Donald’s Story

To those of you who know me, you'd say I'm a quiet person; friendly, smart.

To those of you who I am closer to, you'd probably say the same.

To those of you who really know me.. I likely annoy you WAY too much with whatever latest project or gadget I'm obsessing over.

And for the truly lucky... all of the above AND 24/7 news & political updates (sorry baby..)

These are characteristics of my personality that have been with me since I was little. As I've aged, these characteristics have matured.. Some quicker than others (depending on my latest obsession) but over time equalizing to roughly the same.

The key word above is obsession, a seemingly innocent word these days considering how tied we are to technology; phones, computers, media, etc. One could reason we obsess over technology considering the exorbitant amount of time we spend using it. In fact, add in a hobby like philanthropy and obsession can have an enormously, powerful impact with scale that can change the world!

But add in a substance like alcohol and it can take a wildly dark, lonely and self-destructive path.

Long-story short, since the day I tried alcohol I noticed the immediate effects of "liquid courage." It brought me out of my shell and allowed me to be social with those I didn't know. It helped me get through presentations in college, so much so, I was nominated for Who's Who Among College Students for a presentation on "Blu-ray Disc vs. HD-DVD" (and after extensive research, correctly picked Blu-ray to win the format war). It helped me get through the seemingly endless hurtful news that family members would inform me of after I moved and purchased my first house.

It helped until it didn't.

May 11, 2020 marks the day my life changed forever and I decided to get the help I needed. It's hard to believe it has already been over two years now.. and thinking back it's hard to believe how literally insane I was. Like most, I was planning to say something on my anniversary date. But the date quickly approached and passed and I thought "maybe next year."

But considering what has happened in my life these past couple of weeks.. I cannot be silent.

Last week I was let go from GameStop along with many, many others. We were notified and our access shut down immediately; completely unexpected. In fact, I was promoted not long ago to Sr. Analyst and was working on highly visible projects and with people who reported directly to the CEO. Stressful to say the least, but somehow I knew this didn't make sense, and no way was I returning to the insanity mentioned above.

But with the help and recommendation of an incredible business partner and person.. the following week I at least had a glimmer of hope: an interview.

The interview was with the CEO of the company.

We met on Tuesday and though I felt the conversation was good and I have some of the necessary experience, it was clear I was lacking in certain areas. Despite the self-doubt I'm accustomed to.. at the end of the interview he offered me the role of Sr. Manager - Finance, reporting directly to him. I start on Monday.

My point is this: though it may seem like the world around us is collapsing (and quite literally, it is; don't turn on the news).. the power of prayer is alive and thriving. As much as we try to be perfect; we will never be. But if we speak with He who is on a daily basis, then it helps make the quest a bit easier.

And if you are praying for a loved one who is struggling with addiction and aren't seeing any changes.. please, do not give up!

I speak with confidence you can change their life.