Impact Statement
I still have vivid memories of the first day that I arrived at reSTART. Standing on the stairs between the kitchen and the great room, I was so doubtful of how I was possibly going to survive. It was as if I was in World War III against my OCD. My overwhelming OCD astonished the staff almost as much as the snow that day as I was not the only one who was unsure of being able to live here.
Despite the negative prospects of many people, including myself, here I am today, incredibly glad that I had stayed. Prior to coming here, I was inept in many tasks, household chores, socializing, construction, etc. Now, as far as I have noticed, I have greatly improved my skills in those areas. However, two particular tasks that I had enjoyed the most were playing the piano and riding a bicycle. I had never touched a piano, let alone play it, before reSTART. With the help of the helpful participants, I learned how to play songs that I never thought I was capable of. As with biking, the first experience, with the assistance from Gary, was one of the most exhilarating times of my life. Learning to balance on a bicycle is quite a challenge at first, especially when you are an adult. The construction projects with Gary were ample fun. Assembling a drawer, then a bunk bed, then a ramp and part of fixing/modifying the tree house; all of these skills that I have learned at reSTART mean a lot to me.
However, what I find most important is not all those abilities that I learned from reSTART, but rather the extremely supportive people who run reSTART. From all the staff members, to my fellow peers, to the animals; without them, I do not think I would have made it where I am today. As a result, I would like to devote the rest of my paper thanking each and every one.
First, I am very very grateful for all that Cosette has done for me, from making adjustments to accommodate my OCD, to being largely responsible for my staying at reSTART another session. Her kind and altruistic spirit has truly affected many profoundly. Gary…hmmm…ummm…uhhh…nothing to say; just kidding, just kidding. I thank Gary for being a hilarious Noob, LOL. Thanks for teaching me how to bike and how to construct wonderful creations (and also destroying them while we’re at it).
I’d also like to thank Linda, Hilarie, Ann, Stephanie, Jens and Lauren for their therapy and excellent advice. I’d like to thank Peyton for being a supportive trainer and Camden for being an awesome friend and crossfit partner. I’d also like to thank Brooke and her friends for hanging out and playing games weekly.
Big thanks goes to my current peers: Jun, for teaching me piano and being a SUPER NOOB friend LOLOLOL, and M., J., C. and J. for being cool and hanging out with me. Of course, I thank the ones who I’ve met and had already restarted their lives before me.
Last, but not the least, thanks to the pets who accompanied me through this whole journey; Dakota, Jitters, the goldfish twins, the chickens, and the doves. LOL, wait, I’d also like to thank Brenda, Julie and Lindsey for the housekeeping during certain times and also hug thanks to Nanette for her wonderful cooking (although I’ve never really eaten any, LOL).
Anyway, all of you are an integral part of reSTART because without supportive people like you, reSTART simply wouldn’t be the place that I’ve known to be the awesomeness. And Gary, on a last note….I hope Crossfit goes well today, because I want it that wayyyyy. LOL.
Former reSTART client
Spring 2011
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