In Recovery, Barbara C is known as “The Heart Lady”

Known in the recovery world of 12 steps Barbara C  is known as “The Heart Lady”. Barbara shares some of the stories in her book known by the same name.  These are heartwarming stories about her practice of making and giving out hearts made out of construction paper and lots of love to people everywhere. Here is a clip talking about her hearts.

The voice of recovery in a world of pain

Barbara Cooper has spent most of her recovering life sharing the message of hope.  When one hears her story of struggle and then hear her husband, Don Cooper, share his story, anyone can see there is hope.  Their oldest son was caught in the world of addiction and eventually ended up on the streets after several rehabilitation attempts. The local news interviewed him as a “street person”.  He eventually died by suicide after one last attempt at recovery.  Their story is one of incredible pain and searching for an answer.  When they finally entered the rooms of 12 step programs, they were both desperate to follow directions.They found answers and relief along with comfort.  Similarly, the program had helped countless other families find joy and peace in spite of whatever hardship their loved one had put them through.

Don Cooper has since passed away. However not before he became a powerful speaker in the 12 step programs. He spoke out about his childhood abuse and sexual molest.  He helped many men come to grips with a trauma that no one ever speaks about.

Little by little one person, one heart, one story at a time.

Barbara was being asked by her daughter, Karen, who is a social worker, to chronicle her many experiences with her “heart” giving.  Karen will end up writing, in time, 2 books. In a very simple way she describes how people had been impacted by these hearts.  Every age, nationality, religion and situation are exemplified in her heartwarming stories.  These stories illustrate how alone many people feel regardless of their situation and how one person can have an enormous impact.

My mentor over these 35 years

Barbara has been my mentor consequently she has helped me with the many and varied situations involved in my life with addiction.  In other words, she walks her talk. Whether it was one of my 2 alcoholic marriages, my family of origin, my daughter or my profession, her steadfastness was always there. She clearly illustrated the spiritual principles and  practical application  and how they continue in my life.

Her story and that of her family is one of recovery using 12 step programs

I have had the privilege of knowing her family and watching as many of these stories were unfolding.  I have been profoundly influenced and moved. In my own work with families, I always remember that one person can truly make a profound difference. The background or history of an individual doesn’t matter.  The gifts someone has been given doesn’t even matter. It matters if you have a willingness to make a difference.