What does recovery look like to you?

In honor of Recovery Month 2020, we invited community members to share photos and describe how they represented “recovery” to them. Recovery is everywhere, so we also asked people to share photos representing personal recovery, family recovery, recovery advocacy, recovery pets, hope, recovery allies, recovery professionals, honor guard (10+ years of recovery) and remembering a loved one.

Thank you to everyone for sharing your powerful stories of hope and resiliency. We received over 200 photos!

NaomiLove

Father and daughter smiling on boat while on the water.

JennaI lost my dad this year to this disease. I love and miss you so much, Dad. I know he is proud of me and my recovery.

Three men and one woman standing arm in arm, outside, smiling.

BaileyOne of the men in the picture Travis Koster passed away during this pandemic. In this picture we all got together in Duluth Minnesota and did a walk for recovery.

Black and white picture of a man in uniform from the Civil War Era.

Marisha

This is Joseph John Cooper, my great great grandfather. Despite the many interpersonal cruelties on that side of my family and the many addiction issues, he stands as a shining beacon from my past: hard-working, an inspiration to others, tender support to his mother, brave soldier in the Civil War who led his company when his commander fell, who passed up offers of fame and fortune in order to return to his hometown and continue the business he'd started before the war. I have this picture over my desk, and I converse with him in times of trouble about what to do next.

Bright orange flower with a bee perched on it.

MegThis photo is for my nephew "Robbie Maiers. He died 8/19/2020 at age 34. Robbie loved flowers, bug's, the color orange, and taking photos. I love you Robbie. RIP.

Young man smiling and standing on dock near a lake

JackieHis bright smile warms my heart...seeing him happy was a joy to me. My baby boy lost his battle of addiction on 06-12-2020...he was 24 years old. It has forever changed our lives. He may be gone...but he will NEVER be forgotten!! LLDJ❤

Woman and man embracing for kiss, standing outside near water.

NicoleThe man in this picture is the love of my life. Addiction and trauma took his life too soon, 3-1-18.

Jamie

This is a picture of my best friend Tracy who passed away in 2011 from a drug overdose. She is missed by so many family and friends. Her picture in my office and at home is a constant reminder of why I am committed to helping others achieve long term recovery.

CarmenThis is my beloved brother, Luis Mario Robles, Jr.
A Vietnam Vet, good human being, loved Carlos Santana and baseball.Alcohol was his demise. Rest in peace, hermanito!

Man seated beneath image, smiling at the camera

PorterThe poster behind me is my dad who suffered with addiction all his life.

MegThis photo was taken to remember him as he passed away on 8/19/20. Robbie Maiers was a artistic fellow who loved flowers, the color orange, bugs, and taking photos. You will be missed my beloved nephew. You will always have a special place in my heart. Love "Your FAVORITE Aunt, Meg

Smiling man standing outside, leaning against a tree, at night.

GloriaAaron would have loved MRC's position on being open to all pathways to recovery. Even in death, he was way ahead of his time.

Black and white photo of a smiling man and a quote from Bill W.

JessicaMy brother Jake passed away January 26th, 2020 from a fentanyl overdose. His passing has strengthened my desire to stay sober and start a career in addiction counseling to help the addict who still suffers.