MY STORY

    I’m originally from Huejuquilla El Alto Jalisco in Mexico. My parents brought me to the United States when I was nine so that I could get a quality education and have a better life. The shock of a new country, a new language, and having to make new friends really took a toll on me emotionally. I became a very timid teenager, who couldn’t throw a basketball to save his life. It was a bit funny actually. 

    All of the above, in addition to personal family affairs was just too much for me to handle, unfortunately, I turned to drugs and alcohol for moral support. The addiction almost killed me. I ended up in the hospital with ruptured varices and very little chances of making it through the night. I was diagnosed with Stage-4 Cirrhosis of the liver. My family and I saw no hope. 

    As fate would have it, after a couple of surgeries and several blood transfusions, I walked out of the hospital and started my life from scratch. I began volunteering and became an active member of the A.A community. I got a job as a server. Eventually, I once again became a bartender (which has always been my forte) and the rest is history! Not many people get second chances, and when life is almost taken away from you, you realize just how precious life can be. Getting the opportunity to experience that life sober, strong, and surrounded by friends and family is truly a blessing to say the least. 

    I share my story not for sympathy, but simply as sheer proof that we can do anything our hearts desire, and hopefully to shine a little light to someone in need. I'm Ronal Meza, I'm sober and I own a bartending business. I was told I wasn't going to live passed 3 months; here I am 3 years later alive and still kicking. 

Thank you for taking the time to read My Story. 

Ronal Meza

-Owner