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| Many people have inspired me in setting up this
web site for eating disorders; my treatment team both in New Jersey and
Wisconsin; my friends and family who have traveled a very long road with
me; and, my fellow compatriots who I have shared my life story with, and
in return, have shared the intimacies of their lives. How important you all
are to me!
To Dr. Tom Holbrook, M.D., who had the vision of founding
the RED Center at Rogers
Memorial Hospital, an eating disorder treatment center which includes
a unit dedicated to men; for seeing me through three "visits" and always
making me feel that I had not failed in recovery, but continued to encourage
me and to serve as a model for me in recovery. My utmost gratitude... |
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| To Joy, my spiritual guide throughout
these years; the person who gave me the tools to awaken my spirit; the person
who understood the "feeling of oxygen cleansing my body and soul"; the person
who instilled faith back in myself.
To Michael (my New Jersey-based therapist), to Peggy and Ellen (my Wisconsin-based therapists) for never giving up on me; who taught me that to "feel" was a good thing; who helped me unravel the veil of shame that surrounded my illness. To Kate, who insisted I attend her "healing circle;" who made me understand how wondrous a walk in the forest could be; who helped me discover and understand my "higher power." To Claire, who in some other lifetime must have been my sister; the person who I laughed and cried with; the person who instinctively knew when I needed a shoulder to cry on or simply a hug. To Maureen, who finally made me understand the importance of food; who I fought for months until I reached the realization that "my way" was not working; to whom, I owe great respect for her knowledge of nutrition; the person that made me realize that there was life beyond cottage cheese. To Nate, Sue, Jesse, Dennis, Jo, Karen, Vicki, Kathy, Pam and Abdi for caring for me day-to-day; for listening and for just "being there." You cannot imagine the love and respect I have for you all. Your devotion to your job and to the residents is like no other "team effort" I have ever encountered. To Sabrina and Carolyn for having the gift of understanding; for educating me as my body and my mind began to heal. To Elizabeth for having the intuitive and instinctual skills to manage the RED center; I hope you know how much respect I have for you. To "CPU Lady" (Eleanor), my cyber-soulmate, who met me when I was deep in my illness and deep in despair; who made me understand that "weird" was cool. To Ken, your continued support as I live in recovery, one day at a time; thank you for being here for me, buddy; your support and your understanding have made my return from the "cloistered" life at Roger's, to the "outside" world, more than just a possibility. And, to my heroes, my fellow men in treatment and in recovery; Nicolo and Dave, my friends who trotted with me through the Kohler Museum, The Milwaukee Museum of Modern Art and saw me through my first attempt at recovery; to Dale, my buddy, my best friend; the person who keeps me "smilin", stylin", and profilin";" to Marty and Tony, "the dynamic duo"; to Jorge, Jon, Jared, Tyler, and Jay, your never-ending drive to "wellness" serves as a model for me. You, my friends, are the heroes in my life. You are the people that gave me back my will to live. I love you all--Andy
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