Thanks, My Brothers...

**slcraiders** · 07-17-2007, 04:44 PM

Hello All,

This community is filled with kind and caring BOTL. First and foremost, I want to thank you for all for the prayers and well wishes! Secondly, several of you have sent packages out here that have generated several smiles including from me. THANKS! I made a post about a week ago about converting some guys to the hobby. This prompted some to send cigars out which have and will continue to be enjoyed... ...more on that in a minute. Some of you have also sent other goodies as well as letters. This has been a very touching experience. To get a letter from a person that I do not know personally letting me know that I am thought of and being "pulled for" has made goosebumps rise on my arms. These notes are pinned up beside my bed and mean the world to me. THANKS! I will not be acknowledging these folks publically, but will be dropping notes to you (yes, you know who you are) individually as time permits in the next couple days.

Back to the cigars. One of the exercises we do here is to write a life story. This is not the typical Autobiography type of writing. We are only to focus on negative events and feelings as far back as we can remember them. These are handwritten and entail a lot of reflection and work. The end result is 50-200 pages (I have not done this yet, but will in the next 2-3 weeks when my time comes). At the conclusion of the writing, you read this to your counselor or someone you are comfortable with. The final step is to burn your story. This is symbolic of letting go of any of your past anchoring you down and moving forward. Anyway, usually at least one person is burning their story per day. This has become somewhat ceremonial since my arrival in that we gather around the firepit each evening and share cigars to help celebrate the occassion. So to give you an idea of where these gifts that were sent are going is almost beyond words. THANKS!

Another cool tidbit and then I will stop rambling: I am doing as much community service out here as I can. This includes socializing with the elderly in a care home near here, assisting handicapped children with horseback riding and serving food at a homeless center. I spoke with the homeless shelter Director on my visit last week. In the spirit of BigPoppaPuff's clothes and cigars for the homeless thread, I will be delivering a healthy package of around 75 cigars to the Des Moines Catholic Worker's center on Thursday. Again, THANKS! These opportunities have been made possible largely in part by the genorosity of you folks.

Until next time,

James

**pub spears** · 07-17-2007, 05:55 PM

Sounds like you are making the most of your time and setting an excellent example for community service. I don't really know you, but I am pleased to hear about your progress. Keep us informed and keep up the good work.

**BigMacFU** · 07-17-2007, 06:14 PM

Great to read the Lord is working in your life bro. Thank you for your service while you've been there!

**mills** · 07-17-2007, 10:00 PM

Wow, I can't imagine what it's like to burn those stories. It sounds like you are making the most of your time there. That's great, keep it up.

**WOXOF** · 07-18-2007, 05:17 AM

I'm glad to hear that everything is going well for you. It sounds like it is a wonderful atmosphere for healing the soul. Be sure to let us know when you burn your story so we can smoke one for you.

**ashauler** · 07-18-2007, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by WOXOF

I'm glad to hear that everything is going well for you. It sounds like it is a wonderful atmosphere for healing the soul. Be sure to let us know when you burn your story so we can smoke one for you.

Would be super cool to know what you will smoke too.....then maybe we could all light one up and have a "spiritual" gathering. You will have a continued place in my prayers.

**guado** · 07-18-2007, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by ashauler

Would be super cool to know what you will smoke too.....then maybe we could all light one up and have a "spiritual" gathering. You will have a continued place in my prayers.

**Shelby07** · 07-18-2007, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by WOXOF

...Be sure to let us know when you burn your story so we can smoke one for you.

That is a fantastic idea. James, I'd love to know when this happens so I can help share in the ceremony.

**slcraiders** · 07-18-2007, 03:38 PM

Just popped in between classes. Thanks everyone! I like the idea as well. Actually, I love the idea! I will be sure to let you know when this will be for those of you who would care to join in for a ceremonial cigar.

**chefchris** · 07-18-2007, 03:51 PM

Originally Posted by slcraiders

Just popped in between classes. Thanks everyone! I like the idea as well. Actually, I love the idea! I will be sure to let you know when this will be for those of you who would care to join in for a ceremonial cigar.

I say we all burn down a God of Fire.

**BunkyX** · 07-18-2007, 09:03 PM

Good luck and continued blessings. I have made the same journey by a different path and the end results have been good for many years now. My Mantra through many tough times in my life has always been "This too shall pass."
Collecting and releasing all the bad things in our lives has many good benefits. I personally buried mine under a very large rock on a hillside in Tennessee. Staying positive is the key. Again, good luck, there are many of us pulling for and with you.
Gene

**chefchris** · 07-19-2007, 09:54 AM

we could incorporate a virtual herf as well and put that chat room to use.

**cigar no baka** · 07-19-2007, 12:13 PM

Glad to hear that your recovery is going well, and I hope that you come out of this stronger and more able to handle the stresses of life than when you went in.

**Bucnak** · 07-19-2007, 03:00 PM

James,
Although I don't know you, I feel for you, you made a plea for help and it seems as though your getting it. Thats all that counts.
Continued best efforts in your road to recovery.

John

Originally Posted by slcraiders

Just popped in between classes. Thanks everyone! I like the idea as well. Actually, I love the idea! I will be sure to let you know when this will be for those of you who would care to join in for a ceremonial cigar.

**The Korean** · 07-19-2007, 10:13 PM

Like others here, I don't know you, but reading this thread just made my day. I am so happy to hear you are doing well. Hang in there buddy, and I definately want to participate in the herf, if you can, let us know what you plan on smoking, as I would like to smoke the same thing in your honor.

**WOXOF** · 07-20-2007, 02:48 AM

Originally Posted by slcraiders

Just popped in between classes. Thanks everyone! I like the idea as well. Actually, I love the idea! I will be sure to let you know when this will be for those of you who would care to join in for a ceremonial cigar.

Cool, I know just the cigar for the occasion.