“every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” -Semisonic
In keeping with what Nika had to say about the good and bad co-existing, I posted this the day after I heard about Wally. That experience seemed to put things in perspective for me.
Everyone’s lives are a series of bad times and good times, but few take the time to sit back and think about it. If you go back through your life (this is certainly through in my case) think of the bad things and then think of positive things that have grown from that experience. From my car accident that put an end to my baseball playing days to the long and painful disolving of my relationship with my fiance, every low point I can think of leads to a high point in my life.
Bad things don’t happen to punish us, they help us keep things in perspective and to appreciate the good things. To expand on Nika’s statements, would you even understand the concept of happiness if you never knew unhappiness? If you have nothing to compare the good things with, how would you recognize them as being good?
So let it be written. So let it be done.
Baloo…I don’t know how long you’ve been divorced, but I hope things get better for you. In my case, it took my ex- getting remarried and having a couple more kids. Now, she welcomes (even offers) the extra time to me.
I have spent much of the past ten or fifteen years as an anti-social spud in front of a computer. No social life; almost afraid of people. A few acquaintences at work, but contact with them ended, for the most part, when I was laid off in October. Since then I have been almost invisible, with no adult human contact at all except when I had a temporary job or something. The upside of the past few years has been the greatly reduced sorrow. If you don’t know people you don’t care for them and their problems.
Less than a month ago I discovered this board. I was ready for it; I needed it but didn’t know that. I started posting as a lark, not thinking it would get serious. Silly me.
The good part has been contact with intelligent adults and people who I thought were until they revealed their chronological ages.
The bad part is that I have come to care about a bunch of total strangers on the other end of the phone line. Which meant that the past week really sucked. And I hope it’s over. Tears are wrecking my keyboard.
Baloo, two things. First, AMEN! From your lips to God’s ears. Second, what a bitch. I wish you had custody.
Ruffian, I am sorry about your loss. But it sounds like you have some excellent long-life genes if your grandparents were married for 69 years!
Purp, take care of yourself. I had an accident, too (I told you this week REALLY sucked!) but my daughter and I were unhurt. I wish I could say the same for you.
Tatertot, I cannot put into words how bad I feel for you. Instead, I will honor your request and pass along some good news:
I interviewed for the job of my dreams yesterday. It’s as close to “what I have been working toward for 25 years” as I could get without actually planning my career.
And my wife and I were made official members of our new church tonight. I’m still an agnostic who keeps his mouth shut, but the people are SO NICE and the whole thing is what my wife has been looking for for years, so she’s overjoyed. If mama’s happy, everybody’s happy.
But, since
Baloo–I hope things pick up for you. I’m glad that you are having the chance to spend time with your child.
Ruffian–I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. Hang in there, and in reading your posts, I know that you’ll be a great comfort to your family (and they to you) when you do get to Ohio. (Incidentally, I wish I had a chance to meet you at the most recent LA doper gathering. I wanted to go but was a bit intimidated by the fact that I didn’t know anyone. Something came up, anyway. But I did want to meet you and had regrets about not going).
Purplebear and Dropzone–I also was in an auto accident. It wasn’t as severe as purple’s, apparently. Had neck and back stiffness but it seems to have gone away. Anyway, hope you two are recovering!
Tracy (taterot)–you and I have already communicated by e-mail so you know how much I feel for you. Hang in there, be strong for your son and husband. I have nothing but respect and admiration for you!
The only thing I can say is
"Ask, and you will receive, Search and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened for you."
Maththew 7-7.
Baloo, that is such great news! I’m so happy for you both. 
It says a lot about you that you want to spend time with your son, and a lot about your ex that she doesn’t.
dropzone and DRY, I’m so sorry to hear that you also were in car accidents this week. I am very grateful that no one else was hurt. I hope your vehicles aren’t too badly damaged. I’ll get the estimate on mine Mon. morning.
