By: Kali Fields, Director, Grassroots Advocacy
Bill and Lisa Bright lost their son Will to a heroin overdose when he was just 25 years old. The Brights describe their son as “kind, caring, a friend to all and a drug addict.” Bill and Lisa watched him try so hard to overcome his addiction. They found Will could successfully complete treatment but felt lost after— he had nowhere to get a truly fresh start.
Bill and Lisa channeled all their sadness, anger, and loss into establishing the Will Bright Foundation and Restoration Springs, a transition living facility for men seeking long term recovery. The Brights help so many amazing men find their purpose in life after overcoming addiction. The Will Bright Foundation was a founding member of Voices for Non-Opioid Choices and we are proud to work with them. To honor the Bright’s amazing work and the men they serve, we are excited to share Jon Edinburgh’s journey to Restoration Springs. Read our conversation below.
Please tell us a bit about yourself…
“I am 32 years old and I live in Fayette, AL. I have been dependent on substances, alcohol, and relationships for over half my life. My worst addiction was meth. I gave up everything for it. My job, family, serving my country, and my home. At times, it cost me my freedom.
I spent 2 years homeless, chasing my addiction. Then through a series of events I came to know my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I experienced grace and mercy. So, I guess you could say I am still dependent. I need them every day.”
How did you hear about Restoration Springs and how has the program helped you?
“I learned about Restoration Springs from my aunt. She heard Mike Emanuel, Director of Restoration Springs, speak at her church. I had just left a bad half-way house and was homeless again and a long way from home When I finally got home to Fayette, she made the introduction.
They took a big chance with me; I had been really damaged in the two halfway houses I was in. The two houses had caused me not to want anything to do with recovery anymore and I eventually relapsed and almost took my life because I had felt so hopeless.
Restoration Springs offered me a clean slate and the rest is history. They treated me like the child of God that I am and, like I said, my life runs on grace and mercy. So many amazing things have happened to me since I’ve come to the Springs.
I wish I had time to share all of them with you. I will say they have lived up to the name. I’m doing things I never imagined I would do.”
If you could give advice to someone struggling with addiction, what would it be?
“If I could say anything to someone struggling. I would tell them I love them and there is a better way. The equation Pain + Drug of Choice= Relief is not working because no one figures in the consequences, which increase the pain and use, but decreases the relief. Pain + Forgiveness= Relief. That equation always works.”
The Brights are so proud of Jon and the amazing progress he has made. Jon continues to take great strides in sustaining long term recovery. The Brights support the NOPAIN Act because they want to ensure the men they help find long term recovery never have to risk relapse due to a surgical procedure where their only pain management option is opioids. Voices is proud to partner with the Will Bright Foundation to ensure people in recovery stay in recovery.
To learn more about the Will Bright Foundation and Restoration Spring, please check out their website here: https://willbrightfoundation.com/
