Eye of the Tribal Flower AE cointest

[+DJ.J.ROCK]

Here is a cointest I promised for an AE version.

 

I am sooo greatful to be apart of the Geocoin forums, you users are the best. Im selling my AEs right now on ebay to raise money to pay my medical bills, and have been floored at the bids that have come in, and just want to say thanks, by giving a few coins away..

 

so the rules are simple,, all you have to do is,, tell me........ What you are greatful for.

i will decide what posts are the winners , i will also deside how many coins to give away, i will decide when to end the cointest and why the post wins.....

 

you may post as many times as you like but can win only one time... so with that said i also reserve the right to change the rules,,, ha ha ha so ,,,,, go!!!

[+Howlingmoon]

I am thankful for a lot of things. The most important to me are my family, friends, and the stangers that I meet every day in these forums.

 

I hope you get well soon, Jay. Thank you for another awesome coin design, and for an interesting cointest.

[+Dark Elf]

I want want want want want this coin ;)

 

I`m grateful for a lot of thing, too.

One of the things is my great family, which always cares about me and helps me in difficult situations and gives me a lot of strength

 

Thanks for the cointest Jay, hope things go better for you soon.

[+Dark Elf]

Another thing i am grateful for is this awesome community...i'm not that long here, but what i saw here is simply awesome. People help others and make great gifts and they want nothing in return. They simply do it because others need a little thing that makes them smile after a bad day.

The generousity and the sympathy in this forum are simply great.

You all rock anf thatfor i am grateful

[+surteb]

Like Dark Elf, I am most grateful for my family. I am also very, very grateful that in these tough economic times, I have been able to find employment (when very recently I didn't have any).

 

Thanks so much for the cointest!

[+opalsns]

I am Thanful that this community is so anxious to help each other out in any given situation. Of course , I am most gratful for all I have, Family, Friends, It's a strong foundation, and I don't forget what's most important. But seeing and hearing of the wonderful, Fun and considerate things that are done for each other, without ever knowing who they are , is Brilliant. I think we All Shine!!!!!!!

 

Thanx for the chance to get such a special coin.

 

Opalsns

[+anne.and.eli]

Like most people in this group, my life has had some highs and lows. I've had some very high highs, which made me proud, and I've had some very very very low lows, which taught me humility.

 

Right before the lowest time of my life, I adopted a kitty who was abandoned because she had gotten pregnant. A shelter had taken her in, and fostered her and her babies. The babies got adopted quickly, but the mother was older, and therefore not as desirable. The first time we met, she looked in my eyes and I was hooked. When they let her out of her cage, she walked directly up to me, and flopped on her back, a sign of trust.

 

I named her Nikita, but called her Kita for short. I named her for the assassin in La Femme Nikita, a strong female who is slightly crazy. It fits. Trust me.

 

I went home with her that day, and within the next month I hit rock bottom. There were times where I felt she was the only thing that kept me going. This sounds very melodramatic, but I was young, and hurt, and I learned a lot about myself and love because of my kitty.

 

It's 7 years later, and I still cherish every moment I have with Kita. We're extremely close, and I am so blessed to have her in my life. I've gotten past the lows, and I'm pretty happy with where my life is now. And I'm just so thankful for the kitty kisses and furry purrs that got me through the darkest time of my life, and continue to be given freely still.

 

So if you ever hear me talking about Kita and think "wow, she's going to grow up to be the crazy cat lady" now you know why. I owe a lot to my strong, crazy little furball!

[+sterni2009]

So here I will tell you something about a very special person.

 

I am grateful for my very best friend.

 

It is not easy to find true friends. Often there are many people in our lives. But sometimes we fall and need someone who really cares, because sometimes we are not strong and need somebody who understands and listens. You call some people and some will tell you that they have no time right now because they wanna watch a film, some will only tell you "It will be better tomorrow", and some won't even call back if you talk on their answering machine.

 

So I am very grateful for having found the one friend in my life who I also could call in the middle of the night if I was weak. Who I drive hundred of miles for if she needs help and who does the same for me. A person I can trust in in every situation. C. I love you!

[+Turlutortue]

I am grateful for the second life my son as been given. He has so much to give that all the energy he has in himself now is overwhelming for hm and for us. We are united as never we have been since is cancer and Parkinson diagnose. Life is rough sometimes but we have something to get from all the obstacles we encounter.

 

Get well Jay and thanks for this cointest.

[+Ashallond]

I'm grateful for my 2 year old daughter. She's a sweetheart and makes me smile.

[+GATOULIS]

Oh!!! I am gratefull for many things!!!

 

I am gratefull for my family!!! My parents are so great and understanding!! They are my friends too! I am so gratefull because they gave me good standarts and how to become... what I am now!!!

 

Well... I hope I am a good guy!

 

I am gratefull for my siter and my brother in law! They are my geocaching team, we are a great crazy company and you can only understand this when you meet us!

My sister ...she is as crazy as I am, and she is so close to me! My brother in law... he is a real brother!!!

 

I am gratefull for my girlfriend because is what she is! I can feel her love and caring! I can talk to her, we understand eachother and she is there for me when I need her! I am for her one of the same! Even if she is not always here and distanse is between us.... I can feel her!!!

 

I am grateful for this forum that even sometimes I am sad, I always find a reason to forget any problems and bring the smile in my face!

 

I am greatfull for finding geocaching!!! Except of the great game that brought my child years back, I found in the forums many many great people! They are ready to give, share, help...they are full of feeling for the others and that is so great!!!

 

It is not crazy that I have so many posts here! It is because I feel like I am home! Like you are my family! I feel comfortable here that that makes it so nice! in the forum I am between good friends! That is the main reason I call you my friends, even if the post I am writing this is the first one to you!

It is a great feeling that keeps lonelyness away!

 

In the days we live, it seems that humanity is something scarce!

People do not care for others except for their self! We became jungle!!!

People became cruel and they put their ego in the first place!

I am gratefull because here I saw that humanity is still inside us!

I am gratefull because I saw that good people still exist!

I am greatfull because I am one of you, .... a geocacher!

 

Always to help others, to advise others, to solve any of their problems!

That is the greatest gift we were given! If we can, to help others!!

I have seen people here, praying for others, I was praying for people I didn't even know too! That is love and caring my friends!!!

 

So... I am not only gratefull but I feel very lucky for having great family, and great friends!!!

 

Sorry if my post is quite big! Sorry if I may went a little off....

I just wanted to write these things!!!

 

Good luck to all, congrats to the winners and my dear friend DJ.J.Rock, I am wishing you the best and thank you for this great cointest!!!!

 

Nikos!

[+Chi-Town Cacher]

Well I had some thoughts about what I was greatful for, but I see Gatoulis has said my thoughts about geocaching and the geocoin Forum much nicer than I would have expressed the thoughts that were going through my old noggin so I guess as far as those thoughts go I'll just add a "me too" to Gatoulis' sentaments. Since he stated so eloquently what I was thinking I'm rooting for him to win a coin, but of course all of the entries are great. You're in for a hard decision Jay.

 

Take care of yourself Jay and thanks for being you!

