Success Stories
Still Learning Lessons
“How can I use and keep working?” That was one of Wilbur Watson’s thoughts as he started his journey to recovery back in 1986. His bumpy road ended at the doorstep of Bullock House in 1993. The usual ‘trail of tears’ was close behind; lost job, lost family ties, loss of trust and loss of self. When he walked in the door at 200 Eastern he thought it was chaotic. After making it his home for two years he realized “It was really more like a family structure.” That structure is something he wishes everyone could experience. Wilbur recounts the time he was scheduled for a weekend out, but it was taken away because the people he was in charge of messed up and he was held accountable. The lesson: both parties will feel the consequences. It is a lesson he applies today with his own family. There are many lessons Wilbur learned, but that education is really never over. He goes on to say, “The more I learn about me, the better I am able to deal with you.” Today he works with his wife in their child care business. Wilbur also operates a telecommunications business and is working on a Master’s Degree from Cornerstone University.
Wilbur’s story appears in 40 Stories of Courage and Hope: Celebrating 40 Years of Project Rehab, which was published in Fall 2008 in recognition of Project Rehab’s 40th anniversary. Click here to read more stories about our courageous clients and the treatment pioneers who helped make recovery possible.
This story is sponsored by Grand Valley State University