Johann Armendariz

October 4, 2023, is more than just a date to me—it’s the day my life truly began. Before that, I was trapped in a cycle of addiction, self-destruction, and regret. I had lost myself, my purpose, and nearly my family. Sobriety wasn’t just a choice; it was my only way forward. But choosing sobriety and maintaining it are two very different battles. I quickly realized that I couldn’t do it alone.

​Every morning, I check in with my sponsor. These conversations keep me grounded, reminding me that recovery is an active journey, not just a destination. There were days when I felt like I was slipping, but having someone to call—someone who understood—made all the difference. The Grandview Foundation became my lifeline, providing me with structure, support, and, most importantly, hope.

I’ve learned to embrace daily reflections to acknowledge my struggles without letting them define me. My past was riddled with poor decisions—nights in motels, emergency calls I barely remember, and moments of complete powerlessness. Addiction had me believing that I was beyond saving. I thought I was a burden, undeserving of love, family, or a future.

Incarceration stripped me of time with my family, time I can never get back. I missed birthdays, holidays, and ordinary moments that I now cherish. But the day I became an uncle changed everything. Holding my nephew in my arms, ​

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