[+drneal]

First and foremost, the time I had with my wife, my family, my 3 dogs, Logan, Heineken, and Brandy (ATB.)

 

So many other things to be thankful for, but none of them seem to even come close.

 

ILYK

[+coman123]

We had just met some fellow geocachers at an event in Ontario ,Canada

Our family's became good friends, so we decided to have them over to our cottage.

 

They Do not have a boat, but have always wanted to try some boat up caches, so I offered to take them on a geotour of my 10 caches on our lake.

 

During the caching, my friend was just getting back into the boat, when a large, 300lb + boulder that he was holding on to became dislodged, I could just see this huge rock falling on him.

 

But luckily it missed him.

 

Unfortunately it did hit my boat, banged it up good, but he was ok.

 

He apologized so many times, he felt really bad.

 

I was just glad he was OK.

 

When e got back to the cottage, my wife came over, I know she saw the damage, but in the kindness of her heart, said "is everyone ok" she did not even mention the boats damage.

 

So I am thankful for my friend being ok ,and having a loving and caring wife.

 

I have been blessed with a great job, loving family and good friends.

 

My heart goes out to all who are going through tough times,

 

I hope what ever caused your medical bills to be high, that everything is Ok with you and your Family.

Edited August 3, 2009 by coman123

[+LadyBee4T]

Ten years ago next week I was involved in a very bad rollover car accident. I didn't quite walk away from it and still have some problems because of it but as I was hanging upside down in my seat belt I found out how wonderful people can be in a situation like that. I told a lady who gave me a blanket to tell my kids how important they were and how much I loved them if I didn't make it. I realized how grateful I was for the training of the paramedics when they were trying to get me out of the van. I was grateful that I was still alive and so was the driver. I had a head injury so I was very grateful that I wasn't paralyzed. Something like that changes your outlook on life. Even though there are still problems from it, I know that I am grateful for every day since that accident as it so very easily have turned out differently. Be grateful for every day that you have for you never know when it may end.

 

Take care Jay and I am wishing the best for you! Thanks for the cointest and I'm very glad how high the bids have been.

[+seekerfamily]

I'm grateful that I am able to do things like this.

[+sunsetmeadowlark]

I often complain about the things that go wrong but I know that all in all, I have it pretty good. I have a wonderful husband, a mom who is my best friend, a job, a hobby I love, and relatively good health. In addition to all of that, I love knowing that if I do need to vent about something I can come to these forums that are full of amazing people who always cheer me up.

 

Great idea for a cointest Jay, you do a lot to make this forum such a great place to visit!

[+sterni2009]

I am grateful that I have enough to eat and a warm flat. Nobody can take that for granted.

[Team_Merchlinsky]

What you are greatful for. My sons doctors . He has nf1 with out his doctors things would be hard he is only 16 months and has a eye exam and an Mri . He is only 18 lbs in weight and has alot of things that could be life challenges . He still is not walking and sees about 3-5 different types of therapist a week .

 

http://www.nfinc.org/nf1.shtml

[+DJ.J.ROCK]

Ten years ago next week I was involved in a very bad rollover car accident. I didn't quite walk away from it and still have some problems because of it but as I was hanging upside down in my seat belt I found out how wonderful people can be in a situation like that. I told a lady who gave me a blanket to tell my kids how important they were and how much I loved them if I didn't make it. I realized how grateful I was for the training of the paramedics when they were trying to get me out of the van. I was grateful that I was still alive and so was the driver. I had a head injury so I was very grateful that I wasn't paralyzed. Something like that changes your outlook on life. Even though there are still problems from it, I know that I am grateful for every day since that accident as it so very easily have turned out differently. Be grateful for every day that you have for you never know when it may end.

 

Take care Jay and I am wishing the best for you! Thanks for the cointest and I'm very glad how high the bids have been.

Bev, you are my first winner,, and I will tell you why, there are 2 main reasons but also include a story.......

 

After cass got preg. With zariah, our relationship took a turn for the down side, for the past 2 yrs, we have both fead off eachothers negitive actions towards eachother, like im gonna treat you this way because you treat me that way.. Things continued To go down hill and we both became numb to our relationship and we fell out of love... about 2-3 months ago, we had total falling out,, I packed all my closet in my car and went to a motel to stay,planning on leaving... while I was at the hotel I suddenly became lonely, and had what I call an awake... I finaly understood something that I had never understood about her,,, and that was that she compleated me and that regardless of her actions, I was acting like a jerk....regardless of her actions...I wasent being the man she needed or I needed to be. At that moment I made a choice to move forward and be that person she needed me to be,that person I should have been the whole time... how could I have been so foolish and stubborn for so long?? Was it to late?.... from that moment on I changed ...forget all the talk, I needed to show her. .. She did not belive it and thought I was being fake... I don't blame her, but I continued to do the things I needed to do.. Trying soooo hard to show her...shortly after that the brain problems came arise, and at one point we weren't sure if I was going to be ok.. Actually were still not to sure what the cause of the narrowed artery is from.. But the head thing also gave me another awake.. As you have stated bev, something like this will change you for forever and how you view life,, before this I was very negitive due to my childhood and and how I grew up.. But now everyday I show and tell cass how greatfull I am that I have her in my life, the past 2 months months have been a big change for me.. And I am greatfull for everything from waking up in the morning to having a job. For some of us it takes something bad to show you that we as people take things for granted. And that was me taking a lot of things for granted. But not anymore. My wife is the best thing to ever happen to me and zariah too. I couldent imagine 1 day to go by with out knowing I have those 2 people in my life,,,, everyday now I show and tell cass and zariah how geatfull I am to had not lost them along the way. I am so greatfull to still be alive. I am so greatfull to have this awaking, it has changed how I view things and life in general. I am positive now because I choose to be that way. Life is too short, if you love someone, make it a point to show them and tell them how much they mean to you, cherish everything in your life as if today is your last day to live. I am!! I hope this story of mine will wake 1 or more persons up to what they have. Because I am not ashamed. I love my family with a passion I never knew till this happened. I love life like I never have! , and your story bev gives that same impression.. This is why I have chosen you for my first winner.

 

Please keep posting,, I may have to give away some more coins...

 

P.s. I have fallen back in love with her and she is on her way too, I don't expect 2 months to fix 2 years but all I can do is tell and show her everyday and hope that she will feel the way I do in the long run,, things have been soo great lately and that I am greatfull for!!

Edited August 3, 2009 by DJ.J.ROCK

[+Dark Elf]

I am grateful for another person.

It's my diabetes-doctor since i was 6 years old.

He was doctor in the hospital as diabetes was diagnosed in my fall. At this time he cares about me and told me everything about diabetes.

One year later he opened is own doctor's office as good as 50 Km from my hometown. Because he was a very good doctor my parents (i was 7 years old at this time) decided to go with him and choosed him as my doctor.

 

Then the time came, where the puberty began and i had these special "nothing is important" mood and so i had big problems with my diabetes.

After my datas were getting bad and more bad everytime my doctor controlled them (the value they measure is called Hba1c and it shows how good or bad i handled my diabetes in the last months), he told me about discipline and that i would not do it for him or for any other person than me. He made me clear, that it would be my damage in the future and that, if i would not care about my diabetes right, i would not get very old.

