Watching the Home Run Derby and relaxing. No matter how relaxed I get I will never achieve this level of peacefulness:
Some big changes coming up in the next couple of days for me. I’m heading off to rehab, but first I think I am going to have to go have surgery for a hernia. Tried to deal with things on my own, and, well failed. So on Wednesday I am heading out to get shit fixed.
I have not been posting much for a year or so because I have so much shit going on, so it’s not like you will miss me. On the other hand, I do love you, so I have reached out to a few folks, and the incomparable TBogg will be guest posting, and I also asked Zaid Jilani, someone who I think should have a helluva lot more exposure, and he has graciously accepted. I’d really like to use this opportunity to find a young, up and coming female blogger of color to write here, but my circle is so insular I do not know where to go or who to even ask. If you have any suggestions, let me know.
Basically, my shit’s fucked up and has been for a while, but since Tunch’s death,I really have spiraled downward, and I tried to make some changes on my own and failed. Things are probably going to happen fast and furious soon, so after tomorrow you prolly won’t see much of me.
But I gotta do this. And don’t be acting all weird in the comments while I am gone.
Baud
Best of luck to you.
scuffletuffle
Best of luck, JC, and let Steve be your guide.
columbusqueen
Good luck, John. Will be lighting a candle & saying a few prayers that all goes well.
lamh36
Best of Luck
Scott
John – been reading the blog for years, never commented, but wanted to say good luck and best wishes – remember, if your pets love you that much, it’s worth fixing some stuff to make sure you stick around for them!
Roger Moore
So you expect to come back to an empty blog?
BerkeleyMom
Good on you for having the courage to take this step. Best of luck in your healing process. You will be missed.
DFH
Longtime lurker here. John, take the time and get well. It can be done.
PsiFighter37
I was about to post my thoughts on the downer of the ’24’ reboot finale, and then I read this…and now – well, this has me in more of a down mood than that did (mainly because I stopped caring about the show after the first 4 seasons).
Hopefully, the time off – and away – will help you get a clear perspective on everything. When you’re back, we’ll still be here talking about pets and arguing about Greenwald and Snowden. And we’ll promise to clean up the toys after we’re done making a mess.
Take care, good sir.
askew
Take care of yourself. That is what matters most. I promise to be on my best behavior and reduce my bitching about Hillary Clinton by 50%.
As for a female blogger of color, does ABL have any suggestions for you? It would be great to get the Latina perspective here with immigration, refugees and women’s rights becoming the big issues for the midterms. I can only think of Denise from DK off the top of my head.
Larkspur
It’s going to be okay. It’s going to be difficult and weird, but better days are coming. You’ve got a lot of people and critters on your side.
Steve Moody
Be well, John. Be well. You’ve made a lot of us more sane and healthy. We’re with you while you go take care of yourself.
Jinx
You’re in my thoughts Cole.
SiubhanDuinne
Good for you, John. You are really a remarkable human being. Hope all goes well for you. Looking forward to your return, whenever that is.
Ahasuerus
Good luck, John. We’ll be here when you return. And we’ll try to keep TBogg from putting those freaky clown faces everywhere…
dmsilev
Good luck, and take care of yourself. We’ll be good (for certain values of ‘good’) while you’re away.
Corner Stone
Zaid Jilani?
That’s like a slap in the face ™ !
voncey
I don’t post much but I’m a regular reader. I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you all the best. Come back soon but mostly come back healthy and happy.
Luci
Yup! I’m really impressed that you are going to do this, and best of luck to you. Well… it’s not really luck that is needed. It is persistence, so even when it seems miserable and hard, just keep on, and eventually… eventually much better times come along. I know from experience, although I’ve not been to rehab. I HAVE had a ton of therapy though and lots of other things to learn to live better, and I have to tell you it’s worth all the work and pain and striving. Please stop in and fill us in if you have a moment, but if not, we’ll be here waiting for you and wanting to know how things turn out. The fact of the matter is that a guy who is so devoted to his pets and friends IS going to do better and I think we can count on all of us rooting for you. Luci
lurker dean
all the best to you, you can do this. we’ll all be here when you get back.
SiubhanDuinne
On first reading your post, I somehow completely missed the thing about hernia surgery.
So I’ll just add that to the list of things I hope go well for you.
Corner Stone
But your young girl crush’s sister living in St Thomas? You’ll still post pics of her, right?
Jay C
Ok, I’ll be the first to say it, apparently….
Like, what? like, shit, John, WHAT? A hernia??? a fucking hernia that needs fucking surgery??? And you don’t think, or want us to believe, that your blogfollowing (who follow you no matter HOW assholey you get) isn’t going to notice, or care that you’re absent from your own blog? Fuck that noise, man! Like it or not, we DO notice, and care! And will ride your ass to get better!
CTVoter
Go heal yourself. And be well.
JKC
Good luck, John. Get well and stay well. We’re rooting for you.
Corner Stone
Just thank to the FSM you didn’t try and foster a child.
schrodinger's cat
Good luck with your surgery and everything else. We will miss you. Come back soon!
Karen in GA
I remember a while back when you talked about sobering up, wondering if you could do it without professional guidance. That you need it, and you recognize that and you’re getting it — well, bravo, sir.
Re comment weirdness, though — no promises.
And best of luck with the hernia surgery.
And and: we love you also, too.
SG
Good luck, John. I’ll be thinking of you and looking forward to your return. P.S.– My husband had hernia surgery and I believe his advice to you would be: don’t laugh. Unfortunately, the advice alone will make you laugh.
stonedstats
Holyfuckingshit, Cole. Good luck to you. As a fellow struggler, I have often thought about your plight and wish you well. May the lord give you the strength…and so on.
Hawes
Be well
PIGL
You’re a good man, Mr. Cole, and I am sure that with help and patience and some endurance, you will find the recovery and healing you sought on your own…never think you aren’t worthy of it.
Anon_Anon
Of course we’ll miss you, and the piglets. But taking care of yourself is more important. It might be really therapeutic to skip all the pre-election agravation that is coming our way. We might be envying you for your escape.
John (MCCARTHY) Cole
@askew:
That would be ideal. If you have any recommendations, please send them ASAP. One of the weird things missing from the immigration mess is the latino voices. It’s nothing but old white men on tv.
Additionally, isn’t traveling thousands of miles to protect your children and escape rape and tyranny a feminist issue? Why not?
J R in WV
I’ve recently started physical therapy for what appears to be spinal/cervical trouble, compressed nerves in my neck causing shoulder and arm pain.
So I can relate to needing to get shit fixed!
Also want to wish you best of luck with all your personal improvement projects! I’m sure things will work out well for you. You need to work hard for the puppies’ sake, and for Steve. I’m glad you have friends to help you through your healing !
Take care,
JR in Tango, WV
PIGL
@Luci:
This.
EmanG
John,
In the 3 or 4 years I’ve been reading BJ I’ve come to strongly feel as though you were my friend. I’m not a regular commenter or anything, but I come to the blog every day, usually multiple times a day and always look forward to your posts. You’re one of the most intellectually brave writers I’ve ever come across and you give me great hope for a common sense and self reflective way of being.
We’ve never met and probably never will, but I consider you a friend. Godspeed in your healing and I’ll be here when you get back, quietly rejoicing at your return.
Now go kick some demons in the ass and get back as soon as you can.
RobertDSC-Power Mac G5 Dual
Take care, John. Best wishes to you and yours.
amygdala
You and your lively corner of the internet have been part of my daily routine for a long time, although I’ve never posted until today.
All best wishes for these upcoming miles of the road ahead. Please remember that you’re good people and that in addition to your family (human and otherwise) and friends, you’ve got a lot of folks here, whether posting daily or just reading, who are pulling for you.
schrodinger's cat
@J R in WV: Ouch that sounds painful!
Bostondreams
Good luck, John. Rooting for you.
Lab Partner
Good luck and God bless
MikeBoyScout
John, I hope you find the path to wellness you’re looking to traverse. And look forward to reading you again on your return.
PS. Paraphrasing here Before you can win a life, you have to not lose it.
different-church-lady
What kind of hernia we talkin’ about here? A lot of them aren’t so bad to get fixed, especially if you have it done laproscopically.
pseudonymous in nc
Look after yourself, be kind to yourself. We’ll thinking of you while you’re away, and will welcome you back when you’re ready.
phoebes-in-santa fe
Good luck to you, Cole. I know you have the strength and thoughtfulness to make the needed changes, both physical and emotional. You have a lot of people – and animals – who want nothing but the best for you.
Please check in every now and again and let us know how you’re doing.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
Take care of yourself and get well.
CTVoter
@amygdala: <–This.
Corner Stone
@EmanG:
…
David Hunt
Best wishes to you, John. I hope things get better.
Gus
Best of luck to you.
mkd
I wish you the best.
