Crystal's Story
My name is Crystal Barwick Bahle, and I’m from Swainsboro, Georgia. When I arrived at Angel’s in Flight, I was broken and lost. I had given up all hope for my life. Today, more than nine years clean and sober, I am living an amazing, normal, and wonderful life. We Do Recover.
That statement was painted on one of the walls at the center. I remember looking at it every morning and thinking, “Do we? Can I really do this?” With each passing day, I grew stronger and more positive. God saved my life. He placed Mrs. Penny in my path and used her—and this center—to help rebuild me into the strong woman I am today.
While at the center, I began working at Dairy Queen, and I have now been there for almost four years. I also volunteered more than 300 hours at the Community Service Board in Dublin, doing my part to make my new community a better place to live. I graduated from Angel’s in Flight in June 2017 and made the decision to stay in Wrightsville. Soon after, I found a little house, and in October of that same year, God made a way for me to move in.
Today, my two children are back in my life. My family answers when I call—and they even call me. I have even been blessed to get married and build a healthy, loving relationship in sobriety. It’s an incredible feeling to have myself back and to experience life the way it was meant to be lived.
It hasn’t always been easy. There have been many times I came close to losing my sobriety—but I didn’t. Angel’s in Flight gave me the tools and skills to handle life on life’s terms. I learned why I was the way I was and how to grow beyond it.
Since getting sober, I’ve faced heartbreaking loss and serious challenges. I lost my Papa and my Granny. I battled cervical cancer. I endured moments that, years ago, would have sent me over the edge. But with God’s help and the strength I’ve built in recovery, I am still holding onto my sobriety.
I was an addict for more than 20 years. I fought for my life—and I won. I love recovery and this new life I’ve been given. Staying in Wrightsville, close to my support system and the people who know my story, has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Without Angel’s In Flight I would not be here. They gave me a chance when no one else would, and for that I am forever grateful.
I pray for every addict still struggling and fighting this disease. My hope is that they see me—and others who have made it—and realize they can recover too. There are people who care. There are people who will help. Everyone deserves the chance to live a sober life.
I am living proof that recovery is real. It is possible—if you want it and are willing to do the work. Addiction is a disease, but with faith, support, and commitment, recovery happens.
Clean Date: 9.9.16
With God’s help, We Do Recover.
That statement was painted on one of the walls at the center. I remember looking at it every morning and thinking, “Do we? Can I really do this?” With each passing day, I grew stronger and more positive. God saved my life. He placed Mrs. Penny in my path and used her—and this center—to help rebuild me into the strong woman I am today.
While at the center, I began working at Dairy Queen, and I have now been there for almost four years. I also volunteered more than 300 hours at the Community Service Board in Dublin, doing my part to make my new community a better place to live. I graduated from Angel’s in Flight in June 2017 and made the decision to stay in Wrightsville. Soon after, I found a little house, and in October of that same year, God made a way for me to move in.
Today, my two children are back in my life. My family answers when I call—and they even call me. I have even been blessed to get married and build a healthy, loving relationship in sobriety. It’s an incredible feeling to have myself back and to experience life the way it was meant to be lived.
It hasn’t always been easy. There have been many times I came close to losing my sobriety—but I didn’t. Angel’s in Flight gave me the tools and skills to handle life on life’s terms. I learned why I was the way I was and how to grow beyond it.
Since getting sober, I’ve faced heartbreaking loss and serious challenges. I lost my Papa and my Granny. I battled cervical cancer. I endured moments that, years ago, would have sent me over the edge. But with God’s help and the strength I’ve built in recovery, I am still holding onto my sobriety.
I was an addict for more than 20 years. I fought for my life—and I won. I love recovery and this new life I’ve been given. Staying in Wrightsville, close to my support system and the people who know my story, has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Without Angel’s In Flight I would not be here. They gave me a chance when no one else would, and for that I am forever grateful.
I pray for every addict still struggling and fighting this disease. My hope is that they see me—and others who have made it—and realize they can recover too. There are people who care. There are people who will help. Everyone deserves the chance to live a sober life.
I am living proof that recovery is real. It is possible—if you want it and are willing to do the work. Addiction is a disease, but with faith, support, and commitment, recovery happens.
Clean Date: 9.9.16
With God’s help, We Do Recover.