Hello everyone, I’d like you to meet my friend, Cathy. I had the privilege of getting to know her during my time at LBFE Boston, where she attended our weekly CitySites program. Every Monday, without fail, I was greeted by Cathy waiting in the lobby, always offering a soft, welcoming smile. While Cathy may seem reserved and quiet at times, she has a side to her that truly shines—one that reflects her humility, warmth, and lighthearted spirit. Behind that smile and quiet demeanor lies incredible strength and perseverance, a testament to Cathy’s resilience and the many challenges she has overcome in her life.
Born in 1961 in Orlando, Florida, Cathy is now one of three siblings—though she was once part of a larger family of seven. Tragically, Cathy lost five siblings to drug addiction, a devastating period in her life that led to her own battle with alcohol abuse. While her family’s struggles created an unstable environment, in a way, it also brought them closer together, Cathy recalls. After the heartbreaking loss of yet another sister, Cathy made the powerful decision to get clean. She reflects, “That life just wasn’t for me anymore. I fell into a really deep depression, and I knew I had to pull myself out of it.”
I asked Cathy, “With the many obstacles you’ve faced, including personal loss and your own struggle with addiction, what has made you so resilient?” Cathy’s answer was rooted in faith and spirituality, which is a constant source of comfort and strength – and helps her to constantly keep pushing forward.
Now approaching nearly 20 years of sobriety, Cathy has not looked back. The best thing about being clean she says is “having a place to call home” and rebuilding her relationship with her partner, Eric, with whom she will soon celebrate 38 years together.
What inspires me most about Cathy is her unwavering commitment to show up for herself every single day. When I asked her what she enjoys most about attending CitySites programs, she shared, “It’s good for me to be busy, and I like to keep my mind going.” She also added, “People, places, and things are the choices; make the right ones.”
Cathy’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and the power of choice. She continues to inspire those around her with her dedication to growth and her resilience in the face of adversity. Cathy shows us that no matter what life throws at you, it’s never too late to choose a better path and create a brighter future.