“I was in addiction for about 15 years. My family tried to tell me something was wrong, but I never thought I had a drug problem. I got older and realized the world was passing me by. A lot of money had gone through my hands, and I hadn’t accumulated anything. My wife used to complain that I abused money and our marriage. My granddaughter asked me if I was going to die from smoking. I knew she wasn’t talking about cigarettes. I looked at myself in the mirror, just like that Michael Jackson song. I saw the gray hair and myself. I didn’t want to be that anymore.

My brother had the same problem, but he turned his life around and became a preacher. I wanted some of that and got him to help me. The Bible says get away from old things and become a new man. I told the devil to get behind me and took a chance. I just turned 61 and have been in a recovery home in Yazoo City for a year. I am on the way to church—I never thought I would be excited about getting up and going to church. I talk to my wife and my family all of the time. Everyone who loves me knew I had a problem and tried to help. They are proud of what I am finally doing for myself. This is a new opening, and I am sticking with what is good for me.”

Walter

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could’ve been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that
Change

‘Man in the Mirror’