[vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full” alignment=”center”]By Jesse Solomon
From primitive tribes to high school cliques, finding a group to call your own has always been imperative to human survival. Although many of us like to describe ourselves as loners or independent, there is a reason why solitary confinement is punishment. We need our groups, our communities, our families.
So, what would happen if from the minute you were born you felt like you didn’t belong to your family? This is the story of Geoff T.
Despite being adopted by a loving couple, Geoff has spent most of his life wondering where he belongs. He knew he was a part of his family, but felt like something was missing. So, at a young age, he sought the brotherhood and sense of belonging that organized sports could offer. Being an integral part of a group of athletic boys made him feel good for a while, but that feeling wouldn’t last.
Geoff was always a popular kid. He would bounce around from group to group, becoming anyone the group needed him to be. He was truly a high school chameleon, desperate to make sure he was friends with everybody. But being cool with everyone ensured that he was close with no one.
After high school, Geoff went to college where, in record time, he became the president of his fraternity. This, like sports, granted him the brotherhood he craved. Sadly, Geoff stuck to his old ways and didn’t let anyone discover his true self. Lacking any real connection, Geoff soon went from college drinker to full-blown alcoholic.
After a troubled road and a few too many black outs, Geoff found himself at Beit T’Shuvah. For the first time in his life, he was granted the opportunity to be truly honest. Just as this place has done for countless others, Beit T’Shuvah accepted him for who he was.
