Linda Rapp has a self-declared life-motto that has got her through some tough times, both as a parole officer, in California, and as a woman who traversed the globe, making everywhere her home. Rapp’s motto, “I won’t back down,” is also what she says has helped her achieve her life’s biggest accomplishment.
On Sept. 24, 2021, Rapp received her 35-year Sobriety Coin from Alcoholics Anonymous, signifying that she has indeed refused to back down from a disease that threatened to consume her and, instead, has fought to rise above it and live a life she is proud of: a life full of memories and adventures and milestones.
Rapp, who was born and raised on the West Coast, was no stranger to illegal activity or addictive personalities, as she made her career as a parole officer – something she was very passionate about.
“Not everyone who does bad things is a bad person,” she said. “Sometimes they need to know that someone sees them and is willing to help - that someone understands.”
But being a parole officer meant long hours, plenty of high stress situations, and even some aggressive encounters. Rapp was determined to be the voice for those who wanted to see more and do more and find their way out of the life they had created for themselves.
Her commitment to her job took a toll on her, and that, compounded by a divorce, created a lonely lifestyle for Rapp who began turning to alcohol to quiet her nights and fill the void she was feeling.
Looking for something more, Rapp began traveling so she could explore different countries and cultures, but the long trips brought more opportunities for her to drink, and alcohol was quickly becoming her companion. Then came a cancer diagnosis and, with that, came prescriptions to fend off pain - prescriptions that Rapp overused and found ways to seek more of.
But this is where Rapp hit her addiction with a plot twist. Given the profession she had dedicated herself to, she recognized where the road she was on would take her and decided that a change was necessary.
“I enrolled in an outpatient treatment program concurrently with Alcoholics Anonymous,” she said, because after all, with Rapp there is no backing down. “I knew there was no way that I could hit addiction with just one thing and think it would work.”
Rapp said her involvement in the nationally recognized Alcoholics Anonymous program is one of the things she is most proud of in her life.
“It’s so easy to make an excuse, a million excuses,” she said. “But with AA, it gave me direction and a purpose.”
Rapp’s commitment to not backing down to addiction and sticking to her purpose has followed her across the country and through the years. Landing in Nashville after a European trip and seeking more treatment for cancer, Rapp eventually found her way to NHC Healthcare of Sparta and quickly let her new caregivers know that she was still just as dedicated to keeping her addiction at bay and would continue to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
In an effort to support Rapp’s dedication and honor her wishes, a representative of NHC Healthcare of Sparta contacted Clean Hearts Christian Ministries to ask about their drug and alcohol and 12-step program. It wasn’t long before arrangements had been made, and Rapp began taking the UCHRA transportation services weekly to meet with supporters at CHCM on Liberty Square
“During her first meeting in CHCM’s faith-based program, Mrs. Rapp told CHCM facilitators David and Kathy Weatherford her beliefs were agnostic,” Steve Colquitt, director at Clean Hearts Christian Ministries, said. “She also informed the Weatherfords that her goal was to receive her 35-year sobriety coin.”
Rapp’s commitment to her continued sobriety outweighed her apprehension about attending a program that didn’t align with her worldviews. Before CHCM could schedule a secular class for her, Rapp decided to continue the faith-based class and, again, empathized her goal of receiving her 35-year sobriety coin.
“David and Kathy Weatherford took Linda’s request to heart,” Colquitt said, praising the program directors at Clean Hearts Christian Ministries, who were able to present a very proud and deserving Rapp with her 35-year sobriety coin last month. “As part of David Weatherford’s presentation, he emphasized the significance of earning the 35-year coin, saying he knows of only three recipients of the milestone marker.”
“It was such a privilege for our ministry to be a part of this moment,” Colquitt added. “What a great memory for Clean Heart’s scrap book.”
As for Rapp, while she is proud of herself - and rightfully so - she wasn’t surprised by her ability to reach the milestone.
“I told you, I won’t back down,” she said. “That’s my motto.”
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