Chris,

I just wanted to send a letter to keep you updated on my life since the last email you received from me (see attached). As you know, my philosophy is that life is a journey not a destination. Having been to Passages and followed the drug treatment program as it was defined, I can honestly say now that my life is free from any substances which was prohibiting my journey to continue.

I continue to face normal life challenges that come my way, as we all do, however I no longer get that cloud or feeling that would take over my decision making and put me into that "auto pilot mode" to use drugs as a way to hide from my fears and recent deaths of my family members. Audrey, Mark, Nancy, Carrie, Mary & others [drug treatment staff] were able to uncover my "Black Cat" that I wasn"t able to realize on my own. This triumphant "Black Cat" discovery took me back to when I was 3 years old. The feeling of anxiety, rapid heart beat, tight stomach, and being out of control is no longer a feeling I get. That feeling is now long gone, I no longer experience it, thus drugs are no longer an option for me. It"s that simple, not a work load of itineraries to follow but simply an application of a guy who walked into your drug treatment program, surrendering he put his hands up and replied, "it"s my turn". I am now able to continue my journey (without the possibility of self induced destruction/death).

My climb up the mountain of life searching for a peak that does not exist will continue forever. As you would say, way to go, I say ways to go.

Thanks again to your entire staff,
Dxxxx


Dear Chris,

I have wanted to thank you once again-and again-and for the rest of my life-thank you for saving my life!!!!!!!! You are truly a remarkable person, gifted and blessed you are, but the facts are this: how many people have used the expression," you saved my life"? In jest, we all have said this, but my reason remains. I was barely alive two years ago when I came to Passages, and because of your human compassion to my near death, you showed me the way, gave me the tools in life to be sober and comfortable in my skin. I will never forget my drug treatment program at Passages, and how you showed me the path, and the way it could all be done. I thought you where a very insane man, but my word! All I needed to do was look in a mirror, and well, I was the one who was insane! You are a man that has inspired me to help others as you have done. When I was a little boy, I thought the Wizard of Oz lived in the emerald city; he really never did. I found this out as a grown man. He resides in an upscale seaside community called Malibu, and I know him quite well; his name is Chris Prentiss, the Wizard of Oz, of Malibu, California. I will never ever stop thanking you!!!!!! I have truly the most wonderful life now-for the first time in my forty-four years-finding peace in my soul-a healing of my body, mind and soul. Stay in touch forever. I cannot wait until the reunion.

My Very Best,
XXXXXX


Dear Chris and Pax,

Thanks for everything. I am like a newborn. Experiencing new things every day. Making dumb mistakes every day. But life is wonderful. Even as I learn at age 44 what it means to live...

XXXXXXXX


Dear friends at Passages,

I am with each of you in spirit as I take my first sober vacation with family in years!!! I am feeling great and doing well. I send my love and positive vibes.

Ciao baby from Vancouver,
XXXXXXXX


Dear Passages,

You have gently pushed me and pulled me, driven me and escorted me. You have talked to me and listened to me, cooked for me and cleaned up after me. You've massaged me, pricked me with needles, drawn my blood and tested my urine. You've awakened me, reminded me of meetings, consoled me and encouraged me. You have awakened my mind, my heart and my spirit. You've acted like my mother, my father, my friend and teacher. You are my doctor, my nurse and my spiritual guide. You have taught me to whisper to horses and work as a team. You have even hypnotized me and warmed my chakras. I leave a balanced whole being, feeling hopeful and centered because of all you have done in my life. I will miss you and remember you always. I leave here with joy in my heart. Thank you.


Dear Passages,

You are to be commended for your courage and the great work you do with addicts and alcoholics. I read your book "The Alcoholism & Addiction Cure" and will share the second chapter with my Confirmation students. I believe that this chapter can make a great documentary film and educate many youngsters not to get involved with drugs. In Judaism we define your work as a real Mitzvah or as Tikun Olam a€“repairing the world! For all your contribution you deserve an award!

Thanks again.


To the Kid's at Passages,

Wow! I can't believe I'm done wintering in Malibu. Each of you has shared a huge part of your souls with me, and I thank you for that and so does my little buddy. Passages has brought me to another level that was needed for myself to develop as a positive person. Passages helped me find my inner self to deal with my drug problem. And I thank each of the staff and clients for that, here at Passages. Passages has brought out the person I want and strive to be. I believe I was put on this planet to prove myself and strive within myself. I know I can do that now. To the whole team here, a final thank you and a promise to live my life to the fullest.

Till next time,
Love, Ross


Dear Chris,

I recently read your book and was thrilled to learn of what you and your son have accomplished! It was so inspiring! For several years, I have researched everything I could about alcholism and addictions, trying to help my ex-husband. Eventually, I realized that there was more to it than what AA and other places were addressing. While I have tried to share what I have learned with him, he has not yet found it in himself to stop drinking. I wish there was a drug treatment center like yours near us as I am sure it would help him. But I told him that I would meet with him once a week and we would read and discuss things from your book. I believe it will aid him in his journey. I plan to open an agency of my own in the near future, to help troubled children find themselves through music, art, and dance. Also, counseling to understand how they really feel and what they need. So, many of your thoughts and ideas will be helpful to me. Thank you.

God Bless,
K.M


Dear Chris & Pax,

Reading this book is like medicine. It has transformed my perceptions so I can be free to live and learn. I also believe this book will revolutionize the concept of recovery. No longer will it be a slow hopeless process but I now see it as a transformational journey and a powerful step in our evolution.