About Us
We are Patrick and Donna, we live in Magnolia, Texas. We are retired empty nesters, more homebody than travelers. We are parents of two living children, to a surrogate son and daughter, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and children that consider us grandparents. We are also members of a group that no one wants to belong to, parents of a son lost to addiction.
Our son Allen battled with addiction and alcoholism for much of his life. Allen’s brilliance and limitless creativity were constantly defeated by his feelings of depression, anxiety, and unworthiness. Through it all his kind soul stayed unchanged. Upon moving off the streets and into a treatment facility, we brought Allen a new pair of shoes. After we left, he gave his old shoes to someone who had recently arrived at the facility barefoot.
Twenty years of visiting our son in rehabs and psychiatric wards, we had never considered how many people show up with literally nothing. Addiction and alcoholism show no mercy and sadly, Allen died as a result but, as recovered people ourselves, we know recovery is possible.
We are grieving and blessed, broken and mended, grateful and loved. We are joined in this journey by many who have been affected by the diseases of alcoholism and addiction and we invite you to come along for the ride as we continue to provide for those in need.
Jessi Bowman is a dear family friend and fabulous photographer who, when asked to take pictures for the website, completely understood the assignment. Allen would approve.