Your greatest accomplishment

[kgraybill]

Tell us your greatest accomplishment.

Mine is:
I have been alcohol free for 15 years:chr. I was drinking about a case of beer a day and whatever else was around.
I quit on wedding day in 1993. No pressure from anyone, I just knew that I had to do it. God does answer prayers. No 12 step programs needed no dt's. I have not wanted to have a real drink since.

I still like the taste of beer so I keep a six pack of Becks non alcoholic around to enjoy with my evening stogie.

[MTB996]

Congrats on the sobriety accomplishment. I quit cigs cold turkey (2 packs/day) the day my wife told me she was pregnant, cause I always told her I would. Haven't had one since.

My biggest accomplishment is probably my boys- twins, almost 3 years old and pretty damn cute.

[macms]

Tell us your greatest accomplishment.

Mine is:
I have been alcohol free for 15 years:chr. I was drinking about a case of beer a day and whatever else was around.
I quit on wedding day in 1993. No pressure from anyone, I just knew that I had to do it. God does answer prayers. No 12 step programs needed no dt's. I have not wanted to have a real drink since.

I still like the taste of beer so I keep a six pack of Becks non alcoholic around to enjoy with my evening stogie.

This past June marked my 32nd year of sobriety. Unlike you, I needed a little help. :)

[mrreindeer]

I was drinking about a case of beer a day and whatever else was around.

Uh, I'll be right back. [mrreindeer leaves room, gulps heard from kitchen, lasting a long time, where the heell is he...comes back with foam on his upper brow]. Last one I promise.

Not to make light, I'm just in a weird mood. 15 years, that's awesome.:tu:tu:tu I'm a weekend warrior myself, with cigars & booze. I probably drink too much myself though.

Great idea for a thread...the one greatest thing...I really think it was marrying my wife. Sure, it could be the job which I love, however stressful, because each day is pretty exciting and always offers up new challenges, and I do find it very rewarding. But I'd say it's finding the love of my life back in 1999 at, um, a bar that you may have seen in the movie 'Swingers', The Derby out in Los Feliz (California). I was blessed that day and also the day I lost her number and found her as she said she was listed, in the phonebook.

I've been married now 6 years and honestly, it is the best thing I've ever done. I won't bore you with any more.

[elderboy02]

Congrats on your accomplishment!

My greatest achievement would be completing High School and College with great grades and getting a good job.

[gettysburgfreak]

One of only 5 people to be selected as an intern at the Gettysburg National Military Park and then returning as a seasonal ranger.

Playing four years of college baseball and graduating on time with a 3.0

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Tell us your greatest accomplishment.

Mine is:
I have been alcohol free for 15 years:chr. I was drinking about a case of beer a day and whatever else was around.
I quit on wedding day in 1993. No pressure from anyone, I just knew that I had to do it. God does answer prayers. No 12 step programs needed no dt's. I have not wanted to have a real drink since.

I still like the taste of beer so I keep a six pack of Becks non alcoholic around to enjoy with my evening stogie.


God was lookin out for you man, congrats.

well mine probably is quiting cigs and droping weight.

[JE3146]

I climbed a mountain (South Sister) and completed a 54 mile backpacking trip through the 3 Sisters wilderness area in Oregon, 5 months after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 14 and I did it with my father beside me. Did it even though the Dr's said it couldn't be done.

I later told this story at a Gala for the JDRF in Portland as an 'inspirational speech' where it raised over 40k$ for researching a cure.

[Mugen910]

Completion of Parris Island Marine Corps Boot Camp and in a close second would be Completion of the Boston Marathon.

Congrats to all on your accomplishments.

[Da Klugs]

3 are tied. Jane, Kait, Hallie

Bunch of business stuff but it is a poor second place.

[Old Sailor]

Made Bosun on my ship.

and as my most senior deckhand says.....didn't wake up dead!

[Skywalker]

Congrats on the sobriety!!!:tu

Mine would have to be being a father to four wonderful children and being married to a wonderful woman, Heather!!!

School stuff and work stuff is for them... They are why I'm the best at what I do!!!

