Life is too short

**nhcigarfan** · 07-03-2007, 10:31 AM

I back you 100% brother. Take care, focus on yourself and your family. If you need anything. Just ask.

Tyler

**Shelby07** · 07-03-2007, 11:49 AM

Oh man, James. I am so sorry about your cousin. Hang in there and do whatever you need to do in order to get things right. I will definately be sending prayers out on your behalf.

**drew_goring** · 07-03-2007, 01:36 PM

Do what you need to do bro to get through this. Your health and your family is more important than anything. Prayers go out to you and your family. I really hope to see you back soon.

**slcraiders** · 07-03-2007, 04:56 PM

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers everyone. I can really feel them! Just an update on the situation. I just got off the phone with my boss. He does not know if he can sign up for me taking a personal leave for 6 weeks "for the good of the business". He will mull it over on the 4th and circle back with me on Thursday. If he does not allow me to, I feel I have no choice but to give my 2 weeks notice as keeping my family is more important than contributing to a couple penny per share result for the stockholders. If I am forced to take the second option, I will at least be rehirable. I have 17 plus years invested with this company and hope they can be sensitive enough to let me take care of things. Therefore, I could be on a plane as early as Monday/Tuesday of next week or as late as mid-month. Either way, I am going. My wonderful father-in-law is flipping the bill for my 6 week stay. We talked yesterday prior to my post and he told me that he considers me "indispensible as a son, husband to my wife and father to those beautiful boys." Wow. I just bursted into tears at that point. I felt important for a change. I did not mean to bring my drama here, but I believe in the power of prayer and the more the merrier. Thanks again and more to come.

**cls515** · 07-03-2007, 05:10 PM

Good luck. Wanting to change is the first step.

**mauied1101** · 07-03-2007, 05:11 PM

Don't forget what you mean to the board - and to me personally when I signed up. You have a fan club here/support group/prayer circle/what ever you want to call it.

See you on the flip side.

**drew_goring** · 07-03-2007, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by mauied1101

Don't forget what you mean to the board - and to me personally when I signed up. You have a fan club here/support group/prayer circle/what ever you want to call it.

See you on the flip side.

What he said.

**prophetic_joe** · 07-03-2007, 11:24 PM

James, my thoughts are with you in this man. You are correct in saying that family comes first and I sincerely hope that your boss feels the same way. I wish the best for you and yours sir. I believe from the actions I've seen that you are a strong and good person and I believe 100% that you will get through this. Get well man that's what's important.

**Cabaiguan Juan** · 07-04-2007, 07:16 AM

James, I'm sorry for you and your family, but I'm excited for you too. When times get tough, just think back to what everyone here has said and what your father-in-law has said. You are a good person, you can make it through. Feel the love.

**stjohnroe** · 07-04-2007, 09:09 AM

James, my thoughts are with you and your's.

**hex1848** · 07-04-2007, 09:55 AM

James,

Good luck with everything brother. Dependancy is a very hard thing to go through for everyone involved - especially yourself. Sometimes people just don't get it. You don't drink because you want to drink, its just something in your mind that you can't control. No job is worth putting yourself and your family through that.

I wish you the best.

**cigar no baka** · 07-04-2007, 10:31 AM

Just wanted to say that I have family members who are addicts, but clean and sober and living their lives. It's a long haul, and they have to deal with their demons every day, but hang in there, if you have ths support of family, friends and a good support group you WILL make it.

**Shagaroo** · 07-04-2007, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by slcraiders

I did not mean to bring my drama here, but I believe in the power of prayer and the more the merrier. Thanks again and more to come.

If friends can't bring their problems to each other then we are wasting our time here. This is why we protect this board like we do. It has real life implications. You did not bring drama here. You reached out to friends, and we will continue to respond in lifting you up and supporting you whether in words of support and encouragement, or actions.

As others have said, if you have need, just ask. Someone here can fill that need.

**CgarDan** · 07-04-2007, 10:58 AM

Like everyone said you have friends here who care for you and will continue to do so. Update us as often as you can. You are doing the right thing

**Bucnak** · 07-04-2007, 02:03 PM

James,
Your a bigger man for admitting you are seeking help, good luck and God Bles to you and your family.
Get better soon, and come back strong.

John

**basil** · 07-04-2007, 04:52 PM

James - just saw this thread.

Sorry for your loss of your cousin.

As a friend of Bill's, and having been C&S for over 15 years, I can personally vouch for there being life on the other side of what you've been going through. If ever you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Take care of yourself bro, and let us know what's up.

**slcraiders** · 07-05-2007, 03:46 PM

Again fellas, THANKS for all of the prayers and encouragement.

Update: Things are headed in the right direction.

I spoke with my boss today and he is signing off on my leave which means that I will be returning to a job. It may not be the same job (which could be a good thing), but a job; nontheless. I will be Iowa bound on Tuesday the 10th which means you all have to put up with me for a couple of more days.

I will gone for a six full weeks and have nothing but the highest hope of returning as a rejuvinated and better person. More good news, I can certain things with me. This includes my ipod, laptop and cigars so I will poke in here and there as time permits.

Peace be with you all- Thanks again!!!!!!

**guado** · 07-05-2007, 04:18 PM

I'm happy to hear the good news! Very exciting!

**cigar no baka** · 07-05-2007, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by slcraiders

Again fellas, THANKS for all of the prayers and encouragement.

Update: Things are headed in the right direction.

I spoke with my boss today and he is signing off on my leave which means that I will be returning to a job. It may not be the same job (which could be a good thing), but a job; nontheless. I will be Iowa bound on Tuesday the 10th which means you all have to put up with me for a couple of more days.

I will gone for a six full weeks and have nothing but the highest hope of returning as a rejuvinated and better person. More good news, I can certain things with me. This includes my ipod, laptop and cigars so I will poke in here and there as time permits.

Peace be with you all- Thanks again!!!!!!

That's excellent news, hope things continue to look up for you, and that you and your family have the strength they will need to get you throught this.

**prophetic_joe** · 07-07-2007, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by slcraiders

Again fellas, THANKS for all of the prayers and encouragement.

Update: Things are headed in the right direction.

I spoke with my boss today and he is signing off on my leave which means that I will be returning to a job. It may not be the same job (which could be a good thing), but a job; nontheless. I will be Iowa bound on Tuesday the 10th which means you all have to put up with me for a couple of more days.

I will gone for a six full weeks and have nothing but the highest hope of returning as a rejuvinated and better person. More good news, I can certain things with me. This includes my ipod, laptop and cigars so I will poke in here and there as time permits.

Peace be with you all- Thanks again!!!!!!

Iowa, you say. Can you take a guess as to what fellow BOTL resides in Iowa? Seriously though man It's good to hear that you're getting some time for yourself to help you heal. Family and friends are more important than anything in the world and it's worth taking every step you can to make that situation better.