Poopyman
Good luck and best wishes. You’ve got a great support system right there in Bethany, so you’re already ahead of the game. And I’m assuming you’re going to Pgh for the hernia, and have an ace surgeon lined up.
Still, it’s all up to you, but we know you can push through it. See you on the other side.
Emma
You have the guts to do something about your problems. I wish one of my oldest friends would be as gutsy. Take care and come home to the pack as soon as you can.
Another North Carolinian
I only post here once or twice a year, but I come by 2-3 times a day. Let me say (1) you scared d’sh!t outta me with the picture of Steve (good Lord, he’s been run over! I thought) and (2) Wiley Cash made a great impression on our college writers’ audience and while they all nodded and said, “”Yep, yep, up and coming young novelist, so glad we recognized him,” I thought “C’mon people, talented as he is, the only reason he’s here is because I read B-J” which is a tiny, tiny proof that your blog Makes Things Happen, and (3) take care of yourself. See you on the wire!
22over7
Good luck with your healing. Check in when you can, and remember that you have your very own virtual rooting section!
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@Corner Stone: People are trying to be nice. Perhaps you should let them.
Tokyokie
Good luck, buddy. Will Shawn be able to bring the critters by to visit? Hope so. That’ll make things go better.
Gin & Tonic
Good luck and best wishes.
gnomedad
Good luck, John, and keep us informed as much as feasible. Your posts of late, if fewer in number, lacked nothing of the JC charm and cantankerousness, so don’t kid yourself that you won’t be missed. See you on the flip side.
Garbo
We’ve got nothing but love for you, John Cole. You give so much and you deserve so much. Take care of yourself. We’ll be here snarking and bitching when you get back.
Corner Stone
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): Ha. No.
PhoenixRising
Oh, honey. You’re going to be just fine. I know how to get out of that hole, and you’re off to a good start.
I’ll send over some immigrant barely-legal women who I know through international adoption circles to apply for the blogging position.
These kids (I’m not supposed to call them that cause I’m old and white and The Man and oppressing them with my dominant paradigm and all that shit but they are very young adults) are wrestling with some tough stuff: Who am I–an immigrant American of color with white parents–and what is my role in making this country what it can be? Full of insights about all those conditions.
Garbo
We got nothing but love for you, John Cole. You give so much and you deserve so much. Take care of yourself. We will be here snarking and bitching when you get back.
Jamey
Whoa, John. Please be well get better soon!
Considering all the support and well-wishes from what appears to be an amazing group of people, you have a lot to feel good about as you begin the process of healing.
Betty Cracker
You’ll be okay, Mr. Cole. You’re stronger and braver than you know, and you have a fuck-ton of people rooting for you, for what it’s worth. (A lot, actually, as I’ve learned from my own travails.) We’ll hold the fort. Be well. We’ll be thinking of you.
pamelabrown53
Peace, love and light, John Cole. Peace, love and light.
MomSense
I wish you all the best, John. It is a really tough process but so worth the effort.
The Tragically Flip
Had inguirnal hernia othroscopic sugery last fall. Just one side. Recovery was 1 day of drugged sleep, 6 more days of awful bloating and general gastric discomfort (had drugs, but they bung you up and was feeling megaconstipated so i was off them by day 3), then a few weeks of just being delicate and having to remember not to lift anything heavy. The abdominal bruising was unbelievable, but apparently normal. Looked like I had lost a gang fight or something.
I think I was pretty lucky, no lasting side effects, but it was a rough month.
Phoebe
Another mostly-lurker here, checking in to reiterate what so many others have already said. Be well; do what you need to do; come back whole, or as whole as the world permits. Our thoughts may not be good for much on the road, but you’ll have them.
And hey, all the best people have to go on quests now and then. It’s never fun, but it’s a fine and ancient tradition.
TerryC
“Tried to deal with things on my own, and, well failed.” Hey, Cole, I am almost 67 and have felt that way about myself most of my life. Stop. It’s crazy. The third third is the best third and you aren’t even close yet.
I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan 5 miles from campus on a dirt road and we have an extra 4-bedroom house on a disc golf course that is empty until April. If you want to get away (I won’t bother you.) you could come stay incognito and just chill for quite a while.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@Corner Stone: Well, I tried.
Occasional Reader
Another mostly lurker who’s been a daily reader since circa 2002. Good luck, and FFS get well, because this is the best damn blog on the internets — partly because of the pets, front-pagers and commentariat, but mostly because of your cantankerous ass.
Occasional Reader
Another mostly lurker who’s been a daily reader since circa 2002. Good luck, and FFS get well, because this is the best damn blog on the internets — partly because of the pets, front-pagers and commentariat, but mostly because of your cantankerous ass.
Violet
Glad you’re looking after yourself. Best of luck. First step is the hardest. Good for you for taking it.
martha
John, best of wishes coming from polar vortex land (WTF?? 48 degrees tomorrow morning?). I know, with help, you can find your way through both issues. We will still be here, squabbling.
mai naem
Good luck John. My mom had hernia surgery. One piece of advice – if the doc tells you not to have a shower for X number of days, don’t have a shower(no matter how gross you feel) because you have a high risk of getting the incision wet and infected. My mom’s incision ended up getting infected because she insisted on having showers. Also too, she didn’t have a laprascopic surgery which hopefully you will.
Anyhow, hope the rehab goes as well as can be expected. I have a couple of friends who’ve been through it. One succeeded first time around. The other one had to go through it 3 times and has been sober for several years now.
Brother Shotgun of Sweet Reason
Good luck, John, and take the time you need to take care of yourself.
Major Major Major Major (formerly J.Ty)
Late to the party here, but good for you, Cole. Asking for help is never easy, and yeah, the next bit gets a little weird. Hang in there! Send DougJ some communiques or something so we can hear from you via somebody who you just know is dying to post here about something other than music.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@martha:
Do you promise? If so, I will be ever so happy.
angelfoot
Rock on, John, you can turn it around.
Tom Traubert
Good luck, John. All the best.
Mason
We’ll be here. Get your stuff fixed up, man. I’ll fire up UT and shock combo someone for you.
beltane
My son had double-inguinal hernia surgery when he was only 4 weeks old. It was hard for me but he recovered super quick.
My father, on the other hand, had the old man type hernia surgery when he was in his late 60’s and spent the entire recovery period ranting and raving that the doctor had tried to kill him.
No matter what your age, better to be a baby than an old man.
Corner Stone
@martha:
GFY, no we won’t.
Keith G
It’s certainly a rough and rocky road and none escape with out at least a few bruises. It’s very hopeful when one has the willingness and ability to take time, get help, and learn ways to be better.
@Corner Stone: Snort.
ExurbanMom
Be well, John, and be kind to yourself, for as long as you need to be. We will get all weird, though…just accept it and let it go…
Corner Stone
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): “Now watch this drive.”
Lolis
Good luck. It will suck for awhile.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@Corner Stone: Heck, I don’t golf. Gosh, you must have me confused with someone else.
elftx
Wish you well and:
Woke up this mornin’ just about noon
Rolled back on over, it was way too soon
My sensibilities hadn’t stirred you see
Might bother some, but it don’t bother me
‘Cause some people say ain’t had enough fun
Some people say ain’t had enough fun
I’ll tell ya when I’m done
But until that time, ain’t had enough fun
Right ’round the corner, right over the hill
Somebody’s waitin’ for some new thrill
They can wait there all of their life
Spinnin’ them wheels ’til the time is right
As for me, I think I’ll jump right into the fight
‘Cause some people say ain’t had enough gun
Some people say ain’t had enough gun
I’ll tell ya when I’m done
But until that time, ain’t had enough fun
Why some people sure wound up tight
I’m here to tell ya Lord — I got too many chills
To feel ’em all in one night
Now who says ya can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Jus’ fire off a few rounds at the poor boy’s kicks
Ruler boy says don’t worry
The monkey ain’t dead so what’s your hurry
The show ain’t over so people please grab your seats
‘Cause some people say ain’t had enough gun
Some people say ain’t had enough gun
My time ain’t yet begun
So don’t say I’m finished, no
I’ll tell ya when I’m done
Until that time, I ain’t had enough fun
RoonieRoo
As someone that has lived as a spouse/child of people with similar broken shit, I am beyond proud of you. I genuinely do not have the words for how intensely proud I am of you for doing this.
We will be here when you find your way back to us.
xane
kindest healing wishes to you: Namaste
Tiny Tim
Unless your help is court ordered, you are doing it on your own.
Scott S.
Good luck, mister, you’re one of the best damn people on the Internets.
[email protected]
Find peace, John, find peace. A longtime lurker, I always tell me my grandbabies two things – go for grace and be kind. They don’t quite get the first, but they totally know what I mean by the second. It matters not what mistakes you have made, it’s who and what you choose to follow now. No wrong answers, only wrong actions. You are a stalwart soul. Time to start believing and acting upon it and stop worrying about where you are in the process
Karen in GA
By the way, John, I was always a cat person, and I never got the appeal of dogs. Then you got Lily and raved about her.
