I usually do not blog about something I read, something I attended, or something I saw. I think that experiencing anything in life is usually personal and may not be what others have experienced. I also feel that my interpretation may be wrong and never want to write anything, in case I missed an important point or my misunderstanding affects the person who made the presentation.
In this case, I want to make an exception. I went to a supper this Thursday and the guess of honor was Chris Herren, the former Boston College, Fresno State, Denver Nugget, and Boston Celtic who discussed very frankly about his past issues with addiction. Now, I will not pretend I am a basketball fan, as I am a fair weather fan. I am a lifelong Celtic supporter but to say I am a fan would be a lie. So when I attended, I had only limited knowledge about Chris.
Chris arrived early and shook hands with everyone. I joked with him prior to him speaking and he was very humble and laughed politely at my bad joke. As he started to speak, I learned more about him but more importantly, I learned how bad your decision making gets when substances such as opiates take over your life. Chris is a local kid who got many chances to play basketball, but alcohol and drugs got in his way so many times, he let many opportunities pass him by and it almost costed him his family and his life.
Many things struck me: when he discussed how his college opportunities were wasted away when he had a choice between successes (being a 1st round pick) and his own demons (cocaine, alcohol). Even when he got to the NBA, he was offered many opportunities, including playing with his hometown team, or completing the summer league, getting a golden contract, or restarting his career in Europe but at every turn, he chose his demons instead of career success. He was brutally honest about it and did not pull punches, which I admire.
What really struck me though is how honest he was about the impact on his family and friends. I was particularly touched by his description of the impact on his children and how he felt about it. I had tears in my eyes several times when he spoke about them. The other thing is his honesty about his ODs, as well as his desires to end his life. This is such a hard thing to admit. I rarely hear that. He told us about his homelessness, the places he ended up, the loss of his wife and kids, and how he wished it could end...How many people are willing to discuss that? He also talked about one of the most impactful counselor he ever had: he was brutal, he was honest, and it made a great positive impact on Chris.
He let us know how he got out of it too: Treatment and AA. It saved his life. He talked about his sobriety since August 2008 and how he has been since then. He has been featured on ESPN "Unguarded" and has written a book. I have never bought a book at these type of talks: without hesitation, I bought one and he signed it. He was very humble, very nice, and talked with everyone who spoke to him. Can't wait to read it. I am now a huge fan of his. He also made me feel that my style of counseling may impact someone one day. If you ever have a chance to hear him speak, I strongly encourage you to go.
Thanks Chris, count me as a huge lifelong fan!
