Hope vs. Luck: A Personal Vignette

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I have never been much to believe in luck, however, I do love pots of gold at the ends of rainbows, leprechauns, four-leaf clovers and Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland! When I was a very young woman living in Boulder, Colorado, my dear mother mailed me a four-leaf clover taped to a simple three-by-five note card that read, “Out of everybody I know, my wish for you is all the good luck that Saint Patrick and this four-leaf clover have to offer.” My mother was very proud to be Irish.

I received that clover and note in 1977, and within six months, I entered a treatment program for my alcoholism where I ultimately found the gift of sobriety. Now, whether that treatment event was providential, or luck, or the prayerful hope of a mother’s love, you can decide that for yourself. All I know is that for me, it was the commencement of learning to live out my purpose.

That little note with the decomposed clover attached found its permanent home in my personal family bible where it is today. Luck, as compared to hope, is like a wish tossed to the wind — if the wish comes true, then one is lucky; if not, maybe it will come true the next time. Now if hope, on the other hand, is simply believing an unbearable situation will get better with prayer and action, I think I will go for hope every time.

About Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services:

Located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services is one of the nation’s most comprehensive treatment campuses. Pine Grove’s world-renowned programs treat gender-specific chemical addiction including specialized tracks for co-occurring eating disorders and trauma. Additionally, Pine Grove offers an Intensive Outpatient substance abuse healing program for adults and a separate treatment track for those age 55 plus. Other Pine Grove specialty programs include a dedicated professional’s treatment curriculum and a comprehensive evaluation center. Pine Grove also features a program for patients with sexual addiction. Inpatient Services including an Adult Psychiatric Unit, along with a Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, and Outpatient Services are other components. Pine Grove is a division of Forrest Health, a partnership of healthcare organizations across South Mississippi, and the behavioral healthcare extension of Forrest General Hospital. Established in 1984, Pine Grove has provided nationally and internationally recognized health care for 39 years. For more information about Pine Grove, please visit www.pinegrovetreatment.com and call 1-888-574-HOPE (4673).