Episode 9 "I no longer carry the Iron Cross of shame" - Special Guest Matty I

Matthew’s Journey: From Darkness to Light

Matthew’s life was a tempest, a storm that threatened to drown him. As a child, anger clung to him like a shadow, and he struggled to find his place in a world that felt alien. But the universe had more trials in store for him.

At the tender age of six, Matthew lost his closest companion—the brother who shared secrets, laughter, and dreams. The void left behind was vast, an abyss that threatened to swallow him whole.

Yet fate wasn’t done with Matthew. At eight, he faced a horror no child should endure: molestation by a trusted family priest. Innocence shattered, trust fractured, he retreated into darkness.

Desperation drove him to seek solace in the forbidden embrace of alcohol and drugs. By twelve, he was already ensnared in their grip. The path he chose led him through four tumultuous decades—a journey marked by shattered dreams, fractured relationships, and the relentless pursuit of oblivion.

But within the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged. Matthew discovered the 12 principles of a 12-step program—a lifeline thrown to a drowning soul. With unwavering determination, he clung to those principles, inching toward recovery.

Today, Matthew stands on solid ground. His life, once a tempest, now flows with purpose. He extends a hand to other recovering souls, sharing his battle scars and victories. In local detox centers, he weaves hope into the hearts of those still lost at sea.

Matthew wears many hats: a loving husband, a devoted father, a dutiful son, and a steadfast brother. His journey from darkness to light is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of community.

May his story inspire others—a beacon in the night, guiding them toward their own path of healing. 🌟