At first I thought you were nuts, because ugh, dogs? But the more I read about how much you love Lily, the more I started thinking about it. You opened my mind and helped me understand the appeal. If not for you adopting Lily, we never would have adopted our Iggy-that-I-can’t-STFU-about.
It would take forever to tell you about the shit we’ve had to deal with over the past few months, but every single day we thank FSM that we have this little guy in our home because he makes it all easier.
So yeah, I totally get it now, and my home and my life are much better for it. And a small-ish dog sitting in a rescue kennel in Georgia after languishing in a kill shelter now has a forever home. All because you took in Lily (and then Rosie) and told us all about it. So thank you for that.
Get well and come back stronger. People and animals need you.
northanger
Godspeed.
lefthanded compliment
I’m another regular reader who rarely comments, but I do want to wish you the very best in health and healing. Also, I’m not sure if you’ve read it (or how relevant you’d find it) but Garry Trudeau’s “The War Within” really gets what PTSD is about for many veterans.
BruceFromOhio
Gaia love you, that’s a favor we will all owe.
And another. Cats in a handbag, JC, for a self-proclaimed agoraphobe, you got a knock for bringing people to together. Lucky us.
Now go get better.
martha
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): that’s right, you’re a cool weather fan. Ugh, at least in the middle of July. The weather idiots have upped the low to 51. I feel so much better. My poor cherry tomatoes are pitiful this year. Hope all is well with you. I’m moderately hopeful about Mary Burke. I think.
pika
So proud of you, John. Your honesty is your key, always.
Eljai
TBogg! Yay! But that does not mean I won’t miss you, John. Get well, do what you need to do. We’re in your corner. Looking forward to reading Zaid. Tunch lives (in our hearts forever)!
martha
@Corner Stone: hey I already got a trigger warning. Nice try.
martha
@Corner Stone: I already got a trigger warning. Nice try.
Donut
I hope you get and stay well. You have the strength to persevere and beat what ails you. I would say “good luck,” but for the fact that I believe most of us have it in us to make our own luck, especially in these circumstances, so I guess I’ll say bon voyage instead.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@martha: Last polling I saw (late May) had them 46%-46%. And that was before the John Doe documents were released.
Cain
Best of luck, John. Sober up. Come back and start kicking ass. We got a grade a bullshit to discuss and muck about later in the fall!
Comrade Mary
Good luck, John. You deserve a full, happy life and it sounds as if you’re taking the right steps to get it. And you’ll be in for one hell of a joyous reception from the piglets (and all the humans in your life) when you get home.
jeffreyw
Yo, Bro. Take what time you need, we’ll try to keep the lights on for you.
You could do worse than offering lamh36 the keys.
Lokahi
It takes courage to seek help. That’s truly admirable. Be kind to yourself through the process.
Aloha!
Mnemosyne
We’re always totally convinced that we can solve our problems on our own, and no one can. It was hard as hell for me to go into therapy 15 years ago and look at all of my life issues, but it’s the best thing I ever did. If nothing else, there is no way I would have the job I do or be married (8 years now) without that therapy. So good luck, and remember that the people who claim they did it on their own are fucking liars.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@jeffreyw: Interesting thought. I would be a bit overcome by the sheer number of Idris Elba posts.
Keith G
Speaking of trigger warnings, as this page loaded that image of Steve looked awfully…shall I say…ominous.
My first thought was, “Oh Shit!”
Also Robin Williams checked himself into rehab a bit earlier I’m thinking that that could be either the very best or the very worst ever group therapy session
Lexiltucky
Another longtime lurker wishing you the best, John.
Heal well and come back soon !
Jim, Foolish Literalist
Best wishes, Cole.
I think we’re gonna have some fun with Tbogg and some of our more righteous and thin-skinned commenters.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@Keith G: I really doubt that anyone would post a pic of a pet’s corpse. Jesus.
martha
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): I like her. She’s effective speaking to small groups and engaging people and she doesn’t have that Madison attitude that could kill her up north. I’d love it if she ran ads that used humor and music effectively, to really set them apart from the usual Koch swill.
Mike in NC
Good luck to you.
CaseyL
You’ll do fine. You’re too ornery and stubborn not to win. Plus, the piglets need you.
So do we. We love you, and value this place you’ve made for us. We’ll keep it warm until you get back. (Will you be able to keep us updated at all? Maybe have your family, friends and/or frat brothers stop in once in a while to let us know how you’re doing, and post some piglet photos?)
It’s great that TBogg will be one of the guest posters; and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing who else shows up.
Take care.
roberto
@jeffreyw:
Second this with vigor.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@martha: I haven’t met her, but she is rather popular among my family in central Wisconsin; of course, they would happily vote for an untrained baboon over Walker.
JGabriel
John Cole @ Top:
Why do think telling us not to act weird in the comments while you’re gone will make us act any less weird than when you’re here?
Seriously, though, best wishes for you and your health, John. I hope you feel better soon.
We’ll miss you.
PurpleGirl
Be well, John. You’ve already taken the first and hardest step — recognizing you need help and reaching out for it. I’m sure you’ll do great.
As to the surgery: that has changed over time and is much simpler, easier and safer than ever before. That should be a breeze.
kc
Well, damn. Good luck with all that. Hurry back.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@JGabriel: I assumed that he meant weird relative to the baseline of this place.
Howard Beale IV
There are many options in recovery-be open to them all. Above all, your recovery is your own-do not let them pigeonhole you.
Starfish
There are no up-and-coming female bloggers because blogging is dead. And why would a female blogger want to blog here? She’d put a spoiler in her first post, and all hell would break loose.
PIGL
@Tiny Tim: Never saw it that way, but now you mention it, absolutely!
trollhattan
“Mind makes a promise
that your body can’t fill.”
You’re not so far down life’s path you won’t bounce back better than ever, so make that your goal and take nothing less.
We’ll keep the joint swept, but no mopping.
Good health to you.
Mary G
If you could recover from being a Republican, these other things will be cake. Good on you for recognizing that the DIY wasn’t working and getting the pros on the case.
I turned myself into a hospital to be locked down in an eating disorder unit for six weeks in 1987. It was fairly awful at points but it changed my life. They told me to treat myself as well as I treated others. I hope you can learn to take care of Cole with the same love and grace that you show to the critters, Shawn, the frat boys, us vitriolic jackals and all the others you treat so well.
Also, too, HBM is quartered in the living room, so there is still a small bedroom free here if you want to hang out in Cali when you get out.
Best to you.
catperson
Best wishes, Cole.
KS in MA
Best of luck, Mr. Cole!
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@trollhattan:
One could hire someone.
martha
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): I agree with them! But hopefully she can snag some of those idiotic “independents”.
I agree with JeffreyW, I’d love for lamh to get the keys! It sounds like her work schedule is pretty crazy so not sure if she could do it but…
Keith G
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): When this machine fires up, Chrome starts up and this page aromatically pops. I wasn’t paying any attention until I my peripheral vision picked up the image – eerily similar to others seen over the years. – so the response was automatic.
Jesus back at ya.
Tim c.
Best wishes and Godspeed John Cole. This part of the internet *is* your personal army as a matter of fact so don’t forget we are rooting for you.
Birthmarker
Thoughts and prayers sent. Best of luck to you.
TaMara (BHF)
@jeffreyw: Inspired.
The Dangerman
I guess that eliminates blogging while naked. Time to get dressed (minimally).
Best wishes on all.
a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)
@Tiny Tim:
QFT.
Be well Cole. We’ll be thinking of you, and of course acting all weird in the comments; it’s what we do. Thank you for getting us Tbogg.
Be well, man.
kc
@jeffreyw:
Seconded.
Lyrebird
Dude.
YAY!!!!!
..and YMMV on this, but “I tried to make some changes on my own and failed” is pretty darn close to my personal definition of the “powerless” term that some of my friends swear by. (And LIVE by.)
Live long and effing prosper, okay?
And since DougJ had to stop regular FP posts (iirc), maybe we can get Omnes, Cmd Mary, raven, whoever to toss in more odd music references while you’re busy takin’ care of your hernia and your head.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@The Dangerman: TMfuckingI.
ruemara
Get well and be well. Take of your shit. Should be interesting to have the Immortal TBogg, but no matter who’s in the driver’s seat, we’re just waiting for you to come back.
Lyrebird
@TaMara (BHF): SECOND!!
Sorry I see that was orig JeffW.
THIRDED!!!
SIA
One day at at a time, John. Been doing it since January 1980. Best wishes, our esteemed blog host
Sandia Blanca
@JGabriel: Whenever John tells us NOT to do something, we do it. When he tells us TO DO something, we do the opposite.
