Series: Four Lives, One Last Chance - A Year In Drug Court: Part 39 Of 41

EPILOGUE. LINWOOD

Linwood, now 32, continues his dramatic rise from addiction, and he
continues to be one of the most active and frequent participants of NA
meetings. Even in his third year of sobriety, he still goes to a minimum of
four to five meetings every week.

"Since I surrendered," he said recently, "there hasn't been a day I haven't
seen the presence of God."

Last year, Linwood enrolled at Thomas Nelson Community College, taking
basic math and English classes and working toward studies in
telecommunications and electrical engineering. At first, the work was
difficult for a man who hadn't sat in a classroom in 10 years. But like
everything else in his life, Linwood slowly started to master college life
with his brand of devotion and meditation.

After summer school this year, Linwood's GPA was 3.6 - just a few tenths of
a point below perfect.

On July 1, Linwood and a business partner opened 3rd Eye, a store that
sells clothing, music, oils, incense and other items. Inside the store, at
Ninth Street and Ivy Avenue, Linwood and his partner have framed their
business license and their first dollar, and placed them above the display
case.

In Drug Court, Linwood has moved to what is called "administrative
probation." Although he can be randomly screened for drugs at any time, his
only requirement is to fill out a form and mail it in once a month. If he
stays clean, he will be free and clear of Drug Court on Jan. 23.

Linwood still lives at home with his mother and stepfather, and he still
takes his recovery and his life "one day at a time." Next, he is looking
forward to paying off his Hampton court fines so that he can get a driver's
license again. One day soon, Linwood plans to sit behind the wheel of his
own car.

Next summer, Narcotics Anonymous will mark its 50th year with a celebration
in San Diego. Linwood hopes to be there.

"If it's God's will," he said.