 

Next time my Hba1c was not better then before and he gave me a last chance, otherwise he could not longer take care about me as my doctor because his doctors office was not specialised for diabetes.

 

And what he did next was totally surprising for me: He did not get angry because of my bad values...he offered me, that i could e-mail him my diabetes-values every weekend and he would look at them and tell me every week what i can do better.

 

Now we do this for as good as 1 year and my Hba1c is not perfect, but i can stay at his doctors office

 

Even now (he is on Mallorca for three weeks in holiday), he answers my e-mail every weekend and helps me to deal with my diabetes.

 

I can`t say how grateful i am for such a great doctor...althoug he is much much older than me he is more a friend than a doctor and he does much more than a normal doctor would do for one of his patients.

 

Even if my english is not that good, i hope you all can understand what i'm trying to say

Edited August 3, 2009 by Dark Elf

[+ZenRVers]

I'm thankful for the men and women who put themselves in harms way to help others.

 

A few months back my son was home on leave and we were having a few beers with a buddy of mine who is a firemen/paramedic. My son is an aviations mechanic and could have stayed relatively safe on an airbase in Iraq but volunteered and became a combat life saver on forward operations. The two of them started to talk shop swapping stories of what they seen and done. It wasn't until then that I got a real appreciation for the type of person my friend is and my son has become.

 

Whether it's the firemen who rushes into a burning building to rescue someone, the paramedic who endures harsh and dangers conditions while trying to keep some alive or the combat medics and live savers. These people do this for about the same pay as a manager of a retail store. I'm very thankful that these kind of people exist in our world. Go out of your way and do something kind for a stranger in their honor.

Edited August 3, 2009 by AlienHeads

[+mousekakat]

I'm grateful for the precious little bundle that was born to us 9 days ago today.

 

July 25 @ 13:30 Kevin David Olofsson was born in Hudiksvall, Sweden. He was 3035g/6.7lbs and 47cm long/18.5" and his 'big little' sister Caitlyn and big sister Hanna are just smitten...as are mamma and pappa!

 

Kevin is our last baby, my body let me know this time that I was too old to do it again, sadly enough, but we're all over the moon happy to have him in our lives!

 

 

[+007BigD]

SWEET! I havent really participated in a cointest for awhile, always seem to just sneek in to see whats poppin these days, but this is an easy one...one where I can freely brag about what I am most gratefull for!

 

MY SWEET BABAY!~ I mean, what the heck else would I be as greatfull for?- REALLY?

 

Although things just didnt work out for the Mamma and myself, I have the greatest lil treasure on earth! SO special that I dont think ANYTHING could make me happier! I cant even have her in her car seat without constantly turning around to look at her! She is such a happy lil thing and just loves her daddy...I can tell!

 

I love taking her places and taking her places is a fairly new ongoing with us... She just LOVES to go! I enjoy seeing her discover new things and figure how things work and what she likes She is recently learning her words and can actually use simple words in context, such as Yes= "Da" NO= "New" and even Thank you = some 2 cylible sound she makes that sounds like "eeee hooo" LOVE THAT BABY!!!!!

 

Also greatfull for the fact that her mamma is such a great mamma who feeds her well, uses cloth diapers and does daycare so she can stay at home with my sweet baby! She also knows the importance of her daddy and allows me to pop in to swoop her off at just about any given moment! I see her daily and cant get enough of her...Cant wait for whats in store for us and when I can take her camping, trippin and all the great things that will be burned into our heads forever, but for now...I just really enjoy being with her AND ~ SHE IS SOOO DANG CUTE!

 

Kay... here she is yesterday, eating Blackberries after chuckin rocks in the water

 

Here IS what I have to deal with when she is in the back seat!!!... How do I do it??? lol

 

Kay...One more~ My all time fav pic of her! Fathers day

 

I LOVE MY BABAY!...sorry, many things to be greatfull for, but she tops the list Tenfold for me!

[+007BigD]

I'm grateful for the precious little bundle that was born to us 9 days ago today.

 

July 25 @ 13:30 Kevin David Olofsson was born in Hudiksvall, Sweden. He was 3035g/6.7lbs and 47cm long/18.5" and his 'big little' sister Caitlyn and big sister Hanna are just smitten...as are mamma and pappa!

 

Kevin is our last baby, my body let me know this time that I was too old to do it again, sadly enough, but we're all over the moon happy to have him in our lives!

 

 

OH MY...... What a beautiful lil thing to be greatfull for........ CONGRATS NAOMI!!!! SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

 

Edit to add: We were posting at the same time as to what we were greatfull for... It was our lil ones, so for a brief moment in time, we couldnt have been more on the same page ....Thats kinda cool!

Edited August 3, 2009 by 007BigD

[ColMustard]

I am grateful my wife cam back from Iraq safely. I am also grateful she picked up geocaching while she was out there. It has really given us something to do together. I LOVE IT!!!

[+GATOULIS]

WOW!!!! that's why I am gratefull for you my friends! you are all great persons who do not afraid to open your hearts here and share your personal stories!

 

With these stories, we can all learn something and find the real values of life and love!!!

 

thank you for that!!!

 

LadyBee.... congrats my dear friend!!!!

 

Can I post a video here? It came to me in an email and it is so great!!!

I hope you will like it! Try it too! It is amazing!!!!

 

http://s207.photobucket.com/albums/bb22/GA...Ring_Finger.flv

[+GATOULIS]

SWEET! I havent really participated in a cointest for awhile, always seem to just sneek in to see whats poppin these days, but this is an easy one...one where I can freely brag about what I am most gratefull for!

 

MY SWEET BABAY!~ I mean, what the heck else would I be as greatfull for?- REALLY?

 

Although things just didnt work out for the Mamma and myself, I have the greatest lil treasure on earth! SO special that I dont think ANYTHING could make me happier! I cant even have her in her car seat without constantly turning around to look at her! She is such a happy lil thing and just loves her daddy...I can tell!

 

I love taking her places and taking her places is a fairly new ongoing with us... She just LOVES to go! I enjoy seeing her discover new things and figure how things work and what she likes She is recently learning her words and can actually use simple words in context, such as Yes= "Da" NO= "New" and even Thank you = some 2 cylible sound she makes that sounds like "eeee hooo" LOVE THAT BABY!!!!!

 

Also greatfull for the fact that her mamma is such a great mamma who feeds her well, uses cloth diapers and does daycare so she can stay at home with my sweet baby! She also knows the importance of her daddy and allows me to pop in to swoop her off at just about any given moment! I see her daily and cant get enough of her...Cant wait for whats in store for us and when I can take her camping, trippin and all the great things that will be burned into our heads forever, but for now...I just really enjoy being with her AND ~ SHE IS SOOO DANG CUTE!

 

Kay... here she is yesterday, eating Blackberries after chuckin rocks in the water

 

Here IS what I have to deal with when she is in the back seat!!!... How do I do it??? lol

 

Kay...One more~ My all time fav pic of her! Fathers day

 

I LOVE MY BABAY!...sorry, many things to be greatfull for, but she tops the list Tenfold for me!