And when we tell John what to do (e.g. what name to give his pet, what therapy to use for pain, how to prepare his food, what kind of vehicle to buy, how to train his pet, how to furnish his home, where to search for the mustard, etc.), he ignores us and does what he wants.
I think the above sums up the Balloon-Juice experience, right?
So in that vein, John, I will remind you that your friends love you and have your back, and that when you come back from doing what you will do, we will be here cheering for you as always.
P.S. Is Steve going to stay in your house to give the animals continuity of care?
Jane2
Very best wishes for you, John. Your pets and blog are in good hands….take care of yourself.
Birthmarker
@Lyrebird: Doug’s off the front page??
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@Lyrebird: ::blushes:: Something like this might be rather appropriate here.
SST
Take care, Cole. Come back soon.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Was wondering when this was going to happen. Good. Fix it.
And Steve’s getting fat. Don’t let him.
dance around in your bones
I think your willingness to put your life online (at least those parts you choose) and share your good and bad experiences/crazy/funny/insightful thought processes/awesome rants and etc with us jackals will make your journey through rehab easier. I mean, you’re used to blabbing stuff to a huge group of strangers already, right? And we all love you anyway, in fact because of your honesty and capacity for self-reflection. You’re halfway there already, brother!
You can do it, John. And you know we’ll all be waiting for you when you get back. However, I, for one, cannot promise I’ll behave. That’s what they call a pie crust promise – easily made, easily broken.
Keep on truckin’.
Anoniminous
Sorry you have to go into rehab. Glad you recognize you need to.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@Birthmarker: He has what appears to be career related shit going on. It sounds like he may have been tapped as department head and decided that, for the nonce, mocking them as totebaggers and calling for revolution might be contraindicated.
Frank
Best wishes, John.
Many years ago I IM’ed you out of the blue and you were most gracious and courteous. I treasure your kindness and wish you Godspeed.
siobhan
Good luck, John.
ranchandsyrup
Go easy, John. Will be rooting for you.
PsiFighter37
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): Big shot can’t hang out with us plebes anymore, eh? That’s okay, Rapunzel got awfully lonely in her ivory tower after a while, too…
Gypsy Howell
I’ll be rooting for you John. Xoxox, Gypsy
Anne Laurie
You’ll be in my — thoughts, John. Best wishes, and never forget how many people in how many places whose lives you have touched will be silently rooting for you.
Anne Laurie
@The Dangerman:
Pants, one assumes, remain optional. As tradition requires.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@PsiFighter37: Most people who are posting pseudonymously probably feel that there would be some negative consequences if they used their real names. If things get too close, I can see why someone may want to take a step back.
Mj_Oregon
Blessings, John. I’m already looking forward to your return – along with lots of photos of the piglets to make up time lost. Just remember, you are stronger than you think!
PsiFighter37
@Anne Laurie: I rarely ever post on BJ with a full set of clothing on, although that’s more a factor of me being of the opinion that if you are in the privacy of your own home, there’s really no good reason to wear all the extra threads until you are getting a move on.
Lyrebird
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): Most Excellent Song.
And thanks for providing a better response for @Birthmarker: than I could’ve.
G’night all and fare thee well Sir Cole!
dww44
Wish you a successful rehab to, as my mom used to say, “cure what ails you”. Do keep us apprised of your progress, or not, if that is what the therapy dictates..
PsiFighter37
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): This is true, although for my case, I think I’d probably get several raised eyebrows for the (in the past) belligerent drunk blogging, as well as the free-flowing use of profanity. I purposefully try to steer clear of offering any real, direct opinions that would get me in trouble for reasons related specifically to work.
Makes sense, though…was wondering why I hadn’t seen as much of him around.
Railsplitter
You have a tough road ahead. Don’t let the professionals talk you out of AA. It’s the only thing that works.
princess leia
Blessings, Mr. Cole.
Oklahoma Joe
Out of the shadows after many years of lurking to say “Good Luck, Best Wishes and Safe Journey.” You are an upright man, John Cole, and deserve to straighten things out. Thanks to you for what you do. Resolution is elusive; evolution’s where it’s at.
Summer
You’re a friend whose place I’ve been coming by practically every day for 12 years, John. Best wishes to you and we’ll miss you until you return. Thanks for TBogg in the interim.
the Conster
You’re a mensch John Cole. Go do what you need to do, and we’ll all be here to give you a raft of shit when you get back. It’s been a bad couple of years for most of us here for all kinds of reasons, mostly having to do with death and ill health and loss. Getting old is not for sissies. Bring back a boon.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@Railsplitter: I have heard that what works works. I know of people who just wanted to curb drinking to excess, and dialed it back to a drink or two each night. People need to do what works to give themselves a good life. They don’t necessarily need to live by any particular code. Cole needs to do what makes his life better. That is all.
ETA: If it means, never having a drink again, he should work for that. If it means that he should have a few drinks every once in a while, he should do that. And so on….
Rachel B
Take care of yourself and do what is necessary. I expect we will all still be here when you get back; and we’ll be hoping and expecting the New Improved version of John Cole to appear one of these days.
Be well.
SiubhanDuinne
@Sandia Blanca:
So what you’re saying is that John is Obama and we’re the Republicans?
TaMara (BHF)
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): That might be the best sentence ever.
Esdee
Going to rehab was the best decision I ever made. Tried to do it on my own for years and failed every time. I feel so free now that alcohol doesn’t run my life. Here’s to you finding that same freedom.
Paul W.
Fuck John, sorry to hear that things have gotten to this point but of course dealing with your shit and seeking help is the right call (usually middler than later) when you are getting overwhelmed like this.
Wish you all the best, and I hope you can beat this struggle against yourself. Have Steve take care of you.
JAFD
Dear Mr. Cole,
There are a heckuva lot of people – I am one – who like you and care about you and want you to be healthy, live long (and prosper) and keep passing along your wisdom and observations and opinions and cat photos for decades to come.
Take care of yourself. Get well soon. Go easier on yourself. You’ve done a lot of good.
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@SiubhanDuinne: Nah, we are just contrary buggers.
@TaMara (BHF): One does what one can.
Violet
Since TBogg’s coming over here for a bit and we’re looking for a Latina to join the front page crew, what about Shakira?
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@Violet: Brilliant.
NickM
I mostly lurk but stop by several times every day. Like many others, I consider you a friend and I’ve always admired your honesty and directness. And the loyalty and love you show for the people and animals in your life. We all have crutches to get through this painful life. Sometime the crutches become an impediment of their own. Best wishes for a speedy arrival at the place you would like to be.
Constance
Best to you John. I’ll miss you and your wicked sense of humor. Be thinking of you and lighting candles till you return. Be well.
Corner Stone
One believes one thing when one sees one thing.
LAC
I wish you the best of luck. You are showing a lot of courage and it’s a great example. Take care.
NCSteve
Just to add one more mawkish comment, to the extent that I belong to a blog commenter community, it’s really over at TPM, where I do most of what I do. But, dammit, John, I’ve been coming here since shortly after the scales fell from your eyes and, even though I mostly lurk, the warmth and sense of family you’ve built here, up to and including the bickering borderline homicidal bits, keeps me coming back every day.
Because that’s what family is in Appalachia–warmth, uncontrolled dogs and cats piled up on the furniture, gardening, bickering, helping out with the others financial problems and/or pets they can’t keep, and the occasional outbreak of homicidal rage. You infused all of that into the site and kept it going even when you weren’t posting much. You built that. It’s like a bit of home on the Internet.
So anyway, thanks. Go get better you big-hearted misanthrope. We’ll try not to burn the fucking place down while you’re away.
Corner Stone
I, for one, am happy to see Zaid Jilani’s op-eds here.
Nice job, Cole.
Angela
Good on you John Cole. Everyone is going to give you advice. Seems like you know what you need and you’re going for it. This place won’t be the same without you. And it will still be where I spend my time lurking. Your heart deserves care. Glad you are tending to it.
Taiko
Cole, I’m late to the thread, and like a lot of others here tonight I’m a longtime lurker, seldom poster, but couldn’t ignore the chance to post my well wishes. There are three people who’ve made a huge difference in my politically emotional survival over the last ten or 12 years: Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and yeah, you. That’s right. And for reference, while I watch those other two only occasionally, I come to your blog several times each day. What you’ve accomplished here is no small thing – front pagers who are willing to throw punches, and a commentariat who have no problem punching back. Most of the time with wit, humor, and most of all, honesty. I’ve learned, laughed, and grieved in turn over those years. You do what you need to do to keep yourself sane and healthy. You’ve done more than your share to keep me sane to have earned it! I’m pretty sure we’ll be here when you get back. I know I will, if for no other reason than to laugh at your upcoming clear mind, clean body posts!
Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)
@Corner Stone: If you stand in the way of Shakira-blogging, there will be consequences.
Corner Stone
@NCSteve:
Speak for yourself, meh.
SIA
@Railsplitter: This
Sandia Blanca
@SiubhanDuinne: God forbid!
Chris
Good luck. You can do it.
Corner Stone
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): I just used this awesome cooking implement tonight that auto juliennes veggies. Just wash off the veggie and then…scrrraaapppee!
It was so freaking cool.
Sandia Blanca
P.P.S. When I asked if “Steve” was going to stay in your house, I obviously meant to say Shawn.
Corner Stone
I’m sorry, but I am in absolute infatuation with Nina Dobrev.
There. I said it.
daveX99
i just want to pile on here & wish you luck, john.
amk
Get well. Get ahead. Best wishes.
Corner Stone
@Sandia Blanca:
One wonders, eh?
JCT
Strong thoughts in your direction, John – get healthy. You can do this.
klokanek
Another lurker emerging to wish you well. Was just explaining to a friend tonight that I have my three amazing kitties because of this blog and the community you have created here! Your posts drew me here and keep me here, much as I enjoy the other front pagers. You will be missed.
Be kind to yourself as you tread this path you’ve chosen. Your posts resonate with me because of your stunning ability to see to the heart of stupid things and lay them bare. Do that to your own stupid things, and thrive!
(And I still miss Tunch and enjoy your occasional posts with pictures and videos, just so you know.)
aimai
All love to you, John. And all my thoughts over the coming year. I know you can take care of your shit when you really put your head down and begin to be willing to accept help. I also know that when you do come out the other side you have more than most people’s friends, families, and pets to welcome you back. You have so much to live for and to love and so much loving and living to do yet. You are a young man. When you get your head clear and you conquer your addictions you will have an open road ahead of you. Come back soon to your many fans. You are greatly loved.
xenos
Take care of yourself, John. We will still be around when you get back.
Wishing you the best!
Alison
Good luck to you, JC. Proud of you.
policomic
God speed, John Cole.
Tom (TBogg) Boggioni
@Corner Stone: Oh ye of little faith….
Steve from Antioch
I’ve been reading, and usually disagreeing with you, for years.
Hang in there, man.
You’ll be missed while you are out there getting your shit sorted.
Ruckus
John, good luck with everything. As much as we don’t like to admit it, taking care of ourselves is the most important thing. So do that.
Hernia shouldn’t be all that bad, had the surgery done a year ago and all is well. And they did it the old fashioned way, so I have a decent scar to remember it by. Just ask the doc exactly what to expect for the first few days. This is important unless you really like surprises.
randal sexton
Long time reader here, and never posted – but I have a notion of what you are going thru – Take Heart – no way thru but thru, thoughts are with you
-rms
Corner Stone
@Tom (TBogg) Boggioni: Life has taught me to understand many things, Mr. Boggs.
One of them is to not count your cement encased boob profiles before they harden.
There’s another life lesson, but one waits to see a post from you here before one shares it.
John Revolta
I quit drinking when I was about your age, John, and it enabled me to do some big things and really make something out of my life. Go for it.
SatanicPanic
In all seriousness I think you’re a wonderful dude John, hope you get better
Marmot
Dude good luck.
Strawmanmunny
Haven’t posted in a long time, but I already read this blog every day. Good Luck on all you have going on. Know that you have a lot of people on here behind you and wishing you the best.
Ghost of Joe Liebling's Dog
Another every-day reader here, wishing you well in all this.
The Pale Scot
Peace be upon you brother, wishing you success in ditching you’re shit bag.
Joey Maloney
Best of luck.
Ruckus
@Tom (TBogg) Boggioni:
Not sure faith is the problem with this one. Or at least the only problem.
piratedan
get well soon JC, but take the time that’s needed to get right, we’ll get along, we’ll miss you, but we’ll get along… mostly. As an aside, where do you keep the cleaning materials, just in case the walls and floors (and ceilings) get messy?
Corner Stone
@jeffreyw:
Jesus Christ. How?
Frivolous
Good luck with the surgery and the rehab, John Cole. Be well.
Ash Can
Wishing you a smooth and speedy recovery on both fronts. All the best.
Citizen_X
@Tom (TBogg) Boggioni:
Hah. This is about as close to a “I happen to have Marshall McLuhan right here” moment as one gets on a blog.
Corner Stone
@The Pale Scot:
I, for one, have enjoyed this typo.
Citizen_X
Good luck with the surgery and rehab, John. I’ll disagree with the commenters here on one thing: I just had hernia repair–twice–and sometimes that surgery SUCKS. Stay strong.
BigHank53
I’m pretty sure I escaped being an addict by about the width of a cat’s whisker. I can drink responsibly. Or not drink. No real problem. But I can’t pick up a bottle without that extra weight to it, knowing that I could crawl inside.
Best of luck. Ask for help when you need it. People want to help. Even you, you giant grump.
Corner Stone
@Citizen_X: Let’s see the “post” first, thanks. Otherwise, your concern is noted, citizen.
Genine
Good luck, John!
Ruckus
@piratedan:
Sounds fun, what did you have in mind? Dad’s not here to get mad so it looks like it could be interesting.
Mwangangi
I probably have less than 20 posts in the last seven or so years but I’ll add to the digital support for you changing the things in your life that you want to be different. Also, I’d like to thank you for providing this weird internet cross-section. A conventional wisdom [of pundits], very serious person and villager iconoclast aggregator of sorts.
Corner Stone
Damn. Gun running never solved anything, Cole.
Ann Marie
Best wishes for a full recovery on the hernia front and that rehab helps you work things out. I’ll miss reading your posts, but will have your return to look forward to.
seaboogie
John,
You have such courageous humanity. In that way that you support those close to you – and blog friends near and far – and in the way that you just put your shit out there for all to pick over like a dead possum on the side of the road.
As you get your head unfogged and the oddly protruding bits of your belly back where they belong, please do have great compassion for yourself, and the epic work you are undertaking on this spin that you are taking on this earth. Dude – you used to be a Republican! Your big heart will take you all the way home.
Also, it seems like the dress code chez Cole has become pretty relaxed of late…Shawn used to wear hole-y jeans, and now he just plops Steve on his crouch, and we’re not sure if he is even wearing skivvies on the homefront. You won’t need pants for the hernia surgery, but those folks in rehab prolly don’t need to see your wobbly bits. Pack a pair of shorts, at least. If they are long shorts, you can free-ball it and feel quite ‘at home’…giving you all credit here…
Sending my fond wishes along with all the others on your respite and pause to readjust.
Wishing you very, very, very well
jnfr
Always all the best to you and yours, John. Check in when you can, but mostly take care of yourself.
ETA: Mr. Jnfr had hernia surgery last year and it was not too bad at all. Hope you’re well now.
MikeInSewickley
John,
I’ve had a very close family member go through rehab a couple of times, AA, NA, etc. I know what you’re about to go through will be tough and at times you’ll feel like saying “What’s the use?”
It takes time and strength of will but, lurking and occasionally commenting on this site for years, I know you have an inner strength that will help you through the healing process. Anyone who cares for people and animals like you has the drive to make it and your friends and family will be there for you. And so will the BJ community.
Good luck and we’ll hear from you soon.
JaneE
Best wishes for you. Come back to us when you are ready. We love you too much to not miss you, so get well soon.
Villago Delenda Est
John, we are far more behind you than Leslie Nielsen ever was behind Robert Hays.
Seriously, though, I hope your surgery and rehab both go well. We are all pulling for you and beseech FSM to guide you to a more placid and less too much shit going on life.
Miss Rumphius
I come to this blog regularly just to reassure myself that there are some smart, empathetic people out there. I rarely comment but I wanted to let you know that you will be missed. Best of luck for a fast recovery. I am sure we will be here when you return.
Sam
Good luck and as another commenter said, the first step is the hardest. Listen to the professionals and take their advice; they do this a lot and know how to help people through it.
2liberal
I second the sentiment of “live long and prosper”
best wishes to you in your battle
one day at a time
Seanly
John, I only know you through this great little blog, but take care & good luck, my friend. See ya when you get back.
Beeb
I’m really glad that you figured out what you needed to do and that you are doing it. See you when you get back.
karen
The first step is always the hardest. I’m proud of you.
Linkmeister
Best of luck to you, John. Oh, hernia surgery is a snap. As I recall mine was outpatient surgery. I went into the doc’s office at 10:00am and was out by 2:00pm with a passel of painkillers and a newly sewn up hole in my abdomen with a piece of mesh inside. I was fully ambulatory by the following day.
TheMightyTrowel
Good luck dude. we’ll be here when you come back.
JustRuss
Cole, best of luck. Lost my awesome cat 2 years ago to a dog, and it didn’t do me any good. Time and therapy help. We’ll try not to trash the place too much while you’re gone.
