Never Say Never by Susan L.

Last night's PREFER meeting was different. We did a rotation around a group of tables to hear from several people employed as peer support workers. Hearing just a snippit of their story is inspiring . How every one of them has risen above the medical prognosis. Doctors who sentenced them to a bleak existance. They were told by the 'professionals' that their mental illness meant they would never work, never be able to further their education. They were classified as permanently disabled and would never have a chance at a 'normal' life. Never a home of their own. Never...never....never... In spending just a few minutes with each of them, in meeting these people who have risen above their diagnosis, their addictions. How their lives contain a richness which comes from being there for another living human person. Not because of a diploma or because they are the expert or because they have it all 'together' but simply because they have been there and lived to tell about it. I am inspired and honoured to be part of this group. My belief in the amazing power of peer support grew a thousand fold last night. I can't wait to see the impact we have. "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;that you may know what is the hope of His calling." Eph 1:18