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"It has been my privilege to have been affiliated with Linda Steward for over
fifteen years. I became acquainted with her when I was clinical director at St.
Joseph Hospital Behavioral Services..." Julie Kline of Anaheim, California: Eva Steward of Costa Mesa, California: Carol Bittle, Mother of Former Resident: "I am writing this letter in support of Linda Steward, Director of 11th Step House in Anaheim. My daughter, Kathleen Gribble, after several months of drug abuse, became a resident there in September of 2001. I met Linda at her house while Kathleen was in the process of becoming a resident and was immediately struck with Linda’s sincerity, kindness and knowledge of the problems associated with becoming clean and sober. It was very apparent to me as a person with little knowledge of drug abuse, that at any time I needed support Linda would be there for me as well. In the approximately two years that Kathleen stayed at the house, it was very clear that through Linda’s direction and counseling, she was learning to work her program and truly become clean and sober. The weekly house meetings as well as the two or more weekly AA meetings were all part of Kathleen’s recovery. Linda also suggested to her a therapist, who was able to give Kathleen more in-depth counseling. The bond that Kathleen formed with Linda is one that I believe will last a lifetime and has been the means to encourage Kathleen to continue her recovery program, now that she is no longer a resident at the house. In the three years that I have had contact with Linda and the 11th Step House, I have been able to observe the closeness and interaction of the women who live there, as well as that of returning visitors who are former residents. It is impressive to me that through Linda’s care, counseling and direction, these women are in recovery and are productive members of our society." Mercedes Ziegler, Alcholic, Asst. Director of 11th Step House: I awoke to the piercing sound of an alarm shattering my alcohol induced sleep. The smell of whiskey mixed with urine made the insides of my stomach recoil in nausea. Although my senses were distorted, and my vision blurred, it became evident to me that I was no longer lying on the cold ground next to the liquor store. There was a tall, dark skinned man in the room with me, but more important was the fact that he had a beer in his hand. He read my need for booze in the way my hands were shaking and offered it to me. At that very moment, I felt warm and I knew I had a way to return to another bout of drunken euphoria. This unknown man had become my hero, for many reasons. After introducing himself as Pedro, he went on to explain how he felt sorry for me and took me home. His actions appeared to be honorable and I felt safe. I took him up on his offer to take a well needed bath, soaking in a scalding hot tub for over an hour. When I got dressed in some of his old clothes, he took my soiled ones and washed them for me; it was not a job most would have done for money. He filled my glass with more beer and my tremors were beginning to subside. Already I was thinking of the next bottle of Vodka. Pedro set a bowl of warm soup on the table for me. He stated it would help me feel better. It tasted salty and burned my lips with its chili hot flavor, but he was right; it did calm my stomach. Pedro must have seen some potential in me where I saw none. For three days he exhorted the ill effects that booze had taken on my body and mind. He pointed out that although it would be hard to stop drinking I could do it. This small flame of hope was ignited by a convict, exiled from Cuba, who recognized the ravages of alcoholism has no borders. This was to be my bottom. I found my way back to the 11th Step House, guided by my higher power. It was there I found the beginning of my life, sobriety, peace, and hope. “Thomas Jefferson once said: “Who then can so softly find up the wounds of another, Kathleel Gribble, Former Methamphetamine Addict and Resident: I feel the need to share my story with you so that you may come to know the Linda Steward that I know. The one that helped bring me back to reality. I will always be indebted to the 11th Step House for what Linda has done for me. I first came to Linda’s home in the process of detoxing from Methamphetamine use. I could not keep a needle out of my arm or get help from any of the programs that I had tried. When I came in I was strung out, hallucinating, unable to be around people for fear that they were going to harm me. Linda was the only person who did not try to rationalize the delusional thinking, but instead validated my feelings. I was broken for a long time, and she was there for me on a daily basis, never giving up. She encouraged me in every think I had to do, when I didn’t have the desire to live she was there, when I couldn’t deal with family she was there, always lifting me up, even when she was busy, she was there. I really don’t have words to say to explain all she has done. I can tell you my family is in my life, I have my daughter living with me, in a condo I own, I have friends who care about me for real, and I am gainfully employed."
"I am writing this letter as a personal reference for Mrs. Mercedes Ziegler. I have known her since 1994. Mercedes has worked tirelessly and selflessly at both my legislative and my political offices. She provided many dedicated hours of clerical support to my staff. Mrs. Zeigler is an excellent example of one who is committed to a cause and will work to see that her goals are achieved. I have confidence in her ability and appreciate her friendly disposition. Her professional attitude is always accompanied with the willingness to do the hard work necessary to accomplish the task at hand. In addition, Mercedes’ amiable personality brightens any office atmosphere. Once again, Mercedes Ziegler’s is a fine and upstanding citizen who cares about her community. I recommend Mercedes Ziegler to you without reservation." Susan Lipson, Attorney, Former Resident: Linda Steward is a dedicated professional whose whole life is devoted to helping women in distress from drug and alcohol abuse. Each day she faces situations in which she must exercise discretion for the well being of the residents. Linda uses sound judgment in deal in dealing with these situations. Many times the necessary judgment is not what the resident wants at the moment. Linda is not swayed in her efforts to help the resident. She has earned my admiration and my love." |