 

David my friend!!!! WOW!!! that's Emma???? She is so beautiful!!! I remember her as a baby and now she is a young lady!!!

[+GATOULIS]

I'm grateful for the precious little bundle that was born to us 9 days ago today.

 

July 25 @ 13:30 Kevin David Olofsson was born in Hudiksvall, Sweden. He was 3035g/6.7lbs and 47cm long/18.5" and his 'big little' sister Caitlyn and big sister Hanna are just smitten...as are mamma and pappa!

 

Kevin is our last baby, my body let me know this time that I was too old to do it again, sadly enough, but we're all over the moon happy to have him in our lives!

 

 

 

Naomi!!!!! So nice to hear you again!!!! Congratulations my friend!!!!!!!! ....Hello Kevin!!! Welcome little one!!!!!!!!!!

[+007BigD]

 

David my friend!!!! WOW!!! that's Emma???? She is so beautiful!!! I remember her as a baby and now she is a young lady!!!

 

Yeah buddy... wasnt that long ago either! Tell me about it... she is certainly growing and I am doin all I can to not miss a beat! ~ Love every minute with her! Thanks

[+LadyBee4T]

Ten years ago next week I was involved in a very bad rollover car accident. I didn't quite walk away from it and still have some problems because of it but as I was hanging upside down in my seat belt I found out how wonderful people can be in a situation like that. I told a lady who gave me a blanket to tell my kids how important they were and how much I loved them if I didn't make it. I realized how grateful I was for the training of the paramedics when they were trying to get me out of the van. I was grateful that I was still alive and so was the driver. I had a head injury so I was very grateful that I wasn't paralyzed. Something like that changes your outlook on life. Even though there are still problems from it, I know that I am grateful for every day since that accident as it so very easily have turned out differently. Be grateful for every day that you have for you never know when it may end.

 

Take care Jay and I am wishing the best for you! Thanks for the cointest and I'm very glad how high the bids have been.

Bev, you are my first winner,, and I will tell you why, there are 2 main reasons but also include a story.......

 

After cass got preg. With zariah, our relationship took a turn for the down side, for the past 2 yrs, we have both fead off eachothers negitive actions towards eachother, like im gonna treat you this way because you treat me that way.. Things continued To go down hill and we both became numb to our relationship and we fell out of love... about 2-3 months ago, we had total falling out,, I packed all my closet in my car and went to a motel to stay,planning on leaving... while I was at the hotel I suddenly became lonely, and had what I call an awake... I finaly understood something that I had never understood about her,,, and that was that she compleated me and that regardless of her actions, I was acting like a jerk....regardless of her actions...I wasent being the man she needed or I needed to be. At that moment I made a choice to move forward and be that person she needed me to be,that person I should have been the whole time... how could I have been so foolish and stubborn for so long?? Was it to late?.... from that moment on I changed ...forget all the talk, I needed to show her. .. She did not belive it and thought I was being fake... I don't blame her, but I continued to do the things I needed to do.. Trying soooo hard to show her...shortly after that the brain problems came arise, and at one point we weren't sure if I was going to be ok.. Actually were still not to sure what the cause of the narrowed artery is from.. But the head thing also gave me another awake.. As you have stated bev, something like this will change you for forever and how you view life,, before this I was very negitive due to my childhood and and how I grew up.. But now everyday I show and tell cass how greatfull I am that I have her in my life, the past 2 months months have been a big change for me.. And I am greatfull for everything from waking up in the morning to having a job. For some of us it takes something bad to show you that we as people take things for granted. And that was me taking a lot of things for granted. But not anymore. My wife is the best thing to ever happen to me and zariah too. I couldent imagine 1 day to go by with out knowing I have those 2 people in my life,,,, everyday now I show and tell cass and zariah how geatfull I am to had not lost them along the way. I am so greatfull to still be alive. I am so greatfull to have this awaking, it has changed how I view things and life in general. I am positive now because I choose to be that way. Life is too short, if you love someone, make it a point to show them and tell them how much they mean to you, cherish everything in your life as if today is your last day to live. I am!! I hope this story of mine will wake 1 or more persons up to what they have. Because I am not ashamed. I love my family with a passion I never knew till this happened. I love life like I never have! , and your story bev gives that same impression.. This is why I have chosen you for my first winner.

 

Please keep posting,, I may have to give away some more coins...

 

P.s. I have fallen back in love with her and she is on her way too, I don't expect 2 months to fix 2 years but all I can do is tell and show her everyday and hope that she will feel the way I do in the long run,, things have been soo great lately and that I am greatfull for!!

 

Thanks Jay! It was quite emotional for me to write what I did especially because of the upcoming anniversary. Yes you got what I was trying to say Jay. As you said life is too short. "Life is what happens to us while we are busy making other plans" as John Lennon and others before him have said. I truly hope that things turn out well for you in what you have to face.

[+CUTT4]

As an EMS employee I see the best and worst in people everyday. We are generally called during a person’s darkest hour, and at times it is hard to keep our emotions under control when surrounded by the suffering of others. From traffic accidents to the joy of birth, we run the gamut and see it all. Unfortunately, just this morning I was reminded of the hardest lesson we learn in this profession … no matter how hard we try, we cannot save everyone.

 

The one thing that keeps me going is the people. The firefighters and first responders that drop everything to aid us, the officers who insure that our safety is never in question, and my fellow co-workers who keep me sane with their off the wall humor. There are also those good samaritans who, without any training, try to provide help and comfort while proving that compassion towards a stranger is not a concept lost in the past. Our patients are a constant reminder of what is precious in life. They show us that LIVING life is harder than watching it pass by, but it is well worth the effort.

 

I find myself thanking God everyday for my training and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those in my community. Geocaching and the people within the geocommunity were an unexpected blessing who continue to amaze me with their generosity and support of one another. I also give thanks for my family and friends supporting, understanding, and creating the laughter I need to keep me grounded.

 

Thank you to everyone for unknowingly confirming that people are inherently good, and I encourage you to remember that a seemingly insignificant act could have an enormous impact.

[+sterni2009]

I am grateful for the USA for giving the world the two coolest outdoor activities: The Scouts and geocaching. Doing interesting things outdoor, the US people always created the best things. In my youth, I was a Girl Scout and now I am a Geocacher. Thanks to the USA for the wonderful outdoor activities, thanks to Robert Baden-Powell for creating the Scouts, thanks to Dave Ulmer for creating geocaching by hiding the first cache and again thanks to the USA for the satellites we all can use.

[+DJ.J.ROCK]

Ten years ago next week I was involved in a very bad rollover car accident. I didn't quite walk away from it and still have some problems because of it but as I was hanging upside down in my seat belt I found out how wonderful people can be in a situation like that. I told a lady who gave me a blanket to tell my kids how important they were and how much I loved them if I didn't make it. I realized how grateful I was for the training of the paramedics when they were trying to get me out of the van. I was grateful that I was still alive and so was the driver. I had a head injury so I was very grateful that I wasn't paralyzed. Something like that changes your outlook on life. Even though there are still problems from it, I know that I am grateful for every day since that accident as it so very easily have turned out differently. Be grateful for every day that you have for you never know when it may end.

 

Take care Jay and I am wishing the best for you! Thanks for the cointest and I'm very glad how high the bids have been.

Bev, you are my first winner,, and I will tell you why, there are 2 main reasons but also include a story.......

 

After cass got preg. With zariah, our relationship took a turn for the down side, for the past 2 yrs, we have both fead off eachothers negitive actions towards eachother, like im gonna treat you this way because you treat me that way.. Things continued To go down hill and we both became numb to our relationship and we fell out of love... about 2-3 months ago, we had total falling out,, I packed all my closet in my car and went to a motel to stay,planning on leaving... while I was at the hotel I suddenly became lonely, and had what I call an awake... I finaly understood something that I had never understood about her,,, and that was that she compleated me and that regardless of her actions, I was acting like a jerk....regardless of her actions...I wasent being the man she needed or I needed to be. At that moment I made a choice to move forward and be that person she needed me to be,that person I should have been the whole time... how could I have been so foolish and stubborn for so long?? Was it to late?.... from that moment on I changed ...forget all the talk, I needed to show her. .. She did not belive it and thought I was being fake... I don't blame her, but I continued to do the things I needed to do.. Trying soooo hard to show her...shortly after that the brain problems came arise, and at one point we weren't sure if I was going to be ok.. Actually were still not to sure what the cause of the narrowed artery is from.. But the head thing also gave me another awake.. As you have stated bev, something like this will change you for forever and how you view life,, before this I was very negitive due to my childhood and and how I grew up.. But now everyday I show and tell cass how greatfull I am that I have her in my life, the past 2 months months have been a big change for me.. And I am greatfull for everything from waking up in the morning to having a job. For some of us it takes something bad to show you that we as people take things for granted. And that was me taking a lot of things for granted. But not anymore. My wife is the best thing to ever happen to me and zariah too. I couldent imagine 1 day to go by with out knowing I have those 2 people in my life,,,, everyday now I show and tell cass and zariah how geatfull I am to had not lost them along the way. I am so greatfull to still be alive. I am so greatfull to have this awaking, it has changed how I view things and life in general. I am positive now because I choose to be that way. Life is too short, if you love someone, make it a point to show them and tell them how much they mean to you, cherish everything in your life as if today is your last day to live. I am!! I hope this story of mine will wake 1 or more persons up to what they have. Because I am not ashamed. I love my family with a passion I never knew till this happened. I love life like I never have! , and your story bev gives that same impression.. This is why I have chosen you for my first winner.

 

Please keep posting,, I may have to give away some more coins...

 

P.s. I have fallen back in love with her and she is on her way too, I don't expect 2 months to fix 2 years but all I can do is tell and show her everyday and hope that she will feel the way I do in the long run,, things have been soo great lately and that I am greatfull for!!

 

Thanks Jay! It was quite emotional for me to write what I did especially because of the upcoming anniversary. Yes you got what I was trying to say Jay. As you said life is too short. "Life is what happens to us while we are busy making other plans" as John Lennon and others before him have said. I truly hope that things turn out well for you in what you have to face.

 

bev i will get your coin to you,, my story was very emotional too, because i almost lost everything that really mattered to me,, i woulda been totally wrecked... good thing someone up there is looking out for me, and i was able to save my family, before it was too late, as it almost was to late. Ive lived my life with out very many regrets, but had i lost my family to my own stupity,, i would have regreted that for the rest of my life!! now its time to live and be happy!!

[+goosefraba1]

I am grateful for the gift of learning. When I was in school I, like most others, learned because that was what I was told to do. This served its purpose, but what I didn't realize is the many things that you learn over a lifetime by not being forced. Isn't it amazing that through time and effort we can learn to do almost anything. In the same way, we can teach others. The sorrounding world never ceases to amaze me. I am just awestruck at how complex everything is. We are blessed to be a part of it.

[+DJ.J.ROCK]

keep posting,, i have more coins.. i just havent decided who,,, what and why yet . the next winner may have posted already,, but then again who knows...lol

im greatfull to see that you all are greatfull for so many things.

[+wor!dw!de]

WOW, so many things to be grateful for. But I guess one that truly stands out in my life is the time I had with my grandfather. He passed away last year, almost a year exactly, 26 August at the age of 95. He was one of the people in my life that I always enjoyed talking with and even though he said many things from his generation, I always listened to him and gave him the opportunity to ramble on about his times.

 

When I would visit my grandparents, he and I always made trips to the dump, even about 6 weeks before his death, we took the (final) ride down the highway, and I would have a hard time if I knew then that was our last trip with the Ford loaded down with twigs and such. Every time a semi-truck would pass us on HWY 58, he would always say-Slow the hell down and then start singing the words to, A long way to go and a short time to get there, and I would always laugh and sing with him and I remind you, this was always the case for the last several years.

 

He also would ask me if I'm driving 55 and of course, the old Ford was lucky to go 55 and I always paused and looked at the speedometer and said- Yep, 55 on the button, then I would receive my short class on speed limits and CHPs (California Highway Patrol) which his son, my uncle was until he retired, and the price of tickets and such.

 

Once arriving at the dump, I would help him out of the truck and he would push the debris out with his walking stick (which is now hung above my grandmothers door) and direct the trucks which were backing up to off-load there trash, to a safe distance, although he was legally blind and grandma always said he could only see’s blurs and outlines, and once people got out of their trucks, he always had a pleasant word to say and a quick comment on the weather, I knew these people liked him and I always felt that they were envy of me because I had such a cool, old grandpa.

 

And of course, all this work required a cold beverage to wash down all the dust, so I always stopped at the same store. We shared a small bag of Doritos cheese chips and sometimes the .25 cent Slim Jims and our Lipton Lemon Iced Teas. I remember one time the store only had regular Iced Tea and he said- This taste like piss, it ain’t what we had last time, and with a smile on my face and I’m sure he heard my laugh, I’d say nope, these little stores can’t keep nothin’ stocked.

 

And a few weeks later, he appeared to have a heart attack at night, and no, he didn’t tell anyone that night, but the next morning, he did not look his normal- what the hell’s going on self. Therefore, after several tests at the hospital, we all learned that his kidneys were beyond repair. Myself and two of my uncles, we all three live and work outside the US, happened to be there at the same time on a somewhat rare visit to the US, and with this, I believe grandpa knew it was his time to go. The rest of the family was within hours away and having him pass away in the house he lived in for over 50 years, was something I will treasure forever. And as I finish this with tears in my eyes, I pray that I may live to his age and have a grandson that will take his old grandpa to the dump and share a snack sometime.

[MrsJonesen]

This is a great thread... and one that reminded me of some of the littler things that I'm thankful I've seen or done or experienced.

 

... the sound of the tide as it breaks and washes up along a beach

... the delicate lace of frost on a window or how fresh snow glitters in the sun

... the smell of cut grass in the summer or burning leaves in the fall

... the purr of a kitten, the expressions that a dog can make

... racing like the wind on the back of a horse

 

I would miss them all tremendously, so I'm very grateful I've had them. Each hold memories that I wouldn't trade for anything, all intertwined with everyone I love in life.

