He’s blind in one eye because of the abuse he suffered as a child.
Patrick said he’s suffered from mental health issues because of his childhood.
I lost myself a long time ago
The 50-year-old has been battling addiction for most of his life.
To support his habit, Patrick said he started selling drugs.
“I found that to be the easiest way to support my habit,” he added.
A convenience store robbery landed him in prison for five years.
Me being in prison was someone’s prayers being answered
It was when he was leaving prison he found the Abilene Salvation Army addiction program. He’s been clean for 10 months now.
The CDC said that could be leading to an uptick of overdoses.
Patrick has been leaning on his faith.
“Mending all those damages I caused,” said Patrick.
At the age of 50, in many ways, he’s starting over.
Patrick doesn’t have much of a relationship with his 4 boys — he understands his addiction has hurt his children.
“Salvation Army gave me some hope and I found God,” said Patrick.
He went to help victims from Hurricane Laura last summer.
“I never really thought about others before,” said Patrick.
He carries a wallet.
That might now seem like much, now he has items like his social security card and state ID.
“I have cash that I earned,” said Patrick.
He’s excited about his future and already has a job lined up when he graduates shortly.
