- Alcohol
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Submitted by Susanne Johnson
For 28 years, Bill has had a job that many would be jealous to have: Bill builds sandcastles! He does it professionally and on the beach in front of the famous Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island just outside of San Diego, California. As others do, he wakes up every morning and goes to work, but he tells his wife, “Honey, I am out. I’m going to the beach!” He stays there all day.
His sandcastles are famous and his income is typically from the grateful donations of passersby. Some days he is hired to build custom-made castles for weddings, birthdays or company parties. You name it, and he builds the castle on any beach where you’d like to celebrate. He writes proposals on them, company names or party mottos. Anything a customer would like to see for some beautiful photos. He even gives lessons to groups to build special art creations. Such a nice way to spend a day as a family or with a business group. As I came by he still had the message from the Navy ball from the previous night on the sandcastle. We began to talk and I told him about the Heroes in Recovery movement. He was so kind to make one for Heroes in Recovery.
The Sandcastle Man, Bill, loves to talk to people and told me that he has a sister in recovery. He supports recovery from addiction, alcoholism and mental health with all his heart and wishes that more people could get help. Several of his friends died of this disease. One of his longtime friends is a farmer in Kansas. He had to leave his former life, including friends, in California to start his life living in recovery. He is doing well today and grateful for his recovery.
Bill himself recognized early on, the devastating effects of alcohol and drugs on other people and managed to stay away from all substances. He is grateful that he lives a happy life today and can support others in their attempt to get help. “Break The Stigma” is something he can absolutely identify with. He wishes that all people wouldn’t be so judgmental and would accept a person for what he is, not for the disease he has. As for him, spending all day on the beach does not mean being homeless, alcoholic or unproductive. He is working hard, has a family and a nice home in San Diego. He does not drink or use drugs. He loves to make people happy and that’s why he loves what he is doing. His work is truly art and he has won many competitions and has had famous people take photos with his sandcastles.
The “Heroes in Recovery” message on the sandcastle drew a lot of attention from people. I was able to have interesting conversations with many people for quite a while. Please say hello to Bill if you visit Coronado Island. With a dollar from you, he will continue to make a lot of people happy with his art creations for many more years to come.
For me, building sandcastles also symbolizes living an active life in recovery. Life can be a beach and getting into recovery means that the fun is just about to start. Get out and build sandcastles and let your inner child play in the sunshine. It is a beautiful way to enjoy life and the creations give other people joy.
Let’s build a sandcastle this summer!