Hearts of Hope Graduation 2005 Speech - by Jim Lingle

Ladies and Gentlemen; Distinguished guests; and Graduates; My name is Jim Lingle and on behalf of Hearts of Hope / “The Mom Squad”, we are honored to welcome you to the 4th annual Graduation Ceremony of the Kane County Drug Rehabilitation Court. HOH works in the trenches in the battle for drug free lives. We run support services for families of addiction. We speak out to raise awareness and educate our communities about the drug crisis, and we produce this graduation event. Most importantly, we pray. We pray for each and every one who is dealing with the hideous demon of addiction. We pray for those who have dedicated their lives to ending the misery caused by this epidemic scourge. We pray every day…and every day we remember those who lost their battle and did not make it here. We’ve been to too many funerals.

I want to tell you how I felt the day I learned that my son, my only child, was a heroin addict, and about being the father of a bright and talented young boy who made a big mistake that cost dearly. My son was one of the smartest kids in his class. He was a top baseball player in his age group. He pitched a “No-Hitter” and he hit “Home Runs” ( including one that he promised me for Father’s Day ) He was a talented guitarist and artist, and a pretty good all around athlete. He started using drugs and thought he could control it, and all that he was before was gone, and the only thing in control was Heroin. The day I discovered hypodermic needles in his room I knew my son’s life was in serious danger. I felt sick and sad. I didn’t know what to do. I cried.

When he came home that evening I suggested we go out for a burger. We hadn’t done that for quite some time. And he agreed to go. After our cokes were delivered and our order placed, and I leaned into the table and looked him straight in the eye and quietly said, “I found the needles…lets talk about your drug problem” His eyes welled up and he looked away fidgeting, deciding whether to lie or to come clean. When he looked up, before he could say anything, I told him, “I want to help you.” He decided to tell me the truth. As hard as that was for him to say, it was devastating to hear. But, as we talked it seemed like a weight was being lifted from his shoulders. We both had to fight off some tears. I sensed he really did want help, but I had no idea what a battle there was ahead. I don’t know how we managed to eat, but it was the only thing that seemed normal now….that, and being together.

The next morning I learned about the Kane County Drug Court Program and about Hearts of Hope. I spoke to Lea Minalga on the phone and she filled me with hope and encouraged me. Thank God for Lea Minalga and Hearts of Hope. I learned two things. I needed to get my son into the Drug Court Program and I needed to get myself involved with Hearts of Hope. My son was arrested that night.

I stand here this evening, three years later, to tell you that the KCDRC Program helped save my son’s life… he completed the program this Spring, but could not be here tonight. Also, I want to tell you that my association with Hearts of Hope has greatly enriched my life. At this time, would the Hearts of Hope volunteers please stand. And would you give them a big round of applause for the work they do?

Thank you. Finally, I want to say that we are very proud of all of you graduating tonight. We hope and pray that the burden of addiction has forever been lifted from your shoulders and that your life has been enriched by the work that you did in drug court. Always remember this day, and know that you will always be remembered in our prayers.

May God continue to bless you. And Congratulations!

Contact Hearts of Hope  for a Drug Free Community!.