Serenity, courage and wisdom.
The three words are a part of a new mural in Abbotsford鈥檚 Kinghaven Treatment Centre, and artist Richard Pop included them to remind the viewer of the serenity prayer. It鈥檚 a common refrain used in Alcoholics Anonymous, and a reminder to stay sober for many.
Pop, an Indigenous artist from Soda Creek, lived at Kinghaven about six years ago, and credits the program with saving his life. He unveiled the mural at Kinghaven on June 21, and the small ceremony was planned to coincide with National Indigenous Day.
He told the gathered audience about how he ended up in treatment at Kinghaven, after his wife 鈥渨ent on.鈥�
鈥淚 went to a dark place,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 ended up on the streets in Abbotsford, totally homeless.鈥�
In an interview with The News, he said that right before he went to Kinghaven he had the realization that the upcoming winter would be his last. He knew he was going to die.
When he arrived at Kinghaven he was 鈥渟till literally trembling with alcohol withdrawal.鈥� When he graduated from the 90-day program, he managed to stay connected with the society and became an art teacher, helping men in the program behind him.
The opportunity to create artwork that will remain on the walls for years to come has brought him full circle, he said. His voice caught in his throat a little when he explained what it means to him.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important for me because it鈥檚 for the guys who are going to be sitting in these chairs for years to come,鈥� he said. 鈥淗opefully it gives their hearts some sort of peace.鈥�
He also created an art piece that will hang on the wall in a new residential building that is currently under construction. The day also included the unveiling of a new healing garden.
The Kinghaven Peardonville House Society was able to commission Pop for his art with the help of BC Housing, who was also in attendance at the honouring ceremony. Elder Mary was on hand to offer drumming and songs of prayer for the gathering.
To learn more about the programs offered in the community by the Kinghaven Peardonville House Society, visit them online at .
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