[+JohnMac56]

For me it is simple; every day I am grateful just to be alive, clean and sober. So far, I don't think that anyone here knows this about me, but I spent a solid ten years of my life as a crack cocaine addict. Not that I have ever tried to hide that part of my past but it just has never come up here. I now have over 12 years living my life completely drug and alcohol free and celebrate every day that I wake up above ground as a great day!

 

There were many many times that I felt that I just couldn't go on in this life anymore and more than a few times when I should have died but there was a little something inside me that kept me going. I don't know what that little something was but I am sure grateful that it was there.

 

Of course I am always grateful for my loving family and friends. Without the love and help from my family and their willingness to forgive all of the terrible things that I did and to accept the fact that I did have a problem I never would have made it through to this point in my life.

 

I am also grateful to the police, court system, probation department and the folks at the rehab center that helped me to learn to live my life without any mind altering substances. After numerous trips to jail just to be released after only a day or two and then back to the same thing again, I finally caught a charge that could have sent me to prison for eight to ten years. I had been offered a choice between jail and a drug program a couple of times in the past but always declined the program because it was an eighteen month intensive program and was only a one time shot (screw up and serve your time plus some added for good measure) and the jail time involved was usually less than a week. But while sitting in jail awaiting trial on this new charge I had a chance to completely sober up and finally began thinking straight for the first time in ten years. So, after sitting in a cell for a month thinking about life and what I had done to try and ruin mine and where it was going they offered me the rehab program and I happily signed away and life for me has never been the same....

 

I could go on and on about all the other people and things that I am grateful for but the bottom line is every day I am grateful just to be here (alive) and to be able to share this little look into my past with you all...

 

Jay thanks for the cointest, it is a great idea. We should always remember who or what we are grateful for every single day of our lives.

[+cainrcc]

I am greatful for be blessed with 2 great kids(both of them are non cachers

although both of them have came to my Events to eat but not together)

 

I am grateful for all of the

wonerfull friends that I have met geocaching and the many friends I have made in the fourms here.

 

Also I am greatful to the Centour drug company as I am on there PAP program for my Rheumatoid Arthritis and they have donated the Remicade drug to me for the last 6+ years for my RA and with out it I couldn't geocache or do most daily things.

[+CUTT4]

For me it is simple; every day I am grateful just to be alive, clean and sober. So far, I don't think that anyone here knows this about me, but I spent a solid ten years of my life as a crack cocaine addict. Not that I have ever tried to hide that part of my past but it just has never come up here. I now have over 12 years living my life completely drug and alcohol free and celebrate every day that I wake up above ground as a great day!

 

There were many many times that I felt that I just couldn't go on in this life anymore and more than a few times when I should have died but there was a little something inside me that kept me going. I don't know what that little something was but I am sure grateful that it was there.

 

Of course I am always grateful for my loving family and friends. Without the love and help from my family and their willingness to forgive all of the terrible things that I did and to accept the fact that I did have a problem I never would have made it through to this point in my life.

 

I am also grateful to the police, court system, probation department and the folks at the rehab center that helped me to learn to live my life without any mind altering substances. After numerous trips to jail just to be released after only a day or two and then back to the same thing again, I finally caught a charge that could have sent me to prison for eight to ten years. I had been offered a choice between jail and a drug program a couple of times in the past but always declined the program because it was an eighteen month intensive program and was only a one time shot (screw up and serve your time plus some added for good measure) and the jail time involved was usually less than a week. But while sitting in jail awaiting trial on this new charge I had a chance to completely sober up and finally began thinking straight for the first time in ten years. So, after sitting in a cell for a month thinking about life and what I had done to try and ruin mine and where it was going they offered me the rehab program and I happily signed away and life for me has never been the same....

 

I could go on and on about all the other people and things that I am grateful for but the bottom line is every day I am grateful just to be here (alive) and to be able to share this little look into my past with you all...

 

Jay thanks for the cointest, it is a great idea. We should always remember who or what we are grateful for every single day of our lives.

 

JohnMac56, there are no words to express the respect I have for you. It is not easy to turn your back on something that has controlled your life for so long. The fact that you have successfully done so, gives hope to those still under addiction's influence. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.

[+DJ.J.ROCK]

This is a great thread... and one that reminded me of some of the littler things that I'm thankful I've seen or done or experienced.

 

... the sound of the tide as it breaks and washes up along a beach

... the delicate lace of frost on a window or how fresh snow glitters in the sun

... the smell of cut grass in the summer or burning leaves in the fall

... the purr of a kitten, the expressions that a dog can make

... racing like the wind on the back of a horse

 

I would miss them all tremendously, so I'm very grateful I've had them. Each hold memories that I wouldn't trade for anything, all intertwined with everyone I love in life.

mrs jonesen you are my second winner in this thread,, the reason being... is this is what my coin is all about!

 

the small things in life,, i hope everyone reading this thread takes a good look at life and what its really all about,, not cars not nice houses not money , but the things we take for granted,, as a flower provides so much beauty but if we dont look at it, we miss all that. i take close up pics of flowers when out caching and am allways amazed at the pics when i get home.

 

you have won an antiqued gold version, please send me your addy!

[+DJ.J.ROCK]

For me it is simple; every day I am grateful just to be alive, clean and sober. So far, I don't think that anyone here knows this about me, but I spent a solid ten years of my life as a crack cocaine addict. Not that I have ever tried to hide that part of my past but it just has never come up here. I now have over 12 years living my life completely drug and alcohol free and celebrate every day that I wake up above ground as a great day!

 

There were many many times that I felt that I just couldn't go on in this life anymore and more than a few times when I should have died but there was a little something inside me that kept me going. I don't know what that little something was but I am sure grateful that it was there.

 

Of course I am always grateful for my loving family and friends. Without the love and help from my family and their willingness to forgive all of the terrible things that I did and to accept the fact that I did have a problem I never would have made it through to this point in my life.

 

I am also grateful to the police, court system, probation department and the folks at the rehab center that helped me to learn to live my life without any mind altering substances. After numerous trips to jail just to be released after only a day or two and then back to the same thing again, I finally caught a charge that could have sent me to prison for eight to ten years. I had been offered a choice between jail and a drug program a couple of times in the past but always declined the program because it was an eighteen month intensive program and was only a one time shot (screw up and serve your time plus some added for good measure) and the jail time involved was usually less than a week. But while sitting in jail awaiting trial on this new charge I had a chance to completely sober up and finally began thinking straight for the first time in ten years. So, after sitting in a cell for a month thinking about life and what I had done to try and ruin mine and where it was going they offered me the rehab program and I happily signed away and life for me has never been the same....

 

I could go on and on about all the other people and things that I am grateful for but the bottom line is every day I am grateful just to be here (alive) and to be able to share this little look into my past with you all...

 

Jay thanks for the cointest, it is a great idea. We should always remember who or what we are grateful for every single day of our lives.

sir john- you are my third winner , the reason being is ... i too have had an addiction or a few for that matter.. also,as you no one knows this about me here and may require a story,, but first i must make dinner and enjoy my family, so i will return with my story, and more details about your winnings and why... till then i wish everyone a good night, and remember show the ones you love , that you love them ,, you never know when they or you might be gone.

