Today I accompanied Mr J to the hospital for his pre-admission interview. It’s now almost two years that I have known him.
He is tall, slim and sports a beard. Thick black eyebrows float above his naughty eyes. After a recent fall he’s walking with a crutch.
This morning he is nervous but not less determined to stop his excessive drinking habit.
Just before the appointment he tells me: “I’ll be a 100% honest during the interview because there is just no point continuing to beat about the bush.”
For Mr J this is an important stage because he’s finally ready to take this step.
We have to wait a long time but finally we see the psychiatrist.
I leave it to Mr J to convince him of his motivation to go on the wagon - and that’s not difficult given his determination.
Mr J’s request is granted: he can start the cure. At the end of the interview he gives the whole team a broad smile wishing them a good day.
This is the second crucial stage for Mr J. The first was getting a home for himself a few months ago.
He is desperate to leave his troubles behind. And even if that’s not always easy he persists and believes in himself.
Personally, I am very impressed by his progress and relieved to see his recovery becoming a reality.