A Life Beyond Our Wildest Dreams
A life beyond our wildest dream dreams.
By: Dr. Alison Tarlow
Boca Recovery Center
The big book, considered by many to be the Bible of Alcoholics Anonymous, talks about the possibilities that can come to those who live a life of sobriety in the program of AA. Often quoted, many people in recovery tout the beauty of a life beyond their wildest dreams.
I am sure that to those new to recovery, as well as those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs, this notion seems preposterous. Let’s be real for a minute here! What amazing possibilities can await us as a result of getting sober? Many who have struggled with addiction also know only a life full of difficulties: trauma and abuse; legal issues; incarceration; complete financial devastation; estranged family members. How is it possible to move from the wreckage of the past into a future beyond our wildest dreams?
Ryan Montgomery, at the age of 25, is the CEO of Boca Recovery Center. In learning about his story, Ryan began his using at the age of 12. By 13, he was taking the bus to Kensington, a drug-infested area of Philadelphia, where he would score himself bags of dope. The next few years were filled with criminal behavior, multiple arrests, and stretches of incarceration. The future was not looking bright for Ryan. In addition, Ryan’s family tree was filled with stories of addiction, trauma, and tragedy. To say that the odds were stacked against him would be a gross understatement. And yet, somehow, Ryan broke out of the mold, and at the age of 25 he is now the epitome of a successful entrepreneur. Ryan moved to California, where he used his skills to develop businesses that put to use his innate ability for computer programming / internet marketing. Before long, a gentleman on the east coast, Christopher Ferry, heard about Ryan’s internet abilities, and contacted him from Florida about working together on various business projects. Ryan flew to Florida, and immediately, Ryan and Christopher formed a business relationship that would bring them both to great friendship and success. Two years ago, Chris and Ryan opened Boca Recovery Center, and now Ryan can be found every day, sitting behind his desk at the office, operating as the CEO of the company. In his down time, Ryan enjoys a quiet life at his home in Delray Beach, with his bulldog, Ollie. Still in touch with his inner child, Ryan loves to fly drones, drive ATV’s, play video games, and skateboard. But make no mistake, Ryan has the mind of a genius and the heart of an old soul. He has a tremendous love and care for his family relationships, as well as his staff at Boca Recovery Center. People who know him describe him as down-to-earth, humble, and kind. And he himself will tell you that none of this would be possible without his sobriety. If you met Ryan at the age of 14 or 15, you would be right to predict with great certainty that he was destined for a life of jails, institutions and death. And yet here he is today, living a life beyond his wildest dreams.
Now meet Kathryn DelGuidice. Kathryn is the Executive Director of Boca Recovery Center. She has 12 years in recovery and as a result, she enjoys a beautiful family life, complete with her children and grandchildren, who once had removed themselves from the devastation and destruction that came with her years in addiction. Kathryn is currently completing her social work degree at Florida Atlantic University, with plans to continue on for her Masters’ Degree. Kathryn is a highly respected woman in the program of AA. She has been recognized and awarded locally for her work in recovery. She is a proud homeowner. She sponsors many women. And she has relationships today with family and friends that she once believed would never be possible. Fifteen years ago, Kathryn lived on the streets of Miami, with nothing but revolving door of treatments, relapses, traumas, and failures. Now, she lives a life beyond her wildest dreams.
Finally, I would like to introduce you to the founder of Boca Recovery Center, Mr. Christopher Ferry. Chris may not have grown up in a disastrous family situation, but his descent into drugs and alcohol by age 17 brought him years of pain and failed attempts at sobriety. It brought broken dreams of being a professional ice hockey player, loss of businesses, and untold heartbreak to his family who loved him so very much. There was a time when his family did not know if Chris would live beyond the age of 30. But now, having just celebrated his 30th birthday, Chris has close to 6 years of recovery under his belt. He is a father to 3 beautiful babies, all under the age of 3, and has a beautiful fiancé with whom he shares his life. As this article is being written, Christopher is enjoying his beautiful family while they celebrate a birthday in Walt Disney World. A life beyond his wildest dreams? You bet.
There are so many stories just like these ones. Not all have stories of elaborate wealth or reconciliation with extended family members, but they all share common themes: Contentment, peace, safety, health, honest employment, faith in a higher power. All the things that once seemed impossible now equate to a life beyond our wildest dreams.
And so, next time you see photos of that dad, grinning from ear to ear, as he rides on “It’s a small world” with his family by his side, just remember, one of the gifts of sobriety is a life beyond your wildest dreams. And when you see that executive heading up the board meeting, that too may be a life beyond our wildest dreams. When you see that father, who now has full custody of the children that were removed by the state all those years ago, that is once again a life beyond our wildest dreams. And when you see that happy couple walking down the aisle, they too may be celebrating not only their joining in matrimony, but also a life beyond their wildest dreams.
It all starts with that first step; that first action; that first phone-call to ask for help. It starts with that white chip; that acknowledgement that your life has become unmanageable. It is that moment of clarity when you tell yourself – I cannot live this way anymore. That is the beginning of the journey to a life beyond your wildest dreams.
Hey! Chris Ferry! You got almost 6 years in recovery…. what are you going to do now?
“I’m going to Disney World!”
Start your journey to a life beyond your wildest dreams. For more information about what is possible for you, call us at Boca Recovery Center, and welcome to the first day of the rest of your life….beyond your wildest dreams.