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It Was No Coincidence I had a big birthday last year. I planned my own party and had friends flying in from all over the world to celebrate. Two days before the big event, I was asked to attend a presentation at my church. The timing was not good as I had my focus on other things. The person issuing the invite said, “Gail, you don’t want to miss this.” In my experience, especially when I look at amazing discoveries like Nando Parrado and Cathleen Lewis and Rex Lewis-Clack, those are the calls that peak my interest. The speakers that evening were Kristina Wandzilak and her mother, Constance Curry. I went to hear them speak and I was completely blown away. Kristina and Connie wrote The Lost Years - a book they coauthored in 2006. The Lost Years is a heartfelt story about the struggles, dangers and disappointments of drug and alcohol abuse. It’s a beautiful reminder that you should never lose hope … that it’s never too late for a happy ending. The story is powerful and engaging. Although the message is “tough stuff,” it provides so much hope. Unfortunately, I think it is one of those stories too many of us can relate to, which is exactly why their story needs to be told. My mother, Barbara Privett, who continues to reside in my hometown, Altus, Oklahoma, was inspired that evening to bring their story to Altus. So one year later, I found myself traveling with Kristina and Connie to begin their speaking tour with three different engagements. The first speech was at Altus High School. They spoke to 1,300 students. I have never seen an auditorium of high school students spellbound like this. The story made an impression. Students bought their book and asked for photos and autographs. At a distance, I saw some students crying. I wondered if the tears were for their own struggles with drugs and alcohol or perhaps a brother, sister, parent or friend. I remember feeling that if the presentation made a difference in one life, it was so worth it. That evening, my mom and the committee who hosted the event asked Kristina and Connie to tell their story at a forum open to the public. The crowd gathered, and what a crowd it was! I recognized lots of my friends and their families. In addition, there were people from various drug and alcohol treatment programs, recovery groups and even work release programs. While initially, the audience seemed divergent, we became one over the course of the evening. Whether you personally struggle with the issue or not, the story brought home so many other issues. Forgiveness. Addictive behavior. Denial. Hope. Boundaries. And most importantly, the power of redemption. I think the most moving message for me was the sense of community. Seeing everyone gathered sharing in the joy of a mother-daughter relationship saved after near destruction. Today, Kristina and Connie are thriving speakers – they are actually on the road as I type! In my mind, they are among the truly gifted storytellers who have lived to tell a tale that will change thousands of lives through the telling of it. For example, a favorite client of mine is a national organization for business leaders that has chapters around the world. Many chapters are bringing this story to their members. Why, you say? It’s not business. No, but it is a great message leaders who are grappling with colleagues or employees struggling with addiction. Future chapters may even have a special session for kids. And the icing on the cake for this incredible duo? The GDA team and our clients are not the only ones who believe this story must be shared. Recently, they sold the movie rights for a soon to be made major motion picture.
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