Been away to a dark place but now I'm back

Off-topic Chatter
1

Hi there to those that remember me.

I was active on this and other forums about a year ago or so but then I got a double whammy blow which sent me to the aforementioned dark place.

I was brought up in a council run children’s home from 2 years old until being fostered at the age of 12.

I always knew my 2 brothers and my sister as we were in the same kids home.

Over the years I found out about other members of my family who lived in the same town but never really had the urge to track them down as much as my brothers and sister ended up doing.

I lived my existance with my new foster family and thought of them as my mum and dad. Had some great times and eventually I moved out, got married then got divorced (twice!) before settling down with my girlfriend of the last 10 years. This relationship is faultless and we have 3 kids between us.

At the beginning of 2013 my oldest brother got in touch to say my younger sisters had been enquiring about me. We arranged a get together at his 50th birthday and everything was good.

I’ve never really been one for much contact with people who I don’t know well but we sort of stayed in contact by SMS, email and Facebook.

Then last May my brother came to my house to say our youngest sister of 30 years had died through alcohol and drug abuse.

I have never been bothered about people with abuse problems but this time it hit me really hard.

Why does life deal some people shitty blows when life is feeling good?

One minute I’m happy about finding my little sis and then she’s gone in the blink of an eye.

I withdrew, life was crap, I didn’t want to know anybody.

I stopped using the internet, never contacted my family, lost interest in everything I’d always enjoyed.

My GF was wonderful though and coaxed me back. I love you Jayne!

I was apprehensive about coming back as I won the dog lead comp just before this happened and was hoping everybody wouldn’t think bad about me because I’d disappeared so soon after getting my hands on the prize.

Max still loves his lead and gets so excited when we get it out for his walkies.

So, here I am back again and hopefully for much longer than last time.

2

Hi.
Really sorry to hear about all your troubles…. Hopefully that is the end of a dark period, with great days of light ahead…
Welcome back
Anton

3

Welcome back man

It’s the really crappy days and stuff in our lives that make us appreciate the good days, it’s those good things we must cling to that help us along the way

Sorry for your loss and suffering, just remember there are people out there hurting like you, life has it’s ways of kicking people when they are down, nice thing is…there are those around that are willing to lift you up and carry you thru your darkest times

I remember a great man once saying “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”

Seems you made it thru, now let’s charge up this hill and make the world a brighter place…one torch at a time :slight_smile:

4

Welcome back! I certainly remember the competition thread, please do let us know more about it.

It must be heart breaking to lose one who you just got back in touch with, I’m so sorry for your loss.

I’m glad Jayne helped you get back on your feet.

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Sounds like you have a wonderful girl Max. Look after her as she has looked after you, but you dont need to be told that. Hi.

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When I got divroced for the first time, a good mate of mine said that when you’re at rock bottom, there’s only one way to go. Back up.

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Max is my alsation dog :bigsmile:

Thanks anyway though.

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Welcome back, glad you found your way to the light! :slight_smile:
I too have been to the rock, and chipped away at the bottom to get lower it seems. But as they all say, your friends and family can lift you up and the Good Lord willing you find new strength in moving forward, climbing higher and helping others as we are all on the great climb.
Have fun here, but be careful not to get carried away! (<—- know what I’m saying here, trust me on this one!) :smiley:

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Welcome back!

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Welcome back and just live life to its fullest. Who knows what’ll happen tomorrow.

11

welcome back

really sorry to hear of all the difficulties you have been through - BLF is a good group of friendly and supportive folks as I am sure you already know. you have our support my friend :slight_smile:

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Well that’s a mixed story. Kinda has some good points and well as sad. I too often wonder why people do self destructive things. I have personal experiences with close family members who let drugs & alcohol take them out. As I am sure you have heard, other peoples actions are not your fault. You seem to have done well in spite of being dealt a tough hand. Keep your head up high. And be proud of who you are and what you have and, most importantly, what you can become. I always say, when it rains, it pours.

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Morton’s always says when it rains it pours, and they make the rock salt that makes the home made ice cream, hence, if you’re quoting Morton’s you must be pouring rock salt and that makes me want some of that fresh strawberry ice cream! Mmmmmm…. :slight_smile:

(perspectives and priorities) :wink:

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Welcome back!

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Glad you are back.

Life is not fair. No matter what happens when we must carry on. This is especially true when we are parents, we must carry on regardless of happens to ourselves to take care of the next generation.

Substance abuse never affects just the user, it creates a vortex of pain that can envelop all around, especially those that are close. It is never just about the addicted person. I know this from experience, there is little you can say or do to make them change until they reach a point where they decide they want to change.

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I am new here…didn’t know you before, but glad to know you now! The beautiful thing about hobbies(for me anyways) is their ability to help me forget my daily grind. You have been through some rough times…embracing a hobby can help with coping. Who would think a $12 deal on a light could change your day…or week even!

Sounds like you are ready to jump back in…welcome back!

17

Many thanks for the positive comments. It’s nice to know that people who I don’t personally know care.

I am humbled by your kindness.

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This is more than I hobby I should say…for me it’s already a fellowship among hobbyists here in BLF

Welcome back and like goes on.

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Fellowship of the “light” rings :smiley: