Steve Kennedy

Life before getting clean and sober was horrible! Every day, every moment, was centered on that next fix, hit, or drink. I was on the verge of being homeless, and most of my family had written me off. I was a loner and only associated with people who helped fuel my addiction. The worst part was that I was lost, and I knew it, but I didn’t know how to dig myself out.

​My Grandfather went to Grandview in the 1970s, my dad in the 1980s, and my uncles in the 1980s and 90s. My older brother went to Grandview in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and he was my introduction to the rooms

On July 5, 2008, I reached my bottom. My older brother, with a bottle in his hand, said, “You need to go to treatment; you have a drinking problem.” I always thought that treatment was for losers, but my older brother was my hero, and little did I know at the time that he had relapsed. When we drank together, we would get extremely intoxicated; he would say, “We have to go to a meeting.” At the time, I had no idea what he was talking about or the fight he was fighting.

My last drink was on July 24, 2008, at 11:59pm; the next day, I was checked into Grandview. Going to Grandview and getting sober was the last gift that my brother gave me. Sadly, on October 12, 2011, my older brother took his life because of this disease. He left us a recording and said, “Life was too much and that he couldn’t deal with it anymore”. My brother was always my go-to when shit would hit the fan, and when he died, it made it clearer to me what this disease is out to do!

When I walked up those steps at the big house in 2008 (my first and only time), I felt the possibility of freedom. I felt like I actually had a chance to get it right! I was met with friendly staff and people I still talk to today. Anna is one of them! God! Anna, she saved me! She listened, always gave me hope, and still answers the phone when I call! Just her presence brought peace into my crazy thoughts, and most of all, I listened. I did what they asked the way they asked! I went in for a 90-day program and ended up becoming a house manager and the cook. I stayed under Grandview’s wing for almost 18 months before I went to sober living. 

My life since treatment has changed immeasurably. I remember in art therapy, they had us do a drawing of what our life being sober would be like. I drew a big house and cars with kids running around. Sobriety has given me a lot of those things.

The biggest change is my perspective on things. My connection with my higher power and my attendance in these rooms, even today, helps me live a full life. I am also not looking over my shoulder. I’m not worried about the police; I actually have friends who are police officers! I am a business owner of a pretty successful company, which has enabled me to employ others, gain financial freedom, and time to support my community.  

But more importantly, I am a husband and a father. I met my wife at Casa. (LOL! I know!) We got sober together as friends, trudging this road together with others in recovery. I am grateful to say that we have an extremely healthy relationship. She is my best friend. Our son is 8 years old and lives with Autism. Because of who we are today, we are able to provide for him on a level I couldn’t even imagine.

Every day, sometimes multiple times a day, I tap into my higher power for that daily reprieve. As you get older in recovery, it just becomes second nature to be sober. I can’t remember the last time I thought about having a drink or a fix to solve an issue or challenge. The fight for sobriety is worth it!

I have learned that the future is not up to me. I have to live in today; today is a gift, which is why it’s called the present. If I stay centered, I don’t have to worry because my higher power has got me covered. 

To my brothers in recovery, I’ve been where you are. I’ve cried on that carpet and had generations before me do the same. It doesn’t matter who you think you are or what you’ve done. YOU ARE WORTH IT!

My advice for holding on to sobriety is to “FIGHT FOR IT!” Get a sponsor and strive after this program like a drowning man reaching for that life raft. This isn’t a program for people who need it or want it; it’s a program for people who do it! Grandview Foundation literally altered my family’s legacy. When my Grandfather went through Grandview, little did he know that he was breaking a generational curse on our family and giving us a way out.

Today, I carry that torch high and proud. Grandview Foundation saved my life. The staff, Big D, Little D, Juan, Crispy, and Anna, all showed me how to live life on life’s terms. 

Thank you!

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Today, I live the fullest life, one that I used to dream about in my jail cell. I live in a house that is mine. I have two cars in the driveway, with car insurance and four tires that match—all mine. Sobriety will bring you material things, but they aren’t as important as the peace of mind it brings.

My dream is to stay sober just for today and to help the next person who needs it. 

Fun Facts About Steve:
-My wife has 1 more year of sobriety than me.
-My family and I enjoy going to the local creeks and lakes here in Texas, and I love going shooting and blowing up Tannerite.
- Today, my family is sober and my wife’s mother (also sober) lives on our property in a cottage we built for her. ​​

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