BratMan, thank you for reminding us of what’s important here. I missed that thread of yours somehow, but I’ll go read it in a minute. Another friend of mine started the week with a situation suddenly going south on him, but it’s already been resolved to his satisfaction, or will be tomorrow morning, so things are looking up for him.
drop, that is great news about your new church home, and I’ll be praying for you to get that job. 
When do you expect to hear from them?
Thank you all for your concern for me. Anti Pro, I was shaking all over, not just my legs! That finally stopped late that night, when I calmed down and realized how much worse it almost was. I’m doing ok, just very sore. My back is the worst, but I’m taking it easy, taking the happy pills, and hopefully will soon be back to normal. <well, normal for me anyway! :p> I am profoundly grateful that no one else was hurt in our accident, especially my son.
Mr Bear, dearest, I am so glad to see you being able to post more now. And, that you are getting closer and closer to Him each day. I love you, always.
I would say Amen, but I no longer believe in this thing called God. So instead I’ll just say, when the hell is it all going to end??? STOP IT!!!
Laura, I am so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. Until she passed away almost 8 years ago my grandmother was my absolute best friend in the world. We were closer than I was even to my mother. The pain and anguish when she died were unbearable. I know exactly what you’re going through. Thankfully you have Brian there who can hold you and comfort you through this very sad time. But now it’s my turn to have a hug for you, too. And since we both owe each other one, maybe we should get together, exchange hugs and have that froo-froo drink. Whaddaya say?
Baloo, I’m glad things worked out for you with getting your son.
Purplebear, honey, sweetie, I sure hope you heal fast and aren’t in too much pain. Take care of yourself.
Now no more bad shit for anyone for at least 6 months, you hear?!!! I just can’t take it anymore!!
Amen, Baloo.
I’ve had my own share of shit this week, as some people know. And I still believe in a God, and I’m still screaming “STOP IT! I CAN’T TAKE ANY MORE!!!”
sigh AT this point I’m actually looking FORWARD to seeing my parents, which is odd - visits there are usually hell.
I’m not much of a religious roo, but AMEN!
That sounds wonderful, Shayna–let’s do that sometime.
** dropzone, ** the most important part of anyone’s faith, no matter what it’s called is the amount of humanity, and humility they carry and allow others. From your posts, you allow a great deal, so you can be called an ‘agnostic’ but you’re one classy dude.
** purplebear, ** I’m glad the ‘happy pills’ are helping you to feel better, are you over your injuries, or are the pills making you forget what they were?? 
** DRY ** you mentioned your own car accident, are you all right now???
Bratman007 Well said and if I may add a little of a favorite saying, " Through fire fine steel is made."
Ruffian My condolences on your grandfather. How old was he?
dropzoneYou’re getting a life outside of here. Is that done by tunneling or catapulting outta this place?
I grew up in a " The glass is empty" kinda house. Actually, it is more of a “the glass just fell off the table and landed on the head of a rabid pitbull.” house. I married into the " glass is overflowing" kinda house. When things are going really good, I just know that **WHAM! ** something is going to happen that will make the good stop.
( Economy failing, dent in car, mouse eating my transmission, weather related annoyances, etc.
My life has been on such an even keel lately and everything humming long swimmingly that I know that I am just *doomed *. I am savoring every moment of contentment that I have and wait patiently for the crap to hit the fan. It will. Mark my words.
Shirley, you’re a brave lady to admit to the fates, that you’re patiently waiting sitting in front of that fan!
Amen mate.
and {{{{ruffian}}}} I’m so sorry to hear it
Thank you, everyone, for the sentiments. I’m sorry I haven’t been around to respond personally; for a while I was just kindof uninterested in the board, and then this week I’m getting computer training (it’s good to refocus energies). Shirley, my grandfather was 87. He certainly lived a long, rich, admireable life, but it’s been difficult letting go no less.
I’ve pretty much adjusted on this end; where it will be exceptionally difficult is when I go to Ohio in a couple of weeks. I will feel his absence more there.
Thank you all, again. God bless.
:::Strapping on goggles, sitting down in the barcalounger in front of the fan:::Gentlemen, you may fire at will.