TEL
Just wanted to chime in with everyone else in wishing you the best of luck and courage. Being able to admit you need help and then actively going for that help is a big positive step.
Thor Heyerdahl
Best to you John. Looking forward to your speedy recovery followed by great pets and food stories.
Casey
While you’re at it Cole, could you work on the confidence thing?
When you’re a grownup, there’s nothing hotter than a big, cuddly man who loves his family, his friends, his fur kids, and even all of us. You all but call yourself unloveable, but you’re hot man, and we all love you.
PS, I’m an old married fart, but there’s a guest house out in Los Angeles for you if you need it.
Elizabelle
Good luck John.
You are strong enough to do this.
Look out, [other] a-holes encountered in rehab. JCole will be taking names and writing about you!
Mike E
@Citizen_X: Heh. A sock full of manure! Brilliant.
Take care, John. Your timing is amazing… I had just mused with my sis that although our family hadn’t succumbed to drink, some of us were giving it quite the go and I was due for a break. Well. It’s time. I’ll keep you in mind while I take care of some shit, also.
Too!
Villago Delenda Est
@Citizen_X: My favorite scene from Annie Hall
JJ
I’ve been reading and lurking for a very long time – and I’m sure I’m one of thousands of the lurkers who wish you the absolute best in your recovery. Good luck, and seriously, be easy on yourself. You’ve given a whole lot of people great joy (and if nothing else, entertaining distraction) every single day for years. Take your time, do what you need to do, and know that a whole hell of a lot of people you haven’t met and wouldn’t recognize, all across this country, are really and truly pulling for you.
duck-billed placelot
Blogger suggestions:
CAPTAIN AWKWARD: funny, wise pop culture and advice writer. She can do the culture beat, or maybe help your commenters from eating each other while you’re gone
What about our daughters : news through the lens of black womanhood.
Chris
I can only say best of luck with the rehab. Remember, you quit Republicaning – you can do anything!
dollared
JC – Good luck. We will miss you and want you back, so come back and tell us all about it.
goblue72
@Citizen_X: Ha! I was thinking more a dunk in his face, but that’ll do.
Aleta
Sending live love. I’ll keep on sending it ….
SuperHrefna
You are a brave man, John Cole, and that is going to stand you in good stead through rehab and back surgery. You are going to be missed so much – but you deserve to have a fulfilling life and all my good wishes go with you on your journey.
ulee
I’ve been robbed and ridiculed. I mentioned the Traveling Wilburys once on this here blog and with Harrison and Orbison gone and this being a decent album… well fuck you all if you can do better.
cckids
Good luck to you, John. May you find your way to peace, humor & the love so many hold for you. Hang on tight to your love for your pets, family & friends; you seem to have such a wonderful group in your life, not even counting all of us :)
West of the Cascades
I am praying to every fucking deity that I know and some I only have vaguely heard of for you to get whatever you need from your time in rehab, John Cole. I’m mostly just a lurker because other people have always said what I would say faster than I can post it, but this blog has saved my sanity on more than one occasion during the last six years, and I wish you all the best as you work on yours.
barbara
From another longtime lurker, the very best. I’ve been through this struggle from the other side (i.e. that of the family member) and I know how much courage and determination it takes. Just getting to this point — realizing you need resources beyond yourself — is a huge step. I can’t tell you how much I’ve appreciated your blog over the years, particularly your willingness to be open about your life. I think you’ve helped more people than you realize. Here’s to a happier future for you.
flounder
Good luck man.
Debbie(aussie)
Very late to comment, but you know what they say.
John, please take care of yourself. It takes a pretty with-it person to know when (extra) help is needed. I will miss you. Know that you are loved, even tho we have never met. I hope you will be back as soon as you are able. Be happy. Deb
Arclite
Oh, sorry to hear that trying to quit on your own failed. I hadn’t seen a drunk post in forever, so I thought it had been going well.
ulee
Cole doesn’t need rehab, he needs to get laid.
ulee
@Arclite: Are you kidding? Cole is always drunk.
ulee
I’m not buying it. Cole talks about his diet and his exercise machine and his low self-esteem and his weight because he can’t get laid. So Cole likes to drink. This cure won’t help him. He needs a girlfriend. The guy hasn’t been laid in like, decades. That is enough to drive anyone insane. Oh well, go to rehab, if you think it will help ya. Godspeed.
Cathie from Canada
I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you well. We all have to learn how to take it one day at a time, but the love of our critters sees us through.
Jean
Congratulations, Mr. Cole, you are doing the right thing. You’ve accomplished a lot this past year in terms of self-realization and insight,even though it may not feel like it now. You’re taking the first and scariest step on the road to recovery. You’re a lot stronger than you think you are and I believe that you’ll learn a lot from the rehab experience.
Jean
Congratulations, Mr. Cole, you are doing the right thing. You’ve accomplished a lot this past year in terms of self-realization and insight,even though it may not feel like it now. You’re taking the first and scariest step on the road to recovery. You’re a lot stronger than you think you are and I believe that you’ll learn a lot from the rehab experience.
sharl
Best wishes and thoughts for you, John Cole!
sharl
@lefthanded compliment: I had drifted into forgetfulness about the great stuff Garry Trudeau did with service people via his creation “The Sandbox” (hosted at Slate, IIRC). It was a valuable outlet for the men and women sent over to war (regardless what one thought about about the reasons behind those Operations of death and destruction). And I’d never heard of The War Within – nice interview about it with Trudeau here.
BillinGlendaleCA
@ulee: Yes, but can you do the Wilbury Twist?
beabea
Another several-times-daily reader/seldom commenter stopping in to wish you the best, John. Thank you for this place. You’ve helped more people and animals than you will ever know. Glad you’re now doing what you need to do to help yourself. Remember how we were all pulling for your friend Holly? Now imagine how we are all going to be pulling for you. Best of luck to you. Take care.
BillinGlendaleCA
Best wishes in your surgery and rehab, John.
Mustang Bobby
Best wishes on all counts, John. I hold you in the Light, and I’ll do my best not to trash the place while you’re gone.
tokyo expat
Although, I usually lurk, I stop by here several times a day. You have created an amazing community here and have touched many lives through your words and actions. You’re a good man.
I wish you the best on your road to recovery.
Henry George
Good luck, John. You can’t keep an honest man down! Great choice on TBogg.
Joel Hanes
Cole Agonistes:
I will never achieve this level of peacefulness
You’re young yet.
Fearless prediction:
Yes, you will.
OzarkHillbilly
Be strong.
raven
You know I’m with you Cole. I’ve never said one word since you decided to quit but if you weren’t able to do it on your own then, by all means, get the help you need.
Ben Cisco
Well, this is a hell of a thing to wake up to.
Cole, I love the blog
even thoughBECAUSE you’re a bit of a grump.I wish you well on your journey and look forward to your return.
“First steps are hard; the others, less so.”
Montarvillois
I visit your home every morning – after sifting through the NYT – and the place won’t be the same while you’re gone. Nonetheless, will continue to drop-in, get the news reviews, & keep my eye on the critters. Wishing you all the best during recovery.
Gen
Considering how far I had to scroll down to leave a comment, I think we can say you’ll be missed, you’re loved and you’ll be welcomed back with glad cries when you’re better.
Mystical Chick
Aww John, was wondering how things were going for you on that end and here’s the answer. I’ll be holding you in good thoughts while you’re gone for healing on whatever level you choose.
Gen, in the comment above mine, says “You’ll be missed, you’re loved and you’ll be welcomed back with glad cries when you’re better.” to which I say “HELL YES!”
We all love you. Go take care of yourself.
glasnost
You’re the man, John.
BillinGlendaleCA
@raven: +1
(By that I mean agreement, not that I’ve started chugging my mouthwash.)
Central Planning
Good luck, John. See you when you get back!
Susanne
I’ll be thinking of you and sending you all good thoughts for a stable recovery. Like my mom used to do, we’ll keep a light in the window until you are home again. Hugs.
raven
@BillinGlendaleCA: Every now and then someone will post some cutesy “you need to have a drink” comment and I’m always tempted to tell them to sftu but I hold fire because I know they probably don’t know what he’s trying to do.
John O
BJ is one tab I always have up and ready for rapid refresh, and has been for years since I found this…voice out there in the wilderness, along with an attitude and sensibility that was highly reflective of my own, with a fairly good-sized microphone blaring “Wish *I* had said that!” material in the political corners of the internet where I hang out.
It was (and is) very cathartic for me, and I’m quite grateful to have found a kindred spirit. I’ve missed you the last year or two, John Cole, and sincerely hope you come back healthy, strong, and pissed off. Best of luck.
Stephen
Take care mate. Hope you (metaphorically speaking) find your mustard.
SammyV
Good luck, John!
