July 13, 2010. 100 days ago I joined the KTC community because my buddy had joined a week earlier and inspired me to quit. Today, I officially celebrate joining the Hall of Fame.
I debated writing a speech. I really don't look at this occasion as something to celebrate. In fact, for the past week, I have looked to this date and been very upset that I ever put myself in a position to have to be in the Hall.
I think back to 1985. As a freshman in high school, my friends introduced me to a little tin can of Silver Creek. Twenty-five years later, I struggle day to day to keep myself free of an addiction that has grasped me harder than I would have ever guessed possible.
I did, however, decide to write a speech for two reasons. First, I wish to send a message to the quitters that are behind me, as well as to those that visit on here thinking about quitting. The biggest regret I have in life involves dipping, and that regret does not involve quitting. Every time I think I miss the smell of Copenhagen Long Cut, I think of the other things that I don't miss.
I don't miss the headaches.
I don't miss the sore gums.
I don't miss the sharp pains in my face.
I don't miss the early morning hangovers.
I don't miss looking stupid by having to interrupt conversations by spitting.
I don't miss the spittoons of stale dip and spit stinking my car.
I don't miss lying to my family.
I don't miss spending the money on the crap.
I don't miss the increased fear and risk of painful, fatal cancers.
I wish I had been smart enough to quit long ago. I wish I had been even smarter and never started. I encourage you guys to stay quit above all else. Or to quit if you haven't quit yet. You will not be sorry for a moment.
There's a second reason I'm writing this speech. I owe a lot of thanks to a lot of people. I will forget to mention someone, but I don't mean to. Every single one of you, beit pre-HOFers and vets alike, have pushed me to reach the 100 day mark.
I owe chewie and the original seven quitters my life literally for having this site. I tried three times to quit on my own and never made it past day 21. I'd still be shoveling horse manure in my mouth if it wasn't for you guys.
I thank those vets that took me under their wings early on. MarkR became my friend and mentor after I pissed him off 36 minutes into my quit. To this day I know I have to have his permission before I can consider caving. MikeA was the first guy to call me on day 7 and see how things were going. Klark, Ready, kdip, smokey, loot, the gregs. Den mother Sam. All you other vets that I've grown close to, I thank all of you for the phone numbers, the access and the help. If your name is not on this list, it's not because I don't treasure you. Time and my still somewhat foggy memory both fail me at present.
I thank my July quit buddies. The list has grown shorter, but the guys that are still on that list are the most hardcore, serious, all-business quitters that a guy like me could ask to be a part of. I'm proud to walk through this hell with you guys. WCG, WIP, jj, kb, pk...everybody. I thank you guys for being there and letting me be there for you.
I thank my general, bigbamadan. Dan won't claim it, but his example has led the entire group of July. In fact, his example has led many new quitters since then through tough times as well. Bama, thank you for being a leader and a friend.
I thank the guy that got me on here in the first place...skoalquitter. SQ is no longer active on here, but he assures me that he is still quit and has been since the end of March. If I hadn't followed him on here, I'd still be slaving to Cope.
I plan to keep active on the site. I need to do so for myself. I want to do so for others. Thank you everyone for being a part of this stage of my life. Let's stay quit together.
Semper Defungo!!!!
