I had a good childhood with good parents. We moved several times and I made friends easy. I was raised with manners, respect and basic morals such as; “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all”, “If it’s not yours don’t touch it” and we didn’t litter. I was loved, supported and had healthy self esteem. I was a good girl and got good grades in school. I was not, however, raised with church, God or Jesus.
I started to dabble in alcohol around the age of 16. I was told by my family that being German and Irish that we were born to drink and I was taught to drink “responsibly.” I didn’t smoke pot until I was a senior in high school and I was a virgin until I was 19. At that point, the world got ahold of me and I liked it a lot. Drugs, drinking, sex and rock-n-roll.
That way of life continued for about 6 years while I kept a job and functioned. I met who would become my husband when I was 24. He was a guitar player and handyman. We enjoyed what the world had to offer and functioned in it for several years. We had 3 happy, healthy, loved children.
My husband developed several illnesses and physical issues and the worse he got, the worse our drinking and drug use got. He eventually passed away in 2016. I spiraled out of control for a few months but was put in Bristol Drug Court for a probation violation of a positive drug screen. I faced 3 years in prison so I took it serious while it lasted. Upon graduation, I went right back to what I “liked.”
My husband fought for his disability for 6 years. They awarded it to him a year after he passed. I was still in Drug Court at the time and used the money wisely. I paid off my restitution, court costs, fines and bought an old truck and an old trailer.
The truck was totaled a year later through no fault of mine and I ended up getting and paying off another vehicle. While working and trying to fix up my trailer, I was juggling substances to get things done.
I started getting tickets for an expired inspection sticker, so I was driving while dark and sneaking around, making it to work, the weed store and the liquor store.
I got my one and only DUI while parked in July of 2024. They took my license and I never went to the DMV to get an ID. I continued to drive but the anxiety was eating me up. With no ID, I couldn’t go to the weed store but I could still go the liquor store after dark and they didn’t card me because I was a regular.
By this point I was drinking 24/7 and was still working but in October my tags were going to expire and I just started giving up. I was in an alcoholic shame cycle and couldn’t get out. I called out of work for 2 days and then didn’t go in for 2 more days. I don’t remember those 2 days or the following few days.
My boss of 10 years who loves me, called my son who came and kicked my door in and called an ambulance. I spent 2 days in the hospital with acute alcohol poisoning. My options were very limited and apparently I was offered RSM, signed some papers and Ms Kandy picked me up November 22, 2024.
RSM had not worked with my hospital before and didn’t know the lady who called for me. It was all God working miracles. I didn’t know Him so I didn’t beg Him to save me but He had a plan and a purpose for my life so He worked through people that love me to save my physical life. He pulled me out of my pit. It was all God!
4 days after coming to RSM, at the age of 60, I had an encounter with God and I gave myself to Him. I allowed Jesus to be the Lord and leader of my life. I knew it was the missing piece of my life I had always looked for but could never find on my own. Now my spiritual life has been saved.
It has been so amazing. The forgiveness, redemption, healing, visions, prayer language, answered prayers and miracles. Not only in my life but my family’s too. I will spend the rest of my life serving God and others. I will testify, witness and shine His light!
Find help today →This testimony reflects Suzanne’s own experience. Every person’s journey is different.