BTW - Nice idea for a thread!!!

[mugwump]

As I get older (just turned 40) I realize more and more that my kids are my one truly lasting accomplishment. In the grand scheme of things nothing else matters but their health and happiness. It's led to a real simplification of my life and goals and I find that my life is healthier and happier now that the focus is no longer on just me, myself, and I.

[Darrell]

I've spent almost 8 years serving in the U.S. Military. I'm pretty banged up now, but I would not trade in the life lessons it taught me. It forced me to grow up fast and pull my head from my ass, young.

[Scottw]

This past June marked my 32nd year of sobriety. Unlike you, I needed a little help. :)

Congrats t you both, amazing accomplishments indeed!!! Mine are my beautiful wife and children. Need to cut back on the wine though

[Beer Doctor]

1.) My 6 year old daughter Kara
2.) Finished the Lakefront Marathon (Milwaukee) three weeks ago
3.) It's not an accomplishment yet but in May I'll receive my Ph.D. and that would push the marathon to a distant 3rd.
4.) In H.S. my hockey team won the state tourney:ih

Congrats on all who have quit drinking. I have a lot of alcoholism in my family and it's great to hear success stories:tu

[poker]

Kicked a wicked drug addiction (heroin/cocaine) January 27th 1990

Went from a pretty normal life to losing everything & living on the street.

Got clean, got my life back on track, and today own a consulting/engineering corporation. Life is good now, but the journey was tough as hell.

[renton20]

Congrats to everyone on their accomplishments. Like you poker I kicked a nasty heroin addiction and have been sober for about 2 and a half years. Even stayed sober through my 21st birthday. I smoked a great stogie with some great friends :ss

[Whee]

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t7/IllinoisHoosier/IMG_0132.jpg

Gracie 12, and Kinsey 16

This pic is a couple of years old, but it's my favorite.

[bobarian]

Raising my two daughters, Sheena and Jennifer. And sending them off into the big world to lead their own lives. Sheena is married with two kids and Jennifer just graduated from college and is successfully living on her own. :D

[BC-Axeman]

Raising my two stepdaughters (I'm Dad to them). My reward is my granddaughter.
My second greatest accomplishment is not killing myself doing all the wild stuff I've done.

[Starscream]

My three wonderful children being brought into this world is my greatest accomlishment. Getting through college while raising a family and working full time was a biggie for me too.

[hoax]

I once farted for 10 seconds straight.

[jjirons69]

Two sweet kids, a daughter and a son, who carries my name. Also, refused marriage until 29, but it's the best thing that ever happened to me. Happily married 10 years now.

Next greatest, chemistry degree to become one of the first in either family side to graduate college.

[Steve]

16 years with my wife
http://oldchurchbbq.com/sharedpictures/H&S.JPG

and a beautiful little girl
http://oldchurchbbq.com/sharedpictures/Osceola%20Hike%2011-24-06/Osceola%20Shelter%20Trip%2011-24-06%20011.jpg

[GKitty]

I just want to add my congratulations to everyone on their accomplishments. Just reminds me what a wonderful group of people have gathered here to share their passion for cigars.

[Cigarmark]

Spent my teens and twenties chasing the Grateful Dead around. I think the only drug I never did was heroin(extreme fear of needles). Drugs were my life.
It's a miracle I never killed myself. Gave it all up on Labor Day weekend 1994 and been clean ever since. I met the best thing that ever happened to me and been married to her for 13 years. God has been great to me!

[taltos]

My marriage lasting 27 years.

[nozero]

My marriage to and love for the same woman since 4/25/75, our two sons 29 and 24 and my honorable discharge after three years of Fun in the Sun of Fort Hood, TX with the 545th MP Company of the 1st Cav Div.

[WyoBob]

The best thing that's happened to me: Wonderful wife of almost 40 years with two daughters, 30 and 32. The 32 year old is pregnant with twins after trying for four years to have kids.

for personal accomplishments that I'm proud of:

Survived 35 years in the cattle business and retired to Wyoming
Earned my Boy Scout Eagle badge and 48 merit badges
Built over a 5 1/2 year period a 2 place, 180 mph airplane and flew it, trouble free for 475 hours.

