Oh Zontar - that is awful ! Even if they are insured, it must be devastating to lose everything like that - poor souls - I am so glad that the dog and cat were saved too ! Obviously really happy no-one was hurt !

Hugs, Maggie x

Zontar,

I am so sorry to hear about your son's loss, but everyone is okay and that is what really matters.

I have to confess, for I did give a child up of adoption. It was an open adoption, but her mother felt threaten by our relationship (and gave my daughter grief for talking to me) still to this day we do not speak.

Enjoy and treasure every minute (which I am sure you do), for you have a true blessing!

Jaba

Zontar: I am sorry about what happened to your son. But I am VERY happy about the way that the relatonship has turned out. Really happy to hear about a reunion with a happy ending.

What a year for you!! xoxo Newlife

Losing everything in a fire is devastating. I am sorry that your son has to go through that. I am so happy about your relationship, though. I am sure that it is bringing joy to both of you.

time for another update as it's been a while again. I'm off work today for my birthday, and I already have a delightful drinking plan in place. sounds silly, but being off on a friday with a "special day" ahead would previously result in starting by at least 2pm, and knocking back a dozen drinks easily by bedtime. instead, I'm up at 6am, plan to ride my motorcycle, play a ton of disc golf (a new passion my "long lost son" got me hooked on!), then get Indian take-out with my wife in the evening. the hard partying gets started with a 3-hour movie and two glasses of good Spanish Tempranillo at home.

why am I sharing these details? because they mean a helluva lot to me. this week was kinda crappy. job stress, $1000 worth of termite extermination, another depressing mass shooting in the US.....a year ago I'd use all these events to have another drink. because of Nal, I've discovered that AL truly doesn't make a positive difference in how I feel. I can still have a couple glasses of good wine tonight, and I'll look forward to them, but not CRAVE them like I did previously.

My word to all on here who have encouraged me from the start (UKB, newlife, maggie etc etc etc): STAY THE COURSE! FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE! TAKE YOUR FREAKING NAL! I'm 8 months in and it's changed my life enough to know it's for real. cured? I don't know, but I'm a better person than I was on April Fool's Day, when I ordered my Nal....

Aawww Zontar ..... your post made me get Goosebumps and made me feel good. You have supported me too - and we all know that it is the support that really helps ! SO sorry about the termite stuff - and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you !! Have a wonderful weekend -

HUGS, Maggie xxx

Awesome report Zontar. Even with all the stress on your birthday you are keeping to your plan and to the NAL and doing awesome! Very encouraging to read.

Happy Belated Birthday Zontar!!! I'm guessing this is one of the BEST birthday gifts you've ever given yourself!

Your words are really encouraging to me.... someone who is struggling to see any results yet 2.5 months into the process! My birthday isn't until May.... I'm hoping by then I'll have experienced the same success that you have! Keep on keeping on!!!

MinneMom

CONGORATS!!!!

Zontar: Happy Birthday!! What a fabulous post. And thanks for the words of encouragement. I have been taking nal a month longer than you. I still struggle sometimes, but I too am WAY better off than I was before and I need to hold onto that. Posts like yours help me do it.

Hope your day turned out just like you wanted it.

xoxo Newlife