One of the darkest moments of my life brought me back to the very place where my story began.
I was hospitalized at Herrick Hospital in Berkeley for alcohol poisoning. The irony wasn’t lost on me. It was the same hospital where I was born, and years later, the same hospital where I stood beside my father and made the heartbreaking decision to remove life support after his battle with cocaine addiction.
As I lay in that hospital bed, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I was conflicted, scared, and forced to confront the reality of my own mortality. I knew something had to change.
Continue reading Chapter 9
The doctors told me I was fortunate. Despite years of alcohol abuse, there was no significant damage to my liver. They gave me a warning that I will never forget: “You should never drink alcohol again.”
For three days, I remained in that hospital reflecting on my life, my choices, and my future. During those moments of uncertainty, I felt the presence of God in a way I had never experienced before. I truly believe God saved me from death, damnation, and destruction.
Before I left that hospital, I made a covenant with God. I promised Him that I would never take another drink of alcohol for the rest of my life. That promise was made 26 years ago.
Through triumphs and trials, celebrations and disappointments, I have kept that promise. Not because I am perfect, but because God’s grace has been sufficient. What could have been the end of my story became the beginning of a new chapter—one marked by purpose, service, faith, and redemption.
Looking back now, I understand that the hospital room I feared would become my final destination was actually the place where God gave me a second chance at life.