WyoBob

[Steve]

You also get to fish in some beautiful country :D


The best thing that's happened to me: Wonderful wife of almost 40 years with two daughters, 30 and 32. The 32 year old is pregnant with twins after trying for four years to have kids.

for personal accomplishments that I'm proud of:

Survived 35 years in the cattle business and retired to Wyoming
Earned my Boy Scout Eagle badge and 48 merit badges
Built over a 5 1/2 year period a 2 place, 180 mph airplane and flew it, trouble free for 475 hours.

WyoBob

[Linus]

Well, I don't have as great as accomplishments as some of the many great dads, armed forces individuals or those that have faced their demons head on. My major accomplishment are my long distance (solo) bicycle tours over the past 10 years, including 2005 where I did 5,500 miles (been through Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and parts of Michigan) as well as being true to myself.

Congrats to you all. :)

[Steve]

Nice.

A couple of friends and I talked about doing a couple of long distance peddles after school, never happened. May have to start thinking about it again.


Well, I don't have as great as accomplishments as some of the many great dads, armed forces individuals or those that have faced their demons head on. My major accomplishment are my long distance (solo) bicycle tours over the past 10 years, including 2005 where I did 5,500 miles (been through Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and parts of Michigan) as well as being true to myself.

Congrats to you all. :)

[DrDubzz]

I married up

and I'm progressing through pharmacy school on schedule

[Linus]

Nice.

A couple of friends and I talked about doing a couple of long distance peddles after school, never happened. May have to start thinking about it again.

Well, if you do let me know. I can let you know what works and what doesn't (like, uh, biking through a hurricane -- not a good idear. ;) nor is biking with 10lbs of chocolate in the panniers on the hottest day of the year :r )

[Steve]

I figured that one out (the chocolate) back in my long distance backpacking days :D


Well, if you do let me know. I can let you know what works and what doesn't (like, uh, biking through a hurricane -- not a good idear. ;) nor is biking with 10lbs of chocolate in the panniers on the hottest day of the year :r )

[AdamC]

Getting Schirin to fall in love with me...(piece of cake though) :sleep:

[bigloo]

Congrats to all the guys who got sober or off drugs. I quit cigs after 15 years and it was hell. I have had friends who had drug/alcohol problems and there is now ways getting of those is harder, hats off to you all. Time for a lighter accomplishment, of course not my greatest (that would be my Ph.D.) but I once derailed an elevator and caused $80K damage to said elevator using nothing more then an 8x8 piece of plywood, nothing malicious, it was a combination of "probably should not have done that" and a damaged safety sensor on the elevator. I was using the plywood to block the beam while loading heavy batteries for a university project into a elevator. The beam was disabled (a HUGE safety violantion), the door closed, and what happened next will remain a mystery to me forever. The plywood was strong enough to force the elevator off the rails and then BEND the rails! PLYWOOD!!! Anyway, as I said, nothing like the accomplishments here, but whenever a topic like this comes up, I always throw it in because so few people in this world, surprsingly, have derailed elevators! :D

[physiognomy]

Congratulations to all on your achievements...

Right now my greatest accomplishments are moving 1/2 way across the world to follow a dream & 5yrs latter receiving my doctorate. This last year I talked myself in and out of packing up and going home several times, but I stuck it out & learned a lot about myself & what I am capable of achieving.

[MajorCaptSilly]

My 20-year marriage and 2 children are mine. I still am amazed at what great, caring kids I have.

MCS

[Mr.Maduro]

Alana Lauren

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n36/MrMaduro/DSC00507.jpg

[taltos]

Getting Schirin to fall in love with me...(piece of cake though) :sleep:You are seriously dating up brother!:D

[Rockestone]

Congratulations to all who conquered their demands such as alcohol or cigarettes.

