This past Saturday my friend and colleague Dave Santini celebrated 8 years of continuous sobriety. Dave and I first met when I checked into treatment at Hazelden in February of 2007. I was on my way in and he was on his way out. He told me he was going to a place called Jaywalker Lodge. I slurred something back. Little did I know that our paths would cross again some 6 months later when I made my way to Carbondale.
From 2007 until now Dave has become one of the best friends I’ve ever had. He has emerged from addiction into a life of recovery. A life in recovery, as all of us know, is not always smooth sailing but the ability to persevere in the face of difficulty is one of the hallmarks of someone who has learned to live well. Dave has continued to do just that. Dave has inspired me to continue to strive to be a better man to my friends and family and that is a gift to me. I’ve watched as he has continued to grow as a man, as a father, and as a friend and mentor to so many men struggling with addiction.
Happy B Day, you banana head, and wishing you many more.
Brendon Kerton
Jaywalker Landing Supervisor
