Letter from Tommy (at Hope Valley) to his sister Karina who was in Yogaville, VA at the time. Late August 1997
Karina
How's it going up there? I bet it is nice up there! Mom told me about that Lunky(sp?) temple. You'd better bring me a picture! Anyway, thanks for writing me. It meant a lot to me. Sorry I didn't write back sooner but you know how I procrastinate. I hope you are enjoying it up there. I can tell by your letter that you've learned a lot. It seems to me that yoga is a lot like what I've been learning. they are both very spiritual. I get the feeling that we will both be better people afterward. By the way, congratulations on quitting smoking and also on your graduation from Yogaville.
Things here have been going good around here. I've made a lot of friends here and I've learned a lot about myself. I seemed to have changed. My outlook on life is more positive. There are so many things that I'd like to do now that I'm sober. I've been playing guitar, fishing, playing pingpong, walking, playing basketball & reading. Those things take my mind off of taking drugs. I'm thinking clearly for the first time in a long time. I realize that I'm a smart person (not to be arrogant) and I love to learn. I've learned that if I want to be sober I have to live by spiritual principles. Honesty, open mindedness, loving, not being selfish & self-centered are just a few. I'm leaving Wednesday Aug 27th. Mom told me you should be leaving around that time too. I'm scared to leave. I don't want to go back to that life. I don't know what to do about my friends. I do know that my butt will be in those NA meetings. They tell me that NA is the only way to lead a happy life sober. Because of my addictive personality. I can't use any substance without abusing it. I hope my friends will understand that. Anyway, I'll shut up for now. Live life the best you can. Take care
Love
Tommy