by Debbie Schoeneshoefer
Elk Grove HART Co-Founder and Board Member
I wouldn’t have thought to find humor in a DUI court, but couldn’t help but laugh as Gracie recounted the story: Four cop cars had chased her, and a helicopter tracked her from overhead – yet she was completely unaware. As she pulled her car to a stop at the grocery store, a gentle hand reached out to help her out of the car. Looking up, she realized the hand belonged to an Elk Grove police officer. That gesture had a sobering effect on her.
Not much time has passed since that day in DUI court. I am so proud of Gracie. She is no longer drinking thanks to the help of the doctors at Dignity Health and her own determination to “not be that person.” It hasn’t been an easy journey, but it is one that gives her the hope of being able to see her grandchildren again. She reconciled with her children who had grown weary of her chaotic behavior. She took ownership of her actions.
A successful 6 months at the Grace House and participation in Uplift People of Elk Grove has helped Gracie to see that she is more than just the bottle she crawled into each night. She is sober, living on her own, and confident that she can have a better life.
The hand of that Elk Grove police officer helped to save Gracie’s life, and a stay at the Grace House helped to change her heart. HART is committed to helping those that have given up on life find hope and purpose again. We are so proud of you, Gracie!