Awww Smug, you bring out the very best (Dumfries & Galloway) and the worst in me (addiction). This is a proud & really not proud post. I'm so so very proud of myself for packing the ***s in 19 years ago when Mrs Jonesy said she was pregnant with my first son. I chucked the packet of baccy within 30 seconds. Never had another since. Recently I've struggled so very much with the drink. It's horrible and hate myself so much, but I can't kick it the same as i did with the ***s. I ****ing well will kick it, and i promise anyone and everyone who reads this that i will do it. My family and my kids are my world and they deserve better than i am now. I might not post a lot, but I'll keep you up to date, as and when I can. Cheers.
That's horrible mate. Just ****e. Hope you're able to get as much help as you need. And there's always here to vent off on.
Good thread this, enjoying reading these. This might be a long(ish) post, so apologies for that. When I first read the op, at work, I had to have a think..... I've never (knowingly) saved a life, done anything heroic or brave. But re-reading the op I realised it wasn't just about that, it was about giving yourself a bit of praise; something you're proud of. I came up with a couple of things, and while deciding which one to post, something happened today at work; one of the catering assistants told me he would be leaving as he had been offered another job. You're probably thinking wtf?.... I work as a catering manager in a hospice.The lad in question is now 26, but looks about 12!!. Hes about 5ft 2, and weighs about 7 stone. He came to us as a very, very shy 16 year old, and throughout school had been bullied, and had suffered at various times from depression, anorexia, and bulimia. His therapist had recommended maybe doing voluntary work to help with social interaction etc, and his Mam contacted my employer (cancer care hospice) to see if we needed any volunteers. I met with him and his Mam, and couldn't get two words out of him. His Mam was answering all the questions....he was so shy and had no self-confidence whatsoever. I agreed to take him as a volunteer in the catering team. Over the course of the next few years, with patience, support, respect etc, he really came out of his shell. When a position came up for a permanent role as a catering assistant, I persuaded him to apply, and he deservedly got the job. At the age of 20, this was his first ever paid employment. He relapsed a few times, and was hospitalised a few times, one time really serious. He also had to deal with his parents getting a divorce, and then his Mam diagnosed with cancer, and becoming a patient in the hospice he works at. But he got back up, and he came back. Over the next couple of years, he became involved with the Princes Trust, and various other organisations dealing with young men's mental health and eating disorders. He went from someone who you couldn't get a sentence out of, to someone giving a speech in London to 2000 people. He has been on TV and radio a number of times, and speaks very confidently. Well today, he said he had had an interview yesterday, and had been offered the job. It's a role within a mental health, eating disorder capacity, similar to what he was involved in within the Princes Trust. Honestly, I'm struggling for words to describe how proud I am of this lad. I think that maybe, just maybe, I played a small part in his progress....and I'm proud of that.
Good lad. You know what to do. But don't be frightened to get help. My brother did and it transformed his life. Good luck mate.
Hell of a post mate. At a time when people in Liverpool are being so awful it's great to know there are nice people as well.
Cheers Rowley, I've thought about it a lot recently but 'being a bloke' I've put aside cause I'm always busy with the business etc etc. The truth is I'm **** scared. I'll get there.
Thanks mate, appreciate that. Just seen your post about your wife mate, really sorry to hear that, hope you're OK. Things like this can stop you in your tracks...I know. We're here for you mate if you need us mate, take care.
Sorry to hear mate. Has she been diagnosed with anything? Just, through experience, you can seek extra support if needed once you have a diagnosis.
She's not been diagnosed because, of course, refuses to believe there's a problem. The more I insist she goes to a doctor the more she thinks I'm bullying her and the more anxious she becomes. Sadly her two sisters and brother are absolutely hopeless and no help. Her sons are 'busy' with their own lives although they're decent and sympathetic. So I'm pretty much alone with it ... ... I just wish I was going out of my mind, then I wouldn't notice
Nothing outstanding for me sadly, but I have 2 amazing kids and 2 amazing grandkids. The former Mrs Flanders and I divorced many years ago and it had a truly terrible effect on my life, out of work, little self esteem, depression etc etc....somehow managed to claw my way back, got a job, then a better job and eventually 10 years ago made my way to Abu Dhabi where I have had an unbelievable experience and lifestyle. Met the Current Mrs F out here and we are as happy as pigs in s hit. I'm retiring soon and we will move to South Africa which I am so looking forward to.... As I say, nothing spectacular, probably just another run of the mill story really. On another note, All the best Smug to you and the wife, I pray its nothing sinister, but with you sounds likes she's in good hands
Extremely sad to read what you and Mrs Smug are going through, help is out there and on here and l hope you get whatever is needed. Best wishes to you both
