I am still overwhelmed. I don't even know where to begin responding. I wasn't even going to say anymore, just read it all and think about it. But I feel I have to say more.
It's not just the comments. I got hundreds of emails. People offering me their phone numbers and their friendship, many who I've never even met. Comments and links from everywhere, even from people I thought couldn't stand me, all with so many kind and supportive words. 158 of you hit the tip jar. I've never seen anything like it in my entire life.
I won't get all gushy or Arnold Harris will kick my butt. But I can, I will, never forget this.
Nor will I let you down.
I may be offline for a little while. Maybe. Either way, I'll be back. Weblogging is an addiction I have no intention of giving up.
I mean, it may just have saved my life. Go figure.
How can it be?
All those heartless conservatives would never help someone... ;-)
BTW, I'm glad to see you've still got a sense of humor--that'll come in handy, and it shows you've already made that first step.
There's another clink of change in the tip jar for ya, honeys! (P.S. Paypal STILL has not changed my name with their system, so you'll see my PRIOR name -- before I became a Lowry -- there.)
I know you two will emerge from this stronger than ever. Good people do, you know.
Love,
Margi
Dean, Russell Morrissey of ENWorld (D&D/d20 site) once announced he was about $1,600.00 behind in paying for hosting and bandwidth. Inside a week he had over $20,000. It's not that unusual.
You've helped people out, it's our turn now.
BTW, if life gets to be a bit much as you quit drinking, give yourself some time to just veg out and watch the world go by.
Dear Dean and Rosemary-
You two hang in there. Sometimes you just have to make it one breath, one heartbeat at a time.
I told people at my blog that if they wanted their Tarot cards read over the weekend, then they would have to come over here and hit the tip jar. Let me know if that is okay. Just give the nod and cards will fly. Anything I can do to help.
*Your* Psychic Friend,
D
Dean,
You don't have to respond to us. You do have to respond to yourself and Rosemary. And maybe your dog as well. So get yourself fixed. And only you can do that.
Remember: You're the guy who brought Dean's World to life and built it to what it is. If you think about it, that's one hell of an accomplishment. So don't ever quit or let anything shrivel you up inside. You'll be a better man for all this when you beat the bottle.
Arnold Harris
Mount Horeb WI
Thank you David!
Rosemary better not disappear, too. My money comes with strings attached. SOMEONE better be here entertaining me.
Once I figure outwhat the hell is wrong with my paypal account, i will be hitting the tipjar.
Here's a little trick I've recently discovered-Perrier! It's a great beer/wine substitute, and it has nothing bad in it! Hey, it's fun! It helps in public situations as well, you can cover not drinking with "watching your diet".
Hope it helps, FF
ps I know you through Boviosity. Keep up the good work!
Blogfather,
I just fixed my Paypal thingie, my humble contribution has been sent.
'Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path...'
Do at least consider AA and Al-anon. I would be happy to chat with you about them via email
Kathy S.
11+ years
Couldn't get it done yesterday but everything worked fine today. Tip jar hit.
Great to hear you crack another joke, Dean.
Yes indeed, Dean. This is the dawn of a new morning. And there are many new mornings to dawn ahead of you. One day at a time.
"Only that day dawns to which we are awake. There is more day to dawn. The sun is but a morning star." —Henry David Thoreau, Walden.
Deans all, I am sorry to hear you are going through a bad patch and I wish you all the best wishes that are mine to give. Things will get better in the end...
Dean and Rosemary--
I arrived late, I know...but I am so sorry you're in such dire straits. I will keep you two in my prayers. Please keep us posted, we're all pushing for you here! :-)
--TwoDragons
Dean,
You were kind enough to help a clueless dude set up a blog, just because. And since I've discovered your blog, I've read some of the most thought-provoking posts on any blog, followed by some of the best discussions, anywhere.
Simply put, people helping you with your problem is just karma, instant, good karma. You are receiving support directly because of the quality of your own behavior and writing. What goes around ...
I know it's not a recovery blog, but couldn't resist this beverage replacement tip that I picked up when we were stationed in Germany. Part Apple Juice and Part Sparking Mineral Water. Change the percentage to taste.
Best wishes and good luck.
Stephen Sherman, aka The Commissar
Good luck and God bless.
Nicholas Packwood, aka the Flea.
When the Queen of All Evil asks for help, simple prudence should tell one what to do...
Keep truckin', Dean. We'll all be here.
Dean,
"It's a Wonderful Life" is still going strong because, despite all the sappiness, it reflects a truth that good men rarely realize the effect they've had on those around them (because they're too good to be that self-conscious) or the number of "friends" they have or the support that's available to them should they need it. You've let others lean on you; time for you to do some leaning.
I lost my Mom to cancer, then my dog, followed shortly by major financial difficulties. Without my wife and family and friends, I would not have made it. I am not, fortunately, an alcoholic, but my brother was and I was the first to confront it in my family. Should you need another friend to talk to, feel free to email me at any time.
God bless.
Good luck and God bless you both.
Good luck to you folks. You'll get a bit more in a couple of weeks. Hang in there.
J.
My best wishes are with you.
I miss a lot—it’s the drugs—so I only just saw…
God bless you both.