Even recovering from recent knee surgery, Sidney “Bub” McIntire’s enjoying the good life. He’s got a comfortable home tucked away in the woods of Searsport, a loving relationship with his wife of 22 years, and a gaggle of cheerful grandchildren who think he’s The Best. (They like his in-ground pool, too.)

Through the Midcoast Christian Fellowship in Belfast, he’s also discovered a new relationship with God, which adds even deeper meaning and strength to his life.

Born and brought up in this hilly corner of Waldo County, Sid started drinking as a young teen, trying to obliterate painful memories of a family life riddled with violence and tragedy. His drinking and drug use worsened as he got older.

By the time he was married and in his mid-30s, he knew he needed help. He and his wife, Becky, were expecting a child, and he was worried that he might lose his job at the paper mill in Bucksport.

In the burned-out, predawn hours of one Saturday morning, Sid and a friend agreed to seek help for their out-of-control drinking and drugging. Later that day, they were at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, signing into the 28-day inpatient rehab program known as Kelly 3.

The Employee Assistance Program at his workplace arranged for Sidney to take the time off, no questions asked.

Kelly 3 is long gone now, replaced by other treatment options at The Acadia Hospital, but Sid says the program saved him.

“It was the best 28 days of my life,” he said. “I came to grips with a lot of issues. I finally mourned my parents’ deaths. [The program] made me realize there was another life out there besides being totally blown away all the time.”