Christmas could not have been sweeter. After almost four decades of estrangement, this reunion was a holiday to remember. For most people, it was only a picture on the wall at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission but for Alfred, it was a heart-stopper! This native Seattleite had made it big in all the wrong ways. Using drugs and women, he built a life filled with Cadillacs, designer suits and Rolex watches. Even at the height of his “success,” Alfred knew there was something missing. He had no peace. So, when he hit bottom, he hit hard.

Alfred’s journey to recovery started in jail. A Christian shared his faith and told him about Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission’s New Vision recovery program.

It was at New Vision, where he worked through his year-long recovery program and where he came upon the photo of his mother. She was participating in some of the Mission’s senior citizen programs.

Their reunion was an emotional one. Alfred’s mother and brothers welcomed him as if nothing had happened. And according to her proud son, “no one makes better sweet potato pie than my mom!” Now they stay in touch, talking on the phone once or twice a week and seeing each other regularly.

In his own words: “My life has truly been resurrected. Through God my Christmas was drastically changed. I’ve found the Lord and His love. My mother invited me back home for the first time in 38 years. Just like the prodigal son, I was treated with true love.”