Today is Independence Day 2009. Do not tread on me nicotine!!!
185 days ago, I began a journey with the rest of the Class of April '09 (The Fockers) and to become independent from the claws of dip nicotine. It was something I had been doing since my first chew of Mail Pouch tobacco in high school when I "treated myself to the best." Thirty plus years later I was an all day dipper, loading up my lip as soon as I woke up and pausing only to eat. It was a habit that 3 wives hated and my kids pleaded with me to quit because of their DARE training in grade school.
Every New Years Eve became a new opportunity for a couple weeks, at most, hiatus from dipping. Then something would set me off (too much pressure at work...a big project due, etc.) and I would fall back into my old habits and something that I could rationalize...only real men can chew.
This time something was different, I found out about the Quit Smokeless Community and I joined the Fockers. Now I had strength in numbers and accountability to a group of previously unknown brothers who were in the same boat as I was. This time I was doing this for me and logging in and posting at roll call every day was something that couldn't be missed. If I was traveling and away from a computer I thought something was missing if I could not post. We lost a few members of our original crew, but they were not forgotten as we followed them in successive quit groups and cheered for them as they move on to their goal with another band of brothers. Something in this group method really works!!!
To my Focker brothers (the ones who made it and those who didn't), I couldn't have done it without you. You gave me more than I did you and thank you. For my wife, Anita, and my kids and family who put up with me as I have been on this journey...thank you for not giving up on me.
As I look forward to the future, I realize that we are only one cave away from falling back into old habits and must take it one day at a time. I must stay plugged into this community. I am losing weight and working out again and looking forward to a healthy long life with my family and friends....and though we may never meet (but hopefully will someday) I include my Focker brothers and other members of this Community in that circle.
Semper Fidelis,
Steve "Egorpzak"(the old Focker of the Fockers) - April '09