My biggest accomplishments, in order would be:

My Son (took over a year of trying...but it certainly was fun)

Quiting smoking cigarettes

Going as far up the ladder at work without being a family member(I work for a family owned business)

[nozero]

Alana Lauren



Man, that is one beautiful baby!
http://nozero.org/images/congrats.gif

[acruce]

My two children, Price 8 and Payton 2 are my greatest accomplishments and my pride and joy.

[CBI_2]

Married to a good woman for 24 years this past August.

4 years as house parents at a boys home in the mid 90's, 2years longer than the average, while going to Bible college and preaching for a small country congregation and dj-ing some at the college radio station.

[massphatness]

Finding Grace.

[14holestogie]

35 years of wedded bliss to a very understanding woman (It's not in my genes...all my siblings are on numbers 2 , 3 or 4), blessing me with 2 wonderful children who in turn have blessed me with 8 grandchildren.
I'm not sure it's my accomplishment, but I'm happy to be the recipient.

[RevSmoke]

A picture is worth a thousand words?

Here's 2000 words worth. (from last Christmas, then Oct. 2006 - don't mind the datestamp) (They are not my accomplishments, but my greatest gifts from God. )

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj152/RevSmoke/001.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj152/RevSmoke/008_8.jpg

[Blueface]

Congrats to all.

For me, my Avatar.
Not really my accomplishment solely as he is my grandson but he came via my daughter.
So to my Avatar, add my daughter and my son.
The three rank as one.
I hope I can see my grandson to adulthood as I have seen my two kids.
To date, darn lucky of me.

[the3cs]

They are 11 and soon to be 13; and the first to graduate from college in the family.

[cbsmokin]

My greatest accomplishments are in phases:

Younger Phase (15): I hiked the entire John Muir Trail. All the way from Mt. Whitney to Yosemite. It was a life changing experience.

Young Adult (19 to 25): Graduated from College and Law School, passed the Bar Exam.

Family Phase (25 to now): Married a great woman and have had three kids that I am still raising.

Professional Phase (30 to now): Started my own business with 1 employee and now have offices in 6 states. I will never work for someone besides myself again.

Next Phase (?????): Doing something that I love that also gives back to the community. What it will be I have not figured out yet.

[DavenportESQ]

Cheers to all the great accomplishments! My greatest accomplishment will be if I can follow the doctors orders and not smoke for 2-3 weeks while I have pnuemonia!

[Studebaker]

22 years of marriage and still counting; daughter coming up on Sweet Sixteen in 3 weeks; son, 11, has mild autism and is an enormous blessing in our lives. And as RevSmoke aptly put it, these aren't really my accomplishments but by the grace of God.

[AdamC]

Cheers to all the great accomplishments! My greatest accomplishment will be if I can follow the doctors orders and not smoke for 2-3 weeks while I have pnuemonia!

Sorry to hear that man. I've had pneumonia like 5 times. It sucks balls! Good luck with that! I hope all it well.

[icantbejon]

I'll give #1 to my girl Kiera Elizabeth -

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/7673/kierawn3.jpg (http://img118.imageshack.us/my.php?image=kierawn3.jpg)

And a very close #2 to marrying my wonderful wife Jennifer.

[ToddziLLa]

Convincing a woman to marry me. :D

A far second is my perfect attendance grades K-12.

[DBall]

Nice thread... I was starting out my blackout drinking career at the ripe old age of 10, then went into whatever drugs I could find and I didn't go uphill from there. When I was 25 I finally got clean.. it's been a little over 6 years/6 months.

However, all that pales in comparison to winning the heart of the girl of my dreams. That just rocks. :D

[kgraybill]

It's really great to see so many post with thier kids as thier greatest accomplishments!:tu

[0002S]

Tell us your greatest accomplishment.

Mine is:
I have been alcohol free for 15 years:chr. I was drinking about a case of beer a day and whatever else was around.
I quit on wedding day in 1993. No pressure from anyone, I just knew that I had to do it. God does answer prayers. No 12 step programs needed no dt's. I have not wanted to have a real drink since.

I still like the taste of beer so I keep a six pack of Becks non alcoholic around to enjoy with my evening stogie.

