Eyes that Sparkle by Chris Swanberg
Chris Swanberg is one of our staff who does things "by the book." The process of recovering here is one that changed my life and it is the people who do it "by the book" to whom I owe the most. In this entry Chris shares some of his experience participating in the recovery of men and women at our facility in Newport Beach.
Eyes that Sparkle
The biggest perk about my job (and it is a job) is watching the sparkle come back to someone’s eyes. This happens when the "fire" of AA gets lit. They want to do this. They know their life is going to change for the better.
I get the privilege of seeing young and old alike show up at our treatment centers. I watch them experience the fear of the unknown. I can see them asking themselves “What did I get myself into this time?” Some are beat up by their addiction and are willing and excited about being here. Others are angry and don’t think they should be here. Some are sad that their lives turned out this way. Most are still in denial that they even might have a problem.
An Easier, Softer Way
Like me, at first, some think there is an "easier, softer way" to recover and do barely the minimum. Like myself, they find there is not and they will have to apply themselves more to the program if they want to live clean and sober for life. I wast taught to "hang around the winners," and the ones who are going to make it also learn that.
I learned that people could not get me clean and sober. Nor could they get me drunk. But, by hanging around the winners and doing what they were doing (working the steps and helping others), I found a Power that was greater than myself. I found a Power that is always there with me. I found a Power I can rely on through thick and thin.
...and this is what I see grow in others. A confidence comes about and their self-esteem grows. The fear of not knowing what’s around the corner diminishes.
Moving On to Their Real Lives
When a client or resident (as I like to call them) has done all that is asked and it’s time for them to leave you can see the change. The resident may not even see it themselves, but it is there. You can see it in the way they carry 
themselves. You can see that their priorities have changed. And most of all, you can see the sparkle in their eyes.
I have the opportunity to call alumni now and see how they are doing. It is a great thing to hear and see that they are doing well. Their families are proud of them. They are helping others. They have graduated from school and are pursuing careers. They are still working the program. And most of all, they are happy with the way their lives have changed.
And that is the biggest perk of my job.
-Chris Swanberg
eyes