Joey and I met while I was working as a non-profit lobbyist at the Mississippi State Capitol. He was a State Represenative at the time. It was several years before we started dating and ultimately married. I was 37 and he was 45. I had obviously waited a long time to marry, and believed I had met the man of my dreams.
While I believe we were both relatively happy, it didn't take me long to realize that married life was not what I had envisioned. It was far from the "Leave it to Beaver" household in which I grew up. We both desperately wanted children, so I thought that surely a child would solve our problems and the life I so desired would be mine.
I became pregnant about a year after we married, and had a relatively easy pregnancy. At 29 weeks, however, my water broke and I was hospitalized on complete bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy. Our son was born at 34 weeks, so you do the math on how long I lay in the bed! He was pretty large for a preemie, weighing in at a whopping 4 lbs 15 oz. His lungs were not mature yet, though, and he battled premature lung disease for several weeks. He was hooked up to two ventilators, and had multiple tubes and machines attached to him. While this was going on, Joey returned to the State Legislature in Jackson, which was in Session at the time. I just thought that he couldn't deal with the stress, and I suppose that is largely true. At that time, I could justify any of the many erratic and unexplained behaviors of my husband.
I wasn't sure that our marriage could survive, but I was committed to the vows I made and committed to our son having a father. It was clear to me that despite Joey's behavior, he loved his son, and he loved me. He just didn't do a very good job of showing it, and I didn't understand why.
Joey was facing a re-election bid for this third term in the State Legislature and I was certain that his new family was the key to his re-election. It wasn't. He lost in the primary, and was devastated. With no job, and no prospects, we moved back to Jackson where I had a nice job offer. Joey's behavior and our marriage continued to deteriorate. A turning point in my life came on our third wedding anniversary, but you'll have to read next Tuesday to hear more about that.
About Us
- Joey and KC Grist
- KC and Joey Grist share their message of hope for hurting families through the use of sound Biblical principles that restored their marriage after addiction, financial ruin and divorce tore it apart. Together, this couple speaks to individuals and couples alike, sharing their story of faith and recovery. Their ministry is teaching others a better way to live a life of hope and of happiness through a day-to-day relationship with Jesus Christ. The Grists live in Tupelo, Mississippi where they are raising two sons, JT (5) and Jimmie (3). They are active members of Lee Acres Church.
About Hope Recovery Center
Hope Recovery Center is a vision for a continuum of care for hurting families dealing with the bondages of addiction. This vision includes working specifically with adult men who desire to find a better way to live their lives, and a way to heal the hurts that have damaged their family.This includes a multi-phase plan:Phase I - Speaking and counseling ministry. Joey and KC are available to speak at churches, conferences, retreats and other groups. Funds raised through this ministry will be used to begin the subsequent phases of the ministry.Phase II - Non-residential treatment program for addicts and their families. This phase would include, but not be limited to, Christian 12-step studies; Career assessment; Job training; Resume writing and Interview skills; Biblical stress management; Time management, etc.During this phase, an attempt will be made to partner with existing organizations to provide housing, healthcare, clothing, transportation, meals and job assistance to those who need it.Phase III - Male Residential Treatment Center. Phase III includes all of the above, but instead of out-sourcing, we will provide a long-term residential treatment program. The program will be supported by some type of business or businesses, which will be operated by program participants.Phase IV - The full Continuum of Care.Stabilization - for those who enter the program intoxicated and/or under the influence of drugsSTEP (Structured Transitional Evaluation Period) 2-4 weeksSTAR (Spiritual Training and Recovery) 6-12 monthsTransitional Housing for those re-entering society
