From preserving our mother’s legacy to building a national recovery movement

Sometimes a journey begins with a simple question: "Where are they now?" 

In 2011, my youngest sister Julianne and I set out to answer that question. We wanted to  reconnect with the many people who had spent time in our family home from the 1970s through the mid-1990s. Our goal was to gather stories and memories for what would eventually become  2nd Line West, a Hasmark bestselling memoir based on true events, inspired by the life and influence of our mother, Mary Margaret Herstad, or “Margie”.

What we discovered was far more than a collection of memories.

With social media and word of mouth, we began tracking down former friends, neighbours, relatives, and others whose lives had crossed paths with our family over the years. One by one, we found them. 

Many were eager to reconnect and share stories. Some wrote heartfelt letters describing the impact that Margie, and the Herstad household had on their lives. My mother had a remarkable ability to open both her heart and her home to others.

What struck me most was that people remembered more than just events. They remembered how they felt. They remembered kindness, support, laughter, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Decades later, those feelings remained with them.

Those recollections became part of 2nd Line West, a book that has resonated with readers across Canada and beyond. At its heart, the memoir explores family, resilience, community, and the universal human desire to connect with one another. 

The success of the book led to something I never expected. 

The life of Tom Herstad’s mother Mary Margaret Herstad, or “Margie” inspired his book 2nd Line West.

(Submitted)

After reading 2nd Line West, someone contacted me and invited me to speak for  Empower2Recover, a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people on their recovery journeys. As I learned more about the organization, I realized it was built upon the same  principles my mother had lived every day of her life. 

My mother believed that human beings have an inherent desire, want, and need to connect and help one another. Through those connections we build kinship, experience joy, and find fulfillment. That is where real meaning is found.

The connection between the book and the organization felt natural. 

Today, I serve as Community  Director for Empower2Recover, helping expand its presence throughout Southern Ontario while supporting its growth across Canada. For me, this work is a continuation of my mother's legacy. 

I often feel like a torchbearer of her story. The lessons she taught through her actions continue to influence everything I do. What began as a search to preserve her memory has evolved into an opportunity to help others find hope, support, and connection.

That legacy is now reaching an even wider audience. My sister Julianne and I are Executive Producers of the upcoming film adaptation of 2nd Line West, which aims to bring the book's message of compassion, connection, and community to audiences around the world. 

At the same time, Empower2Recover continues to build momentum through community-based events that challenge traditional perceptions of recovery. 

On July 3, Empower2Recover will bring its signature event to Streetsville in Mississauga. The TED Talk-style event will feature speakers sharing personal stories involving depression, anxiety, grief, gambling, cell phone addiction, illness, alcohol use, substance use, and other life challenges. (Information about the event and how to purchase tickets can be found here). 

One of our goals is to broaden the public's understanding of the word “recovery”. 

Recovery isn't just about addiction. It's about any challenge that affects our ability to live our best lives. Every family experiences some form of struggle. Recovery is something we should celebrate because it represents growth, healing, resilience and positive change.

The event will also connect attendees with local resources, products, services, and recovery pathways. These include 12-step programs, SMART Recovery, recovery coaching, life coaching, meditation, yoga, Reiki, fitness, nutrition, writing programs and many other approaches that help  individuals create sustainable change in their lives.

Founded by Jay Barnard, Empower2Recover is working toward an ambitious vision. The organization plans to evolve into the Global Recovery Community (GRC), an international network focused on reducing stigma and supporting recovery in all its forms.

When I look back, I realize that my journey from interviewing people for a family memoir to helping build a national recovery movement is no coincidence. Both efforts are rooted in the same belief: people thrive when they are connected to one another in community. 

What started as a search for stories became a powerful reminder that our lives are intertwined. Whether through a book, a movie, or a recovery community, the goal remains the same—to help  people connect, support one another, and leave the world a little better than they found it. 

As I often say, everyone deserves a second chance on 2nd Line.

Tom Herstad is Community Director of Empower2Recover.