[+DJ.J.ROCK]

For me it is simple; every day I am grateful just to be alive, clean and sober. So far, I don't think that anyone here knows this about me, but I spent a solid ten years of my life as a crack cocaine addict. Not that I have ever tried to hide that part of my past but it just has never come up here. I now have over 12 years living my life completely drug and alcohol free and celebrate every day that I wake up above ground as a great day!

 

There were many many times that I felt that I just couldn't go on in this life anymore and more than a few times when I should have died but there was a little something inside me that kept me going. I don't know what that little something was but I am sure grateful that it was there.

 

Of course I am always grateful for my loving family and friends. Without the love and help from my family and their willingness to forgive all of the terrible things that I did and to accept the fact that I did have a problem I never would have made it through to this point in my life.

 

I am also grateful to the police, court system, probation department and the folks at the rehab center that helped me to learn to live my life without any mind altering substances. After numerous trips to jail just to be released after only a day or two and then back to the same thing again, I finally caught a charge that could have sent me to prison for eight to ten years. I had been offered a choice between jail and a drug program a couple of times in the past but always declined the program because it was an eighteen month intensive program and was only a one time shot (screw up and serve your time plus some added for good measure) and the jail time involved was usually less than a week. But while sitting in jail awaiting trial on this new charge I had a chance to completely sober up and finally began thinking straight for the first time in ten years. So, after sitting in a cell for a month thinking about life and what I had done to try and ruin mine and where it was going they offered me the rehab program and I happily signed away and life for me has never been the same....

 

I could go on and on about all the other people and things that I am grateful for but the bottom line is every day I am grateful just to be here (alive) and to be able to share this little look into my past with you all...

 

Jay thanks for the cointest, it is a great idea. We should always remember who or what we are grateful for every single day of our lives.

sir john- you are my third winner , the reason being is ... i too have had an addiction or a few for that matter.. also,as you no one knows this about me here and may require a story,, but first i must make dinner and enjoy my family, so i will return with my story, and more details about your winnings and why... till then i wish everyone a good night, and remember show the ones you love , that you love them ,, you never know when they or you might be gone.

so here is another story,,geez you all are learning so much about me in this thread ...ha ha ha....

 

I grew up with a single mom, both parents being drunks, dad never took intrest because he couldent stand my mom. every time they would see eachother a arguement would break out, mom couldent even give dad a ride in the car with out them fighting.. so that made my life and childhood very hard, needless to say i grew up very fast, mom blamed dad and dad blamed mom, but the fact of the matter was their drinking took over both of them. I lived with mom and she was very strict. i had to come in very early and couldent play a whole lot. my mother never spent any time with me, i even had to wait for a break in the tv program to talk to her, and i was an only child from her so life was very lonely. I had friends in the neborhood but i could only see them for a short time every day,and half the time i was grounded for one reason or another all the kids on the block were scared of my mom and thought she was mean so they never wanted to come to my house to play. my mom had me put on riddlin about 1200 mg a day,, i became a walking zombie from the meds.

 

when i was about 12 i ran away from home and mom called the cops, i dident want to go back, so i went to a temp shelter for bad kids, to make a long story shorter i ended up living with my aunt, when i was 13 my dad passed from drinking ,,it killed his liver, this is when a bad life went to worse, i became very angry,sad and depressed and started to do drugs to block out the pain, i did anything i could get my hands on,and was sent back to live with my mother because my aunt couldent take it anymore,, at 14 i was addicted to acid and pot and drank about 3 times a week,the pot replaced the riddlin,, i was never home and stayed at friends houses, still attending school only half the time, the other half was spent getting high.

 

by 16 i would be dropped off at school and would walk right through it and out the back door, to go get my fix. i sold drugs so i could do them,, finally after 3 different high schools i just dropped out and became a dealer full time, it was easyer then facing a normal life, or felling the pain i was in for. shortly there after i overdosed on acid and went crazy on a black out , i ended up trashing a store, going to jail, and detox. i continued to do the things i was doing, but knew something had to change or give for me, i eventually got off the acid,taught myself high school and got my GED, but the pot lingered, untill reciently i used it everyday like meds would be used, self medicating.

 

at 18 i decided it was time to change and face the music, but the pot followed, after 10 years .. i quit smoking just a few months ago...and have no desire to pick it back up ,i gave away all my smoking stuff to an old friend so i wouldent be tempted ,, so johnmac i give you lots of respect, for fighting that demon i couldent imagine doing harder drugs for 10 years. i feel really good now and have a new outlook on life, been there done that and dont wanna do it again.

 

so johnmac id like to send you a coin in compassion for stopping. because you are a winner because i know how hard something like that is and i am lucky to stop and greatfull to be the way i am now drug free.

 

its getting late here and im falling asleap at the puter so john you have won an antique gold version for your honesty, and strong will. and i give you much respect.

[+GATOULIS]

wow!!! My dear friends!!! I have Great respect for both of you!!! You won back your lives and you really learned the meaning of it!!! You love life now and that is great!

 

thank God, you desided that it was time to end this drug thing and after a lot of pain (I am sure of that), you won! Many would hide this part of their life just to keep making a good profile! The thing that you are the winners of life and they fact that you both told your stories here, makes you great persons!!!! You are heroes for many who are or were addicted, or lost friends by drugs!!!

 

JohnMac my friend!!! congratulations for the winning coin! Consider it as a medal of life! DJJROCK... you deserve a medal too but this is your cointest!!!

 

I never took any drugs, I have never ever try to smoke a normal cigarette, even if some "clever" guys were laughed at me in the school, but I lost friends because of them them!!!!

 

Last Tuesday we went to a local festival for a church whose saint was celebrating! It was the name day of the saint!

 

Here in greece, except birthdays, we have name days too! when a saint is celebrating his or her name, all people with that name celebrating too!

 

My name day is on December 6th! It is the day St. Nikolaos died! We usually celebrate the day the saint is going to meet God and jesus in Heaven!

 

Anyway.... there we saw an old good friend! When she saw me how I grew up she started crying.... her sons had died because of drugs! They were good friends of mine during my childhood! When we changed house we got lost... and...

One of her sons had my age and the other was 1 or 2 years younger!

 

So... in me, she actually saw her sons!!! I was socked by that and I felt unconfortable! HUH.....

 

Open your hearts my friends! Do not be afraid! You are between friends, you are between people who care about you, even if they are far far away, even if you have never seen them from close!

[+ECplus3]

I'm grateful for the precious little bundle that was born to us 9 days ago today.

 

July 25 @ 13:30 Kevin David Olofsson was born in Hudiksvall, Sweden. He was 3035g/6.7lbs and 47cm long/18.5" and his 'big little' sister Caitlyn and big sister Hanna are just smitten...as are mamma and pappa!

 

Kevin is our last baby, my body let me know this time that I was too old to do it again, sadly enough, but we're all over the moon happy to have him in our lives!

 

 

 

A little boy! Oh how wonderful, Naomi!!!

 

Congratulations to you and your family. Sorry to hear you have to stop at 3 (we did too), but at least the female/male ratio will forever be in your favour in the household now.

