I try my hardest to post support in the 2007ish groups because, well, they are basically the foundation to this site. 99% of them may eventually leave, but they're the foundation regardless.
One of those groups is September 2007. I've scrounged up a few of the old quitters from there, but so far, only Tamado has gotten back to me. I emailed all of them, and the next day, Tamado popped in to say hey. I really appreciate that.
After that, I believe he hasn't posted again. That is, until this wonderful and motivating post:
I put nearly 1,000 miles on my Harley this weekend and less than two hours from home is where my story begins. Do not worry, this is not a cave story. I pulled in for fuel and was looking for something to throw in my mouth while driving. I was about to buy gum when I saw the SMC (smoky mountain chew – ie: fake dip). I thought I would try it. It has no nicotine and maybe throwing in a dip while riding my geezer glide down a lonely stretch of road would feel pretty good. I did the familiar edge of my tooth as a can opener trick to break the seal and threw a leg over. I piled in a big fatty and hit the road. I expected waves of nostalgia as I had the thrust out lip, the increased saliva and the slightly bitter taste in my mouth. Instead, I was transported in my mind to a time I have long since moved past. It flooded me with memories of anger and resentment. Of tears when I felt too weak to stay quit. Of the depression that took hold when I would not own my own quit and wanted to blame others for my misery. I got no joy from “playing house” with fake dip. I got sadness for years and money I threw away. Why would I give positive memories to something that only took from me, never gave back? It did one thing for me. It reminded me so strongly of how far I have come. I took nearly two years to actually feel like a former dipper. I fought daily for well over a year and honestly close to two. I wanted to give up but I did not want to be weak. I do not remember when I finally stopped blaming others and decided this was all about me, but I know it happened. I went through the darkest time in my marriage then. I lost friends and hated the medication I was on. I am done with this.
Five miles down the road I formed my finger into the familiar hook shape – it’s amazing how muscle memory comes rushing back – and flung the lip turd down the highway. I reached in my pocket and winged that retched tin down the road as well. Not exactly ethical disposal, but I needed it gone. Riding is about freedom. I felt free as I pondered my experience will spitting little bits of crap out that my tongue pulled out of my teeth. I leaned back, set the cruise and enjoyed the rest of my ride home as a free man. I probably couldn’t afford my Harley if I was still dipping. Dip would cost more than my loan payment and insurance combined now. I’m much happier calling myself a biker than a dipper. Live free or die brothers and sisters. No dip for me today, not ever.
Tamado - day 3,003 (Sept 2007)
I am very proud to be quitting with him. Unfortunately, a lot of the older guys aren't around anymore. I wish they would at least pop in more often, because it really lifts my spirits and makes my day when I see one of them swing by.
Anyways, I hope y'all enjoy this. I decided to share it here since I know people rarely travel down the dark halls of 2007 and beyond.
And if any new guys happen to read this, I encourage you to go post in these groups, alongside your own. There is a lot of quit there, and it helps to read everything.
On top of that, post in every group that shares the same month as you. If you're a new guy who just posted a Day 1 in December, go post support in every December group throughout the years. The amount of love that will be shown towards a new guy who dives in is unlimited. It's worth every second it takes to support these groups.
If you're a new guy that hasn't posted roll yet, and you're on the fence about it, reread this again.... Do you see something? He's free. He is winning the battle against nicotine. You can to. All you have to do is try.
