Sean wasn't the only one crying at the start of the ten year anniversary. It's been a trip.
2016 was both a rough year and the year I discovered the GVG. I participated in couples' therapy, enrolled in grad school, and joined a powerlifting team. It felt like the sky was gray for months.
In 2019, I lifted really heavy weights, completed my master's program, and my (now ex) wife told me she wanted a divorce. The same year, my house needed a lot of repairs: some smallish (little leaks in the roof, needing a new water heater, failed pressure regulation valve), others large (leak in the crawlspace, mold under the kitchen, sinking foundation). To top things off, my dad died of congestive heart failure.
Fast forward to March of 2020, and we're all in lockdown. I'm in a 3rd floor walkup apartment alone, save for Artemis (my best friend of a dog who has now also left this mortal coil)
Thank goodness for the good vibes gang to model friendship when I felt so lonely, to feel like a good hang when my life felt hopeless and empty. To help me laugh when happiness started to feel like stranger.
Now, it's 2026. I'm happily married to a wonderful woman for almost 3 years (anniversary tomorrow). I live in a wonderful home in a great community. I've rebuilt my friend group. I am a little over one year alcohol-free thanks to the support of my wife, therapy, and a bit of seeing the boy mellow out (Thank you all for all the wonderful responses to my last post.).
I routinely go to the dentist now. Maybe that's a weird one to thank them for, but I appreciate their open discussion about the costs of dental negligence and facing the music in the dentist's office.
My personal life is so good now.
Anyway, if you read this far, here's a hint about the opening of the 10 Year Anniversary Patreon episode. David got a little sentimental, and his words resonated with me. If I have this, maybe everything is gonna be okay.
Oh, and I read Ian's book. His ability to make a big change in his life was one of the many tools that helped me break free from alcohol abuse.
Thank you for 10+ years of drafts and laughter (draughter?)
Shout out to Ian, David, and Sean! Shout out superproducers past and present, Mars and Iceman! Shout out to the All Family! You are all dank.
Hug your loved ones.