to be hidden or shushed under the carpet. Talking about these illnesses brings them into the light and allows others an opportunity to find help. If we keep secrets, we only stay sick and contribute to the illness.

I hope our foundation will allow for open discussion about addiction and opportunities available for recovery. I hope we can provide help for your families recovery and an opportunity to become a successful part of society.