JPL
Let me add my good wishes. You are a good man and we’ll be here when you return.
satby
I should never go to bed early, so late to this thread! But I’ll add my voice to the other 300 to say take care of yourself and come back when you feel like it. We do all love you too and want you around for a very long time for your fur babies and for us.
And never forget when things get tough, we all know what a great guy you are. Hundreds of people, most you’re never going to meet face to face; and we all recognize your great and good heart, even when YOU aren’t sure you have one. You’re a mensch.
danielx
@Violet:
Since TBogg’s coming over here for a bit and we’re looking for a Latina to join the front page crew, what about Shakira?
Second the motion.
Get well, Cole.
Lurking Canadian
Take care of yourself, John. The community you have created here is something special. You’ve brought a lot of people together and done a lot of good. We’re all behind you in this.
K488
Also too damn late to this thread. You’ve been an inspiration to this aging guy. Be well, know you are loved.
Iowa Old Lady
Strength to you, John.
You and Rob Ford.
Or is that a bad image?
gogol's wife
You are a wonderful person, so smart and insightful and loving. I hope someone will keep us updated as to your progress. You’re in my prayers.
daize
Take care, John, and know we love you back. As many have said, we are behind you and support you all the way.
Skerry
Be well, John. You’ll be in my thoughts.
Hillary Rettig
We’ll miss you, John, but it makes total sense you’d need a sabbatical about now. I hope you find it restful, fun, and healing. Congrats on creating an awesome blog that is capable of carrying on awesomely in your absence.
TriassicSands
Late to the party, but I do hope things go well for you, both in surgery and rehab.
rikyrah
Cole,
Hope only the best for you with the surgery and the rehab. Know that you’re in my prayers, and only positive thoughts will be sent your way.
cintibud
Best of luck John!
Vicki Delany
Take care, John. I read the blog every day, although I never comment. But I hope you’ll be back soon.
metricpenny
John, this is why I can’t marry you. It’s always all about you. What about me John? Who’s going to provide the righteous rants, the pet pics and the things that make me go “ouch”?
TBogg you say?
Well take your ass on and get well and don’t come back until you are.
J.D. Rhoades
And good luck John!
Mordent
It take a lot of courage to own up, buck up, and deal with it, John. Hats off to you for being honest with yourself.
Thanks for all the great writing, to date, and come back strong and continue the work!
Sorry for sounding like a Self-Help Guru, but…… damn, I mean every word. Rock on, Bro….
— M
Alex S.
Good luck, John! Though I have to admit that I’m somewhat confused between this post and those you made telling us that everything is fine. Sounds a little manic-depressive to me. Whatever you do, you’ve got to be honest to yourself.
Downpuppy
Late, but can I nominate BrandiB – @ItsTheBrandi ? Minnestoa comic with 2 blogs, one about Heathcliff & http://www.houseofprocrastination.org/ ?
Pattonbt
So will this be like your vacations and you’ll start posting more than ever?
Seriously though, you’ve created a nice place. Like other lurkers, I come here a couple times a day to see what’s going on.
Thanks and good luck.
Bruce K
This site has become a daily read for me, not least because aside from the political commentary, it’s a chronicle of a man’s journey out of the darkness into the day, and a striking contrast to the proverbial unexamined life that is not worth living.
Take care of yourself, and don’t let yourself forget that there are people out in the wide wild world who care about you.
Bex
Way late, but best of luck. Keep a journal.
Pattonbt
So will this be like your vacations and you’ll start posting more than ever? Seriously though, you’ve created a nice place. Like other lurkers, I come here a couple times a day to see what’s going on.
Thanks and good luck.
Tommie the commie
One day at a time, bud. You can do it, with help from other people.
I'mNotSureWhoIWantToBeYet
@Bex: Good idea – I second the notion. John obviously loves to write – keeping his thoughts in something a little more private (and maybe posting something later) is a good idea.
Good luck, JC. We’re obviously hoping for the best and want to see you back when you’re ready.
Cheers,
Scott.
Steeplejack
@Cole:
Looks like I picked the wrong night to go to bed early. I endorse what everyone has said above, Cole: you have created an amazing space on the Web and fostered a community of voices that is unique—contentious, funny, compassionate, incredibly well informed on a multitude of subjects, always entertaining even in argument or disarray. Hell, even the trolls and village idiots are above average. This is my go-to place on the Web, and it has been Ground Zero for my (ongoing) political education.
Through this blog you have raised awareness—and cash—for many worthy causes. You have saved countless animals, and you have saved human lives—probably more than you will ever know. Let yourself draw on some of that karmic surplus as you go through rehab and the changes to come. We’re all with you.
I have to add that your unflinching openness and honesty have been a source of awe and inspiration. And getting TBogg here is like the best going-away present ever!
Grateful Dead, “St. Stephen/Not Fade Away.”
Eric
Good luck and get better, John. This is the first site I open up in the morning when I get to work and you put that all together. Thanks and we’ll see you soon.
Skepticat
We shall look forward with bated breath to more stories of this journey. We wish you well. (But please teach Shawn how to use the Furminator before you head out.)
Svensker
You’re a good egg, Cole. We’re all pulling for you. As the Quakers say, we’re holding you in the Light. Be well.
Helen
Late to the party – went to bed early last night. Good Luck. This is all good. You won’t regret it.
And OH MY TBogg!
J R in WV
@Railsplitter:
I have read somewhere that AA records success in less than 12% of people who work within that circle.
I suspect that most other therapy/rehab tools have a much better success level.
BUT, whatever works for you, works for you. Best of luck!
PS: Wish I could still split rails, or even just firewood, but those days seem behind me, dag-nabbit!
raven
@J R in WV: People in AA will always tell you it’s the only thing that works. About a year into my sobriety a chick I knew showed me her coin an told me I wasn’t really sober because I didn’t do AA. I see here at events with her little glass of wine. 21 years later I still don’t drink.
raven
@J R in WV: How would anyone know the success rate when it’s anonymous?
martianchronic
This place won’t be the same without you, and I think everyone, even the trolls, will be eagerly looking forward to your return. When you venture back to post again, imagine a vast, unseen, motley horde acting just as your piglets do when you get home from a trip.
Best of luck, John. I hope you get more than you even imagined out of rehab. And best wishes for a successful hernia operation, too. It’s just debilitating to your overall sense of well being when things get that uncomfortable in your own skin. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts.
gogol's wife
@Steeplejack:
Beautiful description. I find that when I have a technical/literary/whathaveyou question, I don’t go to my colleagues, I come here first.
ronathan richardson
Just wanted to say that reading your blog posts, and those of your amazing co-bloggers, has given me a lot of laughter and entertainment over the past few years, and I hope it continues. Thanks.
John PM
Best of luck with everything. Thank you for creating such an interesting and informative place. I am already looking forward to your triumphant return. Just don’t go all skinny Jonah Hill on us when you get back!
Jay
I don’t know her personally, and I don’t think she’s a full-time blogger, but may I suggest Wagatwe Wanjuki, an active writer and Tweeter, as a young woman of color who could front-page here? She’s got a lot on her plate, yes, but I like how she smacked George Will around with the term, “Survivor Privilege.”
Lee
Just in case you are still monitoring the comments, I want to share this with you.
My daughter has been in a mental health hospital a couple of times as a teen (the adult side might be different). It was nothing like I expected.
I don’t want to say it was a pleasant experience, but it certainly was not horrible. Her second stay she really embraced the healing process and listen to the therapists as opposed to the first time when she just wanted to say/do whatever it took to get released.
farmette
All the best to you John, day by day.
Helmut Monotreme
I’d like to offer my wishes for a successful rehab and a quick and pain free surgery as possible. Thanks for being our blog host, and get better soon.
MattF
Late to the party… You should congratulate yourself for doing what you’ve needed to do, it’s tough, I know. Come back when you’re ready to.
AliceBlue
I wish I could be more profound, but I’d just be repeating what everyone else has said.
Best wishes and good healing John.
Trinity
Best wishes to you John. Please take good care of yourself. We love you too!
another Holocene human
John, best wishes. I wasn’t avoiding you. I did post all morning yesterday but when I got home I pretty much dialed down the lights and turned in. So I am late to this party. Surgery sucks. Sending good thoughts your way. I hope tehab gives you some new tools you can apply in your day to day life.
I want to sign on to the idea of bringing a youth Latino/a blogger. If you want I know some GAU and SDS people including an amazing organizer who spent last year fighting Arpaio.
uncle rameau
delurking with support and good wishes. Take care of business. and see what is next.
and for the record, the home run derby is an abomination.
another Holocene human
@Miss Rumphius: Yeah, me too. I like the age mixture, older, wiser, more empathetic. Tonic to the manic black white thinking, naivite and extremism of the young people I’m around.
Cassidy
This would be a great time for ABL to come back. Hopefully, our resident Texas bigot doesn’t try and chase her off again.
