DeanCarl Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 A lot of folks here say they find my words to be of some help. Well, I can trace the origon of my way of living back to Nov. 22nd 1979. That was my first day clean and sober after 15 years of hard drinking, using and living. So as of today I've been clean and sober 25 years. When I got dxd last year I kinda wanted to live long enough to see this day and, by the grace of whatever power you believe in, that has happend. (Though, to tell the truth, I really didn't think it would). And the kicker is .... it's been a GOOD 25 years. I came off the streets, went back to school, met a WONDERFUL lady who is still my partner in this journey and built a reputation as one of the best in my proffession (and not in just one profession ... but TWO totaly different ones). But what has made the last 25 years so good has been the chance to meet and get to know people. Good people. People like you all. People who taught me to live, laugh and love in ways I never thought possible. I don't know just how much longer I have in this world. But be it weeks or months or whatever, when it comes time to lay my body down for the last time I know I'll be able to say to myself, "Yes, it WAS a good life". And it don't get much better than that! Dean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Congratulations on the 25 years of clean, Dean. Hey, "clean Dean"! I like that. Glad you are still around to touch our lives here and make them richer. Hope your Thanksgiving is a great one as well. Blessings. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 I hope you are having a heck of a day to celebrate. That is a fabulous achievement on so many levels. God bless. Curtis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Congratulations Dean, I wish DavidA, T-Bone, and Bobmc were here to read this. They would be so incredibly happy for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Thank you for sharing! Congrats on making it to the 25 years of clean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimmek Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 You said it all....Wow....For the second time this evening I have been left speechless by a post. May you find happiness each and everyday Dean. Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Wow Dean, Congratulations! I am so glad you made it! Here's to many more celebrations of each and every worthwhile victory! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyCW Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Dean, what a huge milestone, the mark of a major accomplishment (clean and sober for 25 years!!!). Overcoming such a difficult challenge, well, that alone is more than most people achieve in a lifetime. You have earned the right to be very proud, although I know you are a humble man. It makes me feel good to know you're enjoying this day. Congratulations, and hugs to you and Gay, BeckyCW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Cheryl- Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Dean, May I say that we are blessed to know you! Congratulations! This is quite an event to be proud of. I'd say, the hardest battle is that against the demons of one's own will. God Bless, cheryl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Congratulations, Dean. What a beautiful way of life...clean and sober for 25 years is huge.... HUGE. I am proud of you. Can you imagine having to go through this disease as someone who is deep in his addiction? THAT would be double hell. With sobriety and faith in God, all things are possible. Blessings to you, DeanCarl for another full and loving year...one day at a time. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debi Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Dean, Congratulations on your 25th anniversary of sobriety!! I remember years ago, sitting in a basement, listening to a speaker who had just found out he had cancer, had lost his daughter the year before and who was going through a divorce. I was incredulous, and fairly puzzled. Why, I thought, why didn't this man just drink again? What was he waiting for...I didn't get it. I didn't realize then what a gift self-respect and dignity were. I think only those people who have lost them and then found them again, understand how precious they are. You have so many gifts Dean, and the best thing is that you are so aware that you do... Hope you had a great day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeTaa Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Yep - TBone and David A. and BobMC are up there having quite a "meeting" in your honor. What an accomplishment. I'm so very proud for you. Praying for us all, TeeTaa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyCW Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 TeeTaa, I love the bird named Dean and what you wrote about him! The bird is beautiful, and it should be honored, indeed. BeckyCW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Dean, Twenty Five years is wonderful. Its even better that you have made the most of them like you have. You have led a full life and been through much. Now is the time to look at it with pride. You are a beatiful person Dean. One of the big things about you is that you have learned so much. Many people just "are". They flow with the day to day and never really change for the better. You pulled yourself up. Looked at what was past and decided that was not for you. I am so proud of you. You continue to inspire me daily. Thanks for sharing this special day with us. I hope you are not in pain. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Oh Dean, What a wonderful anniversary to celebrate!! You have inspired so many, you probably have no idea of the depth you have touched peoples souls..... Thank you my friend. Love, Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Congradulations , We are so blessed because of your decision 25 yrs ago. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Dean, What a tremendous accomplishment this is for you! I'm proud to know you. Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Lamb Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Clean Dean,Congratulations on a remarkable accomplishment.Mabe you and Gay should celebrate,I know first hand how important a good woman is in keeping us on the straight and narrow at times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teresag Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Congratulations and happy anniversary, Dean. I can never really know just what you've been through, I can only say that I admire those who have stood on the edge of the abyss and decided to step back instead. So many people are grateful to have you here, alive and still sharing your wisdom with others. A happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Dean Congratulations on your 25th anniversary. You have accomplished so much in your life, including being such a wonderful inspiration to us all. Happy Thanksgiving!!! TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Daughter of Bill Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Dean How awesome for you!! You continue to amaze me. Happy anniversary to you!! One day at a time............... In my thoughts and prayers~~~ Angie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Awesome...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathyr Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Congratulations Dean Carl! What an accomplishment. I'm so proud of you. Believe me, you have touched all of our lives as well. I know I'm a better person having met you in my lifetime! CathyR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted November 23, 2004 Share Posted November 23, 2004 Dean, I think the only thing I've stuck to for 25 years has been my marriage. I can't even stay on a diet for 25 days without cheating. LOL! THREE CHEERS FOR DEAN!! Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda Posted November 24, 2004 Share Posted November 24, 2004 Dean, Congratulations on such a major accomplishment. I do not know the varied roads you have traveled on to reach where you are now, Dean, but it is readily apparent how much wisdom you have gleaned from your life experiences (the good, the bad, and the ugly). Not many can say that they've had a good life AND acquired such knowledge. I am so grateful that the last 25 have been so fulfilling for you, Dean. I am also (selfishly) grateful that I have "met" you and been able to benefit from your insight. Congratulations, once again; happy Thanksgiving; and thank you. Melinda "Let knowledge grow from more to more--and so may human life be enriched." (The University of Chicago) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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