Congrats!

August 19th 1993 was my last day.

[e-man67]

My kids and wife.

[Sauer Grapes]

Congrats to all.

For me, my Avatar.
Not really my accomplishment solely as he is my grandson but he came via my daughter.
So to my Avatar, add my daughter and my son.
The three rank as one.
I hope I can see my grandson to adulthood as I have seen my two kids.
To date, darn lucky of me.

Very touching post. However, given your current avatar, pretty funny now.

[htown]

Tomorrow will be ten years of continuous sobriety for me. I was an everyday drinker with a lil cocaine and pill problem thrown in as well. I could also say my marrriage and raising three boys, but none of that would have happened without being sober.

[ahc4353]

For me it's more of one decision made than any credit I can give myself for a great accomplishment. A decision that I made to leave my small home town. (Trust me it's a big deal to leave if you grow up there) Not a great accomplishment right? Millions of young people do it every year. Well, I firmly believe I would be in jail or dead if I had not made that decision. What lead me to make that move is a story in it's self that I won't bore you with here. That one decision changed me forever and sent me on a road through life that I wouldn't change for the world. It brought me a woman that I truly believe deserves better but has stood with me for over 22 years. Three sons that no father anywhere could be more proud of. And, of course you folks.

If the above doesn't count as a personal accomplishment I'll go with the following:

Even though my parents are gone I try each and every day to be a son they would be proud of. I hope they approve.

[qwerty1500]

I cannot honestly say I've accomplished anything by myself. I am thankful for the Lord, the values my parents taught me and the generosity and love of the people in my life.

[E.J.]

kgraybill....thanks for reviving this, it was a joy to read through... Congrats to every one of you. Every accomplishment is GREAT in its own way.

Though I feel good about quite a few things I have managed in my "almost" 40 years... Like many above, these two top the list and it isn't close.... I had/have a lot of help and it is a work in progress, but both continue to fill me with pride daily....
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4930/abbyjayne4.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/1709/donei.jpg

[kgraybill]

That is an awesome smile on you daughter. Geat pic.

kgraybill....thanks for reviving this, it was a joy to read through... Congrats to every one of you. Every accomplishment is GREAT in its own way.

Though I feel good about quite a few things I have managed in my "almost" 40 years... Like many above, these two top the list and it isn't close.... I had/have a lot of help and it is a work in progress, but both continue to fill me with pride daily....
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/4930/abbyjayne4.jpg
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/1709/donei.jpg

[CigarDisciple]

I gave up drinking almost 21 yrs ago, and quit cigarettes 15 yrs ago, but started smoking cigars. I had to use a 12 step program with the drinking but it worked for me.:ss

[Buena Fortuna]

Surviving cancer...

[gettysburgfreak]

I have to update my greatest accomplishment to graduating the basic 55 day part of the Border Patrol Academy, and having 4 weeks left before graduating from the Spanish portion and finally being pushed out into the field.

[kgraybill]

Tell us your greatest accomplishment.

Mine is:
I have been alcohol free for 15 years:chr. I was drinking about a case of beer a day and whatever else was around.
I quit on wedding day in 1993. No pressure from anyone, I just knew that I had to do it. God does answer prayers. No 12 step programs needed no dt's. I have not wanted to have a real drink since.

I still like the taste of beer so I keep a six pack of Becks non alcoholic around to enjoy with my evening stogie.

This Saturday 4/17 marks 17 Still married and still sober.

[MortonMilo]

Everyone's accomplishments are humbling, to say the least. Congrats to everyone on all they've done.

My biggest accomplishment will be happening in a few weeks. I signed up for a bone marrow registry a few years ago and recently came up as a match. Although I don't know who the recipient is (they keep it anonymous), I feel fortunate to be able to help give them a second chance.

[forgop]

I'd say being able to watch my 3 kids (ages 7, 5, and 3) enjoying themselves and experiencing new things for the first time. My son that just turned 3 is all motor and such a joy to watch.

[forgop]

Everyone's accomplishments are humbling, to say the least. Congrats to everyone on all they've done.