 

Take it easy!

[+sunsetmeadowlark]

so here is another story,,geez you all are learning so much about me in this thread ...ha ha ha....

 

I grew up with a single mom, both parents being drunks, dad never took intrest because he couldent stand my mom. every time they would see eachother a arguement would break out, mom couldent even give dad a ride in the car with out them fighting.. so that made my life and childhood very hard, needless to say i grew up very fast, mom blamed dad and dad blamed mom, but the fact of the matter was their drinking took over both of them. I lived with mom and she was very strict. i had to come in very early and couldent play a whole lot. my mother never spent any time with me, i even had to wait for a break in the tv program to talk to her, and i was an only child from her so life was very lonely. I had friends in the neborhood but i could only see them for a short time every day,and half the time i was grounded for one reason or another all the kids on the block were scared of my mom and thought she was mean so they never wanted to come to my house to play. my mom had me put on riddlin about 1200 mg a day,, i became a walking zombie from the meds.

 

when i was about 12 i ran away from home and mom called the cops, i dident want to go back, so i went to a temp shelter for bad kids, to make a long story shorter i ended up living with my aunt, when i was 13 my dad passed from drinking ,,it killed his liver, this is when a bad life went to worse, i became very angry,sad and depressed and started to do drugs to block out the pain, i did anything i could get my hands on,and was sent back to live with my mother because my aunt couldent take it anymore,, at 14 i was addicted to acid and pot and drank about 3 times a week,the pot replaced the riddlin,, i was never home and stayed at friends houses, still attending school only half the time, the other half was spent getting high.

 

by 16 i would be dropped off at school and would walk right through it and out the back door, to go get my fix. i sold drugs so i could do them,, finally after 3 different high schools i just dropped out and became a dealer full time, it was easyer then facing a normal life, or felling the pain i was in for. shortly there after i overdosed on acid and went crazy on a black out , i ended up trashing a store, going to jail, and detox. i continued to do the things i was doing, but knew something had to change or give for me, i eventually got off the acid,taught myself high school and got my GED, but the pot lingered, untill reciently i used it everyday like meds would be used, self medicating.

 

at 18 i decided it was time to change and face the music, but the pot followed, after 10 years .. i quit smoking just a few months ago...and have no desire to pick it back up ,i gave away all my smoking stuff to an old friend so i wouldent be tempted ,, so johnmac i give you lots of respect, for fighting that demon i couldent imagine doing harder drugs for 10 years. i feel really good now and have a new outlook on life, been there done that and dont wanna do it again.

 

so johnmac id like to send you a coin in compassion for stopping. because you are a winner because i know how hard something like that is and i am lucky to stop and greatfull to be the way i am now drug free.

 

its getting late here and im falling asleap at the puter so john you have won an antique gold version for your honesty, and strong will. and i give you much respect.

 

Congratulations to both of you for winning the fight against your addictions!

 

I'm forever thankful that I had and still have what I consider the worlds greatest mom and reading your post makes me all the more thankful for her. All through my childhood she was the kind of mom who made sure that I had fun. We went places, did things, she spent time teaching me to enjoy the big and little things, and she always made sure I knew I was loved. She was strict (We lived in a very small town and I remember when I was 10 or 11 she called the cops on me for being 5 minutes late coming home from a neighbors house!) but her lessons were always important ones and because she taught me to follow the rules I had a lot of freedom. I rebelled as a teen and got into some trouble with the law but even then she supported me (and punished me at the same time!) and as I got a little older I began to realize how lucky I was. Now that I'm an adult with kids of my own she is my best friend. We live just a mile apart and are business partners. We're also caching partners and to this day if there is a problem in my life I know I can call her and she will provide me with a shoulder to cry on and some good advice. My boys are teens now and going through the rebellious stage (thankfully they aren't as bad as I was!) but I hope that some day I can share the same adult relationship with them that I share with my own mom. And I am grateful that they get to know and love the amazing woman I'm lucky enough to call mom!

 

Mom, I know you'll read this since you like to "spy" on me in the forums. I want you to know how much I love you!

[Team_Merchlinsky]

My kids Lexie 4 Abby 2 Cameron 1 Baby john Due at the end of the month .

They are what keeps me going . Lexie is adhd and Cameron has NF1 .

 

There are so many days i wounder why i keep going . The best thing is to here a 2 or 4 year old say Momoy i found it . LOL they love geocaching

[+jasondulac]

I am thankful that my mom is here with me today.

My mom has bi polar as do I. 3 years ago here twin brother died. She was really close to him It was actually a miracla he lived as long as he did. He was born with water on the brain the docters said he wouldn' live past the age of 2. by age 5 he went compleatly blind and ended up in a home at age 18 he got pushed down the stairs and lost the use of his legs.. but no mater what what happend in his life he was always happy and that happines spread to all the people he talked to. his lats few years of life were tough he was put on a feeding tube but he still had high spirits. when he died my mom took it really hard and her ilness got bad. the year on there birthday she tried to take her life and also the year after that both times I found her it was hard to see my mom like this. so this year me and my dad talked my mom into taking counciling and it heleped she gone a whole year with out ending up in the hospital and for that I am greatful.

[+DJ.J.ROCK]

I am thankful that my mom is here with me today.

My mom has bi polar as do I. 3 years ago here twin brother died. She was really close to him It was actually a miracla he lived as long as he did. He was born with water on the brain the docters said he wouldn' live past the age of 2. by age 5 he went compleatly blind and ended up in a home at age 18 he got pushed down the stairs and lost the use of his legs.. but no mater what what happend in his life he was always happy and that happines spread to all the people he talked to. his lats few years of life were tough he was put on a feeding tube but he still had high spirits. when he died my mom took it really hard and her ilness got bad. the year on there birthday she tried to take her life and also the year after that both times I found her it was hard to see my mom like this. so this year me and my dad talked my mom into taking counciling and it heleped she gone a whole year with out ending up in the hospital and for that I am greatful.

jason, i am sorry to hear that,, mabie you can point this thread out to your mom,, and mabie she will read it and have a bit different perspective on life. mabie it will show her shes not alone, and we all have our trials,, but we all wake up the next day and that is something to be thankfull for in itself. then theres so many reasons through out every day to be greatfull for things or peps.. it sounds like you mother is going thru a hard time, i hope she finds a way to look towards everyday and be thankfull!! i hope she has an awake as i have ,, i cant tell you the many blessings i have each and every day now!! life is so much different when you look at it from the other end.

life in this era has trained us to care about cars, and houses, and what we want to pass the time and money seems to rule the world. but this is not what we should pay attention to. your mother needs to heal, i lost my father at 13 it took me 8 years to heal from that and i hardly ever saw him. but after you heal you become stronger. send your mother our way and we will fill her heart with caring forum users and compassion for one another. i truely feel like this is sort of a second home for me , and am wowed at the type of person you become being here!! i hope your mom finds her strength and well being,, and you should tell her every day you are there for her and remind her how much you love her, that in itself will help the healing process, because she will have somthing or someone to live for and someone to be thankfull for. i hope i said this right. good luck in your trials with your mother jason!