A friend indeed.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Thanks! It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I've lost a handful of friends through the years to drugs and booze and I was knocking on death's door.

It's been 4 1/2 years and I can actually say I know what happiness feels like for the first time since I was a teenager. Now I'm a 38 year old with some catching up to do, but all in all...life is beautiful...

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Craig, that's awesome. I'm very happy for you. I also want to add that when I read a great, thorough and thoughtful post I am never surprised to see it's from you. You really take the time to help and I always appreciate reading your words on whichever topic or thread they're written.

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Originally Posted by rock

Craig, that's awesome. I'm very happy for you. I also want to add that when I read a great, thorough and thoughtful post I am never surprised to see it's from you. You really take the time to help and I always appreciate reading your words on whichever topic or thread they're written.

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Thank you very much! I know a lot of people in recovery who don't really discuss it outside of meetings or close knit circles. I'm not ashamed of what I went through. If I can help one person by sharing my story, then I don't care how many people know that I am an alcoholic and a drug addict. I always will be, but I'm one of the lucky ones who has beaten the odds and is staying clean and sober today. I'm not foolish enough to think I have this disease beat, it's literally a day-by-day challenge, but I know that I have felt no desire to drink or use in a long time and this disease no longer controls me, I control it.

And thank you again! I always like to try to help where I can. I don't answer questions I'm not qualified to answer or have no experience with. I stick to what I do know and leave the stuff I don't know or have first-hand experience with to those who are more qualified. I look at it like this: I was new once too, and I know how frustrating and discouraging it can be to get things right at first, especially with so much mixed information out there. So if I can help somebody get over that discouraging hump and be able to enjoy these amazing animals rather than get discouraged and give up or lose interest, or simply ease their mind a bit, then I'm happy to be sharing my passion with somebody else who may be able to enjoy their animal a little more rather than stressing over it. And in the meantime, hopefully I'm helping somebody to provide a better home for their animal.
Win/Win! :gj:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Thank you very much! I know a lot of people in recovery who don't really discuss it outside of meetings or close knit circles. I'm not ashamed of what I went through. If I can help one person by sharing my story, then I don't care how many people know that I am an alcoholic and a drug addict. I always will be, but I'm one of the lucky ones who has beaten the odds and is staying clean and sober today. I'm not foolish enough to think I have this disease beat, it's literally a day-by-day challenge, but I know that I have felt no desire to drink or use in a long time and this disease no longer controls me, I control it.

And thank you again! I always like to try to help where I can. I don't answer questions I'm not qualified to answer or have no experience with. I stick to what I do know and leave the stuff I don't know or have first-hand experience with to those who are more qualified. I look at it like this: I was new once too, and I know how frustrating and discouraging it can be to get things right at first, especially with so much mixed information out there. So if I can help somebody get over that discouraging hump and be able to enjoy these amazing animals rather than get discouraged and give up or lose interest, or simply ease their mind a bit, then I'm happy to be sharing my passion with somebody else who may be able to enjoy their animal a little more rather than stressing over it. And in the meantime, hopefully I'm helping somebody to provide a better home for their animal.
Win/Win! :gj:

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Win/Win for sure. You nailed it. Life is beautiful!

I have always loved snakes and I finally convinced my dad to let me get one. He is still scare of them but he touched one for about half a second so that is progress. I just hope that I can do things right with this snake. I've already done lots of research but I always feel I am missing something. I'm just glad I can come here and ask questions and get valid answers. I like forums like this but I hardly answer any question because I am afraid I'm giving the wrong information. So I mainly stay quiet on the forum. But I am glad that others are talking freely. I hope you all have a lovely day. ;)


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Originally Posted by EvilKitty

I have always loved snakes and I finally convinced my dad to let me get one. He is still scare of them but he touched one for about half a second so that is progress. I just hope that I can do things right with this snake. I've already done lots of research but I always feel I am missing something. I'm just glad I can come here and ask questions and get valid answers. I like forums like this but I hardly answer any question because I am afraid I'm giving the wrong information. So I mainly stay quiet on the forum. But I am glad that others are talking freely. I hope you all have a lovely day. ;)


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:lurk:
Feel free to lurk, LOL
Keep reading the forum and the stickies, find books (make of paper) from respected sources, and pay close attention to your own pet and you'll be helping others before you know it.

Typo above: "find books *MADE of paper"
I also just realized that i neglected to congratulate you on getting your snake. If your dad was/is afraid but still let you have one, then i think you're in good shape and may very well be able to bring him around (or at least improve his perspective). My wife used to hate my snakes, now she just sort of dislikes them, but its progress!

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Originally Posted by dkatz4

Typo above: "find books *MADE of paper"
I also just realized that i neglected to congratulate you on getting your snake. If your dad was/is afraid but still let you have one, then i think you're in good shape and may very well be able to bring him around (or at least improve his perspective). My wife used to hate my snakes, now she just sort of dislikes them, but its progress!

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Oh I am getting my snake in September. I appreciate your reply and I hope you enjoy a long life with your snakes. It's great your wife is trying to accept your hobby. Has she at least held any yet?


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