My biggest accomplishment will be happening in a few weeks. I signed up for a bone marrow registry a few years ago and recently came up as a match. Although I don't know who the recipient is (they keep it anonymous), I feel fortunate to be able to help give them a second chance.

:salute:

[kenstogie]

my greatest accomplishment would be to be able to make my daughter smile and being a generally good father.

[andrew]

No great accomplishment really, but finishing combat medic school was a pretty big deal for me.




I'll update this when I get my MD. ;)

[poker]

Got clean off of coke & heroin back in Jan of 1990. Went from living in my car (all my worldly possessions I still had fit in the trunk) at the time, to forming my own service corporation in the high tech industry 6 years ago. Talk about starting over from scratch. :)

[poker]

....Oh, and being part of a team effort to create a place where many call home. :)

[shilala]

This past June marked my 32nd year of sobriety. Unlike you, I needed a little help. :)
On April 5th, I had 7 years. I needed lots of help. Still do every single day. Thank God all you earth people are here for me to lean on. :)
Finding Grace.
Me too, Vinny. Me too.
I couldn't get by for a single moment without it. :tu

[MrsSledn]

This is one of the greatest threads I have ever read. Many congrats to everyone and your achievements/accomplishments.

I have a few also.

1. Being the first in my family to attend college.
2. My husband/marriage. He's half my heart and my world.
3. Mine and Sledn's son Zachary. He's the other half of my heart and of my world.
4. Quitting smoking cigarettes in September of 2009, after smoking on and off from the age of 12. 22 years and I quit cold turkey. I have the craving for one every now and then and miss it at times. But in a few weeks, 8 months clean.
5. Still a work in progress... But, beating panic attacks that turned into panic disorder. It changed my life along with my family's. But I strive to make the most of everyday. To be the happiest I can be. And to love my husband and son, along with my family and friends.

[shilala]

This is one of the greatest threads I have ever read. Many congrats to everyone and your achievements/accomplishments.

I have a few also.

1. Being the first in my family to attend college.
2. My husband/marriage. He's half my heart and my world.
3. Mine and Sledn's son Zachary. He's the other half of my heart and of my world.
4. Quitting smoking cigarettes in September of 2009, after smoking on and off from the age of 12. 22 years and I quit cold turkey. I have the craving for one every now and then and miss it at times. But in a few weeks, 8 months clean.
5. Still a work in progress... But, beating panic attacks that turned into panic disorder. It changed my life along with my family's. But I strive to make the most of everyday. To be the happiest I can be. And to love my husband and son, along with my family and friends.
That's great stuff, Cathy. Your family should get extra points for just being so damned cute. :)

[tomc3084]

I was addicted to heroin, have been sober for 6+ years. That is my greatest accomplishment. Great Thread!

[Tredegar]

Married for almost 4 years now.

Finding God about 10 years ago.

[icehog3]

My biggest accomplishment will be happening in a few weeks. I signed up for a bone marrow registry a few years ago and recently came up as a match. Although I don't know who the recipient is (they keep it anonymous), I feel fortunate to be able to help give them a second chance.

Awesome gesture, Jake. :tu

Got clean off of coke & heroin back in Jan of 1990. Went from living in my car (all my worldly possessions I still had fit in the trunk) at the time, to forming my own service corporation in the high tech industry 6 years ago. Talk about starting over from scratch. :)

We are all glad you are here with us, Kelly. :)

[poker]

Awesome gesture, Jake. :tu



We are all glad you are here with us, Kelly. :)


Im glad Im here with you guys too :tu

[klipsch]

6 years plus clean and sober, living with some health issues that I rather not discuss, and not being a whiny ass about it. ;)

[marge796]

Being the best husband & father I can each and every day.


Chris.....

[kelmac07]

1. 24 years of marriage to my soulmate (Kellie) and still going strong!! :tu :tu
2. Surviving 23+ years in the Army!!
3. Raising my children to become great young adults

[pmwz]

my work at a school with severely disabled children for the last 1.5 years.

