OPRAH UPDATE
SPOILER ALERT: We strongly recommend you watch the film before viewing this special update.
Recently, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) presented Lost in Woonsocket as a part of their Super Soul Sunday series. It’s been over 6 years since Random 1 was in Woonsocket. So, Mrs. Winfrey and her team asked filmmaker John Chester to produce an update on what ever became of Mark and Normand. Below is that short update that followed the broadcast of the film, click and enjoy.
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As someone who is in recovery this movie was so touching! It reaffirmed the reason I do service work. I had gotten to a point of feeling discouraged. This movie reminded me that if just one person makes it, it is worth it! Thank you!
I went to a screening of this film in 2009, and I’m AMAZED at how far it’s come. It was then and still is one of the most inspirational films I’ve seen to date. Way to go “Lost in Woonsocket” Team!!!
Our 32 year old son has moved home after rehab of 4 months. He is an addict to. Cocaine meth anything to alter his thinking mood. He is rxterme bi polar and has been an addict for 1s years. He ended up homeless jobless etc, stole to support his addiction and any other way he could feed it. We have enabled him which is. What most family members of addicts do, thinking that we can heal with love . It takes awhile to realize that when an addict opens his mouth only lies come out. ALWAYS! It has been very hard to have him home, he is working a 12 hour day 6 days a week, but the stress is almost unbearable on my husband and I, (when will he relaps is he going to wake up this morning (several suiside attemps in past) . Seems I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. I cannot say this is the right move, but I was outnumbered on my opinion so he came home. Watching programs like this help me feel like I’m not alone in this struggle. This was not my idea of retirement. My husband is 62 I’m 60, and. This is a very difficult journey. Thank u so much!
I was so over whelmed by this show, I cried through the whole thing. My son is in a mens transitional facility right now and this is what he wants to do, be a substance abuse counselor, talk to kids, just tell his story. This gives me hope! And I ordered a copy to take to his center and hopefully they will show it. I want my son to know that his dreams can come true. He can do this. Does anybody know if you can get a copy of the follow up story seen here? I think it’s important for people who see the show to know that Normand made it and what he is doing now.
Hi Margaret! Thanks for you post 🙂 At this time, we only have the update online. Please share with folks that it is here. Many groups and orgs we are working with show the film and then set up a computer and a projector to show the update. With technology the way it is, some people even share the update using their phones! Have a beautiful week!!
As a person who belongs to a ministry called Church in the Woods at Raleigh NC this story is plain truth. I go into homeless camps about twice a week looking after about 20 folk living just as Mark and Normand did. We love them as they are. Just as Christ sat in the dirt with the beggars, lepers, prostitutes, and the “least of these” so I count it a privelege to do the same.
Yes, there are many heartaches and frustrations, people say you are enabling them to carry on their addictions by giving them food and clothing. Two sayings of Christ come to mind. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, and “you who are without sin cast the first stone.”
I am going to purchase this DVD and show it to my folk in the woods to show they are not alone, and with faith and determination addicts can recover and be reunited with loved ones. Great Job.
This touches my heart I am a recovering addict and a few years ago I was working in a treatment center when we showed this film it had an impact on me I’m so glad to see the follow up. I’m working at a wellness and recovery center and can’t wait to show it to my clients I hope they see that they to can change their lives for thebetter as well. Almost 6 years ago I was a heroin addict living in abandoned houses in Baltimore durring the winter and I made the choice that I didn’t want to live that way any more so I put my self in treatment and I have been lucky enough to never return to that old way of life again. In these last 6 years I have accomplished more then I could have ever dreamed and I now work with addicts in hopes that they can change their lives also. Ill never know why I got it and other’s could not but I know as long as I thank god, help others and don’t use just for today that I can continue this amazing journey that sobriety has given me.
I met this man about five years ago, maybe six, when I was in high school. He has changed my life. I feel so blessed to have been able to hear his story and share in the power and grace of God. Normand has a special place in my heart.
As a recovered alcoholic and drug addict of nine years, people (Saints! ) like these continue to inspire and strengthen me. Every episode of their show is beyond uplifting. And now I am going to purchase the movie, expecting nothing less than a good cry and an opportunity to learn more about me and my trials. God has blessed me with a new life, and I continue daily to go forward with a message that reflects what is displayed by wonderful individuals like the Woonsocket group. Thanks Oprah for supporting these outstanding people!
I love to watch this it makes me feel not alone n reminds Me of were I .sm today I’m clean n happy I’m so glad to see at least one still sober I’m proud of him I hope he knows that he has helped me open my eyes n stay sober so far 11months:)
RIP Mark! Love you buddy.
RIP Markie and Gurn <3
Thank u so much for coming to BANGOR AREA RECOVERY NETWORK AKA THE BARN You are such and inspiration to me and others here in Bangor Maine .I hope every time u come to Maine u come and see us at THE BARN ..