Photo by Niamh Coomey
Editor’s Note: Mintie is a Wheeling native who has struggled with her mental health, addiction and homelessness. She went on to get sober, compete in the Special Olympics, and become a pillar of our local NAMI chapter. She is working on a book to share her story and show others that recovery is possible. Here is an excerpt from her writings.
I grew up in Wheeling and started drinking when I was 12 years old. I went up to the playground with my brother’s friend who took the beer from the Cave Club. I became a different person. When I was in addiction I hurt a lot of people. I didn’t know how to ask for help.
I have one sister, Madeline who died when I was 12 years old. One day I came home and my mom had all my stuff on the porch. She took me and told me I had to get out. She did not know how to take care of me without medical assistance. So I left my home.
My childhood was not okay. When I was seven years old I went to Northwood Health Center for my mental health for schizophrenia. I am 62 now.
I found myself living under the bridge. I found different people to help me out. I have been to a lot of different places. I worked different jobs for the money for my addiction.
I started to go to the Special Olympics in 1977 when I was in special ed and my teacher took me. I went when I was in grade school. I competed in track and long jump for 27 years in a row. One year, after winning first place in track, I met the Kennedy family in Louisiana.
I lost it all while drinking. It all went to my alcoholism. The loud got loud. I ran to the street looking for alcohol. I would find it. I went to alcohol to help forget the pain. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous helped me out with my addiction. My progress means I can do better in my life. Today I have been clean for 17 years.
When I was a young girl. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted someone to help me. I was left home with my parents. I helped with my sister before she died. Now, I help my nieces and nephews take care of their children.
I know I’ll be okay. I started going to NAMI 25 years ago and met some people that said ‘you have a place to go if you’re mentally ill.’
I know today I can help people struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction with their problems.
Today I try to help the homeless people and people addicted to meth. Any people that want my help I try to help them. When I was out there I helped myself. I learned the hard way to live.
Today I don’t have to live that way. I have people who help me.
I go to NA/AA four times a week. I give back to people. I go to church. I live in Warwood and I can walk around the park. I have a cat named Sassy. I love her. Thanks to the bus I know how to get around. I try to learn how to drive. I watch different tv shows. I’m writing a book about my story.
If, 13 years ago, I hadn’t tried to get help, my life would be very different today. I can help my family today. I can help my friends today too. I know I can do anything.
For the mentally ill and homeless people I can show them how to live with freedom from addiction and drugs.