CELEBRATING STRENGTH & SOBRIETY: KARATOTEN "PRAY" LAZORE

"My Rakeni never drank alcohol in his life. He always worked and provided everything that our family needed as best he could. I never wanted to disappoint him or let him down.

When I fell into addictions I saw the disappointment in his eyes and felt it in my heart. He never yelled at me to quit. He showed me there is a better way of life with his words and his actions. He never gave up on me. Never treated me different whether I was in active addiction or in recovery.

When I finally put the bottle down on May 8, 2014, after years of struggling, relapsing, getting back up, falling and rising again, he always believed in me, supported and encouraged me. He would do sweat lodges with me and come with me to meetings. He walked me out into the woods to do my fast and was there when i came out after my four (4) year completion. Along with my wife and children, I always knew I had support and love.

Nia:wen ko:wa Rakeni for showing me how to be a man and a father. My Rakeni is in the Sky World now, and i know in my heart that he watches over me, and is proud of the man I have become: a sober father, sober husband, sober son. I owe it all to the example he showed me my entire my life. I now show this same example to my children today, and everyday. Kanaronkwa.”

Nia:wen/Thank you, Karatoten, for being a community leader and example, and for choosing a life of sobriety. Your journey lights the way for others!

🎉 LET’S CELEBRATE RESILIENCE, HOPE, AND HEALING TOGETHER! Stay tuned for more inspiring stories throughout the week.