[Silound]

I would say my own best was getting my Eagle Scout as a teenager, and then years later having the know-how at the right time to use my emergency medical skills to keep a person alive after seeing a nasty car wreck on the highway.

Only thing I regret is never knowing the person's full name. Only knew his first name, Mark, and that was the last time I ever saw him again.

[eber]

My accomplishment is not as big as some/most on here but mine is being cigarette free for almost 2 years, quit cold turkey, found cigars, never looked back.

[DrDubzz]

I posted a while back but I finally finish pharmacy school in 4 weeks

I'll be married for 4 years in June (best decision I'll ever have made)

And I got selected to serve in the USAF as a pharmacist (after months of paperwork) and will begin in January 2011

so as far as short term goals go, check, check, and check

[Neuromancer]

Running into burning buildings when everyone else was running out...http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-3/1155412/thumbnailCAJI3BI1.jpg

[BlackDog]

What an encouraging thread. Not sure how I've missed it for a year and a half. Thanks to everyone for sharing. :tu

My wife and I had some tough marital issues about 10 years ago. Came to a point where we basically looked at each other and said, "stay, or go?" We decided to try to work it out. We got marriage counselling, made a plan to work out our differences, and stuck to it. I can't begin to say how glad I am we decided to stay together. I am deeply, devotedly in love with this woman.

Our joy, and sometimes our heartache, has been the adoption of our son Thor. He has made our lives immeasurably rich. Thor has serious physical and developmental disabilities. He is unable to eat orally, and has microcephally, an underdeveloped head and brain. Early on it was uncertain that he would live. In his first 2 years he had been in the hospital 90 days and had 8 operations. By God's grace and the skill of excellent doctors, Thor is now three and one-half, and is growing and developing. He is still unable to eat orally, and will never be "normal", but he is doing very well in comparison to how he had been. The Bible says that our children are our inheritance. I don't fully understand what that means, but I know that my happiness is complete, and that my joy is overflowing. If I died tonight, I would die a happy man.

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh29/blackdog1101/Shelly_Thor.jpg

[Steve]

/\
||

:tu:tu

[jdakine]

My greatest accomplishment was on August 20, 1993, when I realized that I needed help with my drug addiction and started my first day of sobriety. That day changed my life for ever. I have a good job, beautiful wife of 8 years, great friends and family and live my life to the fullest.
Had I not made this change I would have been dead or in prison.

[Cigary]

Accomplishments in life are noteworthy if they enhance your life to be a better person or help you move on to do better things. I was able to retire at the early age of 42 after working for 25 years at a job where I worked a lot of 16 hour days. Everything is relative in what you do and how you do it and the only significant thing in life is what you do for others...not yourself. When you come to the end of your days the only thing that you will draw comfort from is who you loved and what you did for others to pay things forward...the ultimate accomplishment. I have seen too many people and talked with those who would have traded in every accomplishment of merit they ever received to end their life with just those two things I talked about

[Volt]

I celebrate my 25 wedding anniversary on May 05 to a great woman. Secondly, a 20 year career in the Navy. It definitly kept me from wearing an orange jumpsuit for at least one year and possibly more.

[Parshooter]

Hole in one
shooting par (9 holes)
staying married, with no major problems, for almost 19 years

[shilala]

Accomplishments in life are noteworthy if they enhance your life to be a better person or help you move on to do better things. I was able to retire at the early age of 42 after working for 25 years at a job where I worked a lot of 16 hour days. Everything is relative in what you do and how you do it and the only significant thing in life is what you do for others...not yourself. When you come to the end of your days the only thing that you will draw comfort from is who you loved and what you did for others to pay things forward...the ultimate accomplishment. I have seen too many people and talked with those who would have traded in every accomplishment of merit they ever received to end their life with just those two things I talked about
"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?" Luke 9:25
That's an age old warning that keeps playing out time and time again. I'm about as stubborn as they come, but that's one guy who I never found to be wrong, no matter how hard I test his insight.
And I definately test it. :D
That's real good stuff you laid down, brother. Thank You. :tu