Mountain Valley frequently receives cards and emails from former residents and their parents.  Yesterday’s email from a graduate was truly special, and with his permission, is copied below for all to enjoy.

Dear Carl (and all of MVTC),

In just a few weeks, I will be coming up on my anniversary of being admitted to Mountain Valley. This got me thinking and it made me want to write you all a letter just expressing how grateful I am for all of you who helped me take my life back.

Going to Mountain Valley and the work that I did at Mountain Valley was some of the most challenging work that I have ever done. At times it was painful. If it weren’t for Bryan, the therapists, and especially the residential staff I have no idea how I would have made it. But you all helped me through some of the toughest moments of my life. I am extremely grateful for that. Thank you.

After graduating Mountain Valley in July, I joined a gym in my town, which was a surprise to my whole family as I would have never gone to the gym in fear that I might see someone I knew. I got my drivers license! I also returned to Marvelwood, and all of my teachers kept on saying “The old (before panic attack) Lee was back.” I returned to being a tour guide, a RA in the dorm, and was voted Junior Class President! I also have made the high honor roll for my Fall and Winter term. I have even become apart of a management team for a program at the American Red Cross, which I couldn’t have done last year because of my panic. It was thanks to all of you and the work that Mountain Valley enabled me to do that made all of this possible.

Right now I am looking at colleges and what I want to do with the rest of my life. I have been looking in to Psychology programs at different schools up in Boston and NYC. I want to try to give help to people like me who suffer from anxiety and depression.

I hope I get to come see Mountain Valley (and the new campus) soon!

Again, thank you so much for all you have done for my family and me.

Lee

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