Couple sticks together, beats odds

As part of the annual Press Christmas for All Campaign, we share with readers stories of people applying for help. Here’s one of them.

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“Luke” and “Theresa” come from opposite sides of the tracks.

He was born into a privileged family —Christmases in Hawaii, private schools, the works — while she grew up poor, surrounded by drugs.

Though their backgrounds were different, they faced similar struggles with addiction that nearly destroyed their lives.

“Having a drug addiction takes you to places most people can’t even fathom,” Theresa said.

The couple met on a dating site.

“Deep inside, we were both looking for a companion and someone to be accepted by,” said Luke, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

They found solace in each other — and together, they’ve transformed their lives.

Theresa has been sober for almost four years, and the couple has a young son.

“It’s kind of surreal,” Luke said. “I could not have pictured myself anywhere near this situation even five years ago. God played the most important part.”

In addition to their faith, Luke credits their success to the people they’ve surrounded themselves with.

“We’ve made a network of good people doing good things,” he said.

These days, Luke and Theresa find joy and meaning in the simple pleasures of life: watching a sunrise, taking their son to the park.

Both parents work full-time, and they’re getting by — but just barely.

Living paycheck to paycheck is tough, especially with a small child to support; they often have to turn to food banks for help. Theresa needs dental work, their son needs winter clothes, and the family’s only car needs major repairs.

Still, Luke said, these are all “Cadillac problems” compared to the struggles they’ve faced in the past. Despite the challenges, life is better now than he realized it could be.

“Anybody can change,” he said. “Anybody can be a better person.”

When she was using drugs, Theresa said, she thought of herself as spiritual. But she didn’t discover what it really means to have faith until she was in recovery.

“I believe now that God is good, because if I can get clean and sober, then anybody can,” she said. “If it wasn’t for the big man upstairs, I wouldn’t be here.”

This is the 34th year Press Christmas for All has worked to brighten the lives of Kootenai County residents in need. Each year, Press readers donate generously to the program. Every penny raised is distributed to Kootenai County residents. All overhead costs are covered by The Hagadone Corp.

The gift recipients are our neighbors who are struggling, including the elderly, disabled, homeless and mentally ill. Many who seek assistance from Christmas for All are working, but living near or below the poverty level. Beneficiaries of Press Christmas for All are going to keep their dignity intact while the community provides a hand up to help get them back on their feet.

Press Christmas for All is managed by The Hagadone Corp., with assistance from Charity Reimagined. It is a legally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, run entirely by volunteers.

With a shorter holiday giving season than usual, please make your donation sooner than later. Here are four ways to do it:

- Mail a check to Press Christmas for All, 215 N. Second St., Coeur d’Alene, 83814

- Call The Press and make a secure credit card donation over the phone: 208-664-8176

- Go to cdapress.com. Click on the MENU button, then click on Christmas for All 2019.

- Drop off your check at The Press weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 215 N. Second St. in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

The donations are coming in. Here’s who contributed recently:

Mark and Darlene Nason; Mark and Linda Olson; Larry Running and Teri; In Memory of John Brandvold; Shermane and Larry Frei; Mike Cohn; Barbara Hudson; R. James and Jerre Coleman; Twila Little; Berlene Harless; Karmen Baker; Peter and Renate Rau; Patricia and Steven Retano; Lucille and John Smith; Russ and Laura Ulrich; Dale Curley; In Memory of Steve Wesson, Connie Wesson; T.R. and Lavonne Lloyd; Diane Legerski; This donation is to remember my two armed service Veteran friends, Kenneth Owens USAF and Del Demerit USNavy, Harold Markiewicz USAF Retired; John and Patti Dixon; Charles and Bonnie Patterson; Emon and Vicki Olson; Leslie and Nancy Biby; Bob and Dorothy Yohe; Robert and Barbara Lee; Joan Day; Peggy and James Sorenson; Leroy and India Sorenson; Jennifer and Howie Stalwick; Sons of Norway; Janelle and Douglas Johnson; In Memory of Maj. Stormo Gipson; In Memory of Walter Sorenson; In Memory of Steve Hancock, Jon Kosty, and Margie Nordstrom; In Memory of David Featherstone; Robert and Sally Wallace; Craig and Connie Burkhart; Stacy Carson; Rosanne Valentino; Jack Mauch and Lisa Dixon; Doug and Mary Somers; Paul and Shirley Binfield

Donations $500 or more:

Kathy Anderson; DA Davidson Employees along with Bradley and Sharie Dugdale, Darin and Monique Hayes; Carol Taylor; Koerner’s Furniture