Barry
Good luck! We’ll try not to burn the place down while you’re gone.
Linda M
Best wishes to you John. Be well and see you when you get back. We will all be here, commenting or not.
Burt Hutt
Encouragement.
/ Jean Reno in “Couples Retreat”
Applejinx
Wow. Big days.
It might seem hopeless considering you’re going to come back to a yammering pile of maniacs telling you to do all sorts of things—but the secret is, it’s always like that. You might have to be a jerk to some of us. Go right ahead. You probably have that sort of gut-wisdom that tells you who is bullshitting. Recovery does not have to be sterilized of bullshit, you just have to avoid going around actively EATING the bullshit and taking it into yourself like it was food.
This, you can do.
If I could, you fucking can.
And if I could give you my 20+ years of clean time (including alcohol, obviously)… I wouldn’t. Fuck you! Mine. Can’t has!
Fortunately, you don’t need MY clean time, you need one of your own. So go right ahead. They all start with a first clean/sober hour. My personal hope is that you don’t bounce off drinking to become a big pill-head thanks to the surgeries, but dear Mister Limbaugh can probably serve as a power of example there: you can go ‘hey, at least I’m not acting like Rush’ :)
Welcome to the path less traveled by. There are some nice views and good folks along this way and I hope your journey brings you some joy.
Rhoda
My best wishes go with you; have a safe surgery and full recovery and then kick ass in rehab. You already decided to change your life, congratulations on doing what it takes to make it happen. God bless you.
mzinformation
You are such a good man John. I wish you strength and hope and laughter and all other good things. You can do it and you obviously have the support of good people who care about you,
Josie
Late to the party, as usual. I will be thinking of you and giving you all the positive vibes I can muster.
Best of luck with the surgery and the rehab. You are strong and you can make it work.
c u n d gulag
Best of luck you you!
LOVE YA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
c u n d gulag
@c u n d gulag:
Best of luck TO you.
OY!
Chat Noir
Best wishes to you, John.
planejanet
Sending you all my wishes for a bright and peaceful future.
becca
The best advice I got in AA was “take what you need”.
That and “don’t beat yourself up”.
All the best to you, JC.
crosspalms
Selfishly I want you back as soon as possible, because I’ll miss your voice. But take care of yourself and take the time you need.
Enrique
Long time reader, infrequent commenter. Sending you positive vibes for all you have ahead. It doesn’t sound easy but it sounds like you have a strong support team backing you. That’s an important resource. Be well.
Brian
Good luck sir.
shelley
Best to you, John. Do you know how long you’ll be away? Hopefully you’ll be able to chime in during.
Hoo-ee. For a second, that pic of Steve gave me pause. That is one too-relaxed looking cat, if you know what I mean.
Valdivia
Super late to the thread but heartfelt good luck to you John! Glad to hear you’re going somewhere to get the support you need to kick off this journey. And we will indeed miss you a lot. I may lurk a lot but love reading your posts even on the rare occasions when I might myself in political disagreement with you. Warmest hugs for you.
mr. whipple
You can do this.
You can do this.
HRA
May you have the best results for your surgery and for your rehab, John. G has had both done and has come out of them much better. I wish the same for you. .
feebog
Also late to the party, but I want to wish you the best. You will be missed. My grandson, who has been using drugs and alcohol for the last six years is going to celebrate one month of sobriety this Friday. He is in a sober living environment because he needs the structure and support right now. I would strongly urge you to attend AA meetings after rehab. You will soon learn that there are a lot of people who are way more fucked up then you. AA isn’t for everyone, I have family members who quit drinking cold turkey, but please give it a shot.
WaterGirl
Love you, Cole!
I know how much you’ll miss Lily and Rosie and Steve. They will be in great hands with Shawn, which is surely part of why you were able to come to this decision.
It is taking me a million years to type this because my sweet puppy can tell I’m sad and he is insisting on consoling me, over and over again. It makes me think of how much Lily adores you and how much she’ll miss you and how happy she will be when you come home.
I second every single thing that Steeplejack wrote. In fact, please read it a second time and pretend that I wrote it!
kindness
Sorry about the rehab. Glad you have the courage to take that step. I am so thankful I’m not compulsive. It’d be hard for me to be without my vices completely. I enjoy them. I live without them frequently but that is the beauty of my state of being. But for those of you who can’t walk that fine line….address them. Ignoring it will only hurt you.
Laura
Best wishes, John. I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself.
ET
Getting yourself better is THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO. Don’t worry about use we will muddle along.
Good Luck!
Rob in CT
Best of luck, Cole. Changing habits can be really hard. I’ve struggled with that myself, and I know both it’s possible and that it’s hard to do. Support is important, but deciding you want change is important too.
I don’t know exactly what’s going on with you (beyond struggling with drinking), but when I decided to quit smoking one thing that really helped was that it wasn’t actually fun anymore. When I first started, it was pretty fun. There was a buzz involved. But that goes away, and you’re left with an unhealthy, stinky habit. Somewhere you remember the fun and expect it, but it never materializes. I focused on that mismatch and reminded myself of it over and over. No, I don’t actually want this cigarette, (in part) because it will fail to live up to the expectation in my mind. The expectation is bullshit, don’t fall for it! Even when I failed and lit up, it helped because it just reinforced the message, because the experience of smoking never, ever lived up to what I wanted in my mind.
That was really helpful to me. It would be nice to believe that the long-term health effects would be enough, but like so many others I needed more. That was my more.
You have to find something that works for you. It might be totally different than what worked for me, who knows? Whatever works. Even if you have to switch to religion, I guess. It works for some folks.
WaterGirl
John Cole – Someone named “libby” has been a guest front pager in the past, and I always enjoyed her posts.
What about Hilzoy – maybe you could ask her to guest post a few while you’re gone?
And it’s awesome that you are giving us Tbogg as a parting gift. thank you.
rhubarb
Delurking VERY late in the thread, but I just had to wish you all the best. You and this blog are enormously important to me and to so many others.
MoXmas
Good luck, Cole!
bemused
John, Finns have a great word “sisu” which loosely means determination, bravery and resilience and is about displaying courage and resoluteness in the face of adversity. Having 100% Finnish genes myself and growing up knowing so many Finnish Americans, I think stubbornness should be included in “sisu” definitions, lol. Finns don’t back down or give up ever or rarely! I think you have all these qualities so reach for your sisu when you need it.
Mary G made me laugh at 131. “If you could recover from being a Republican, these other things will be cake.” That was no small life change!
I have to echo many comments about always checking into BJ. There is something about this blog that attracts such a diverse readership, group of commenters and front pagers. That is rare and part of what I love about this place. Also, too, any blog that has so many dog and cat lovers among the BJ motley crew is worth sticking with.
cbear
If I have learned anything in my life, it’s that nothing is ever as bad as you fear it will be—and change is always good.
Hang in there, John. I’ll be rooting for you.
Antonius
Best of luck John. It will get better.
Jacquie
Joining the bandwagon here to wish you well, John. Take the time you need to get to the place you need to be.
Joy in FL
John,
Whatever you need to do, do it. This blog you started is really important to me, and I am grateful to you for it and to the other writers.
I wish you every possible success in whatever you need to do. Just do it. We’re with you.
gratuitous
See you on the other side. And I will continue to act weird in the comments and elsewhere, just to provide a little touchstone.
hedgehog the occasional commenter
Yet another reader and occasional commenter chiming in to say best of luck, and we’ve got your back. It takes courage to admit you need to change, even more to act on it. Hang in there.
Quaker in a Basement
Like Bodett says, “We’ll keep the light on for you.”
Jacks mom
Also late to the party, also wish you all the best.
Riley's Enabler
Daily reader, rare commenter (I’m intimidated by the brilliance that bangs around in here) – sending white light and peace your way, JC. I hope you find that which has been elusive. Come back when you feel solid again; this digital coffeeshop that you have built is one of the best places I know. Pets to the furbabies as well. GO TEAM JC!
Steve Finlay
Some people say that wherever you are is where you need to be. Think of how you would treat your closest friend, and remember to treat yourself just as well.
Miki
Good luck to you, John. Been there, done that, should probably do it again.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Adam C
I believe in you, Cole. All the best.
MaryRC
Good luck, John.
Rathskeller
The best of luck to you, John. I rarely comment, but I read this blog multiple times a day, even as others have fallen by the wayside. You’re part of many people’s lives, and we care for you.
Jo
Knowing for you healing, answers, new beginnings….. Will miss you but am so very glad to know you’re taking care of yourself – look forward to your return….
gluon1
It’s hubris to pretend I have anything of value to add to the better words others have already provided, but John Cole is one of the best men I have ever had the privilege to meet. I wish you the best of luck in this and all things.
Delk
Another long time reader rare poster. August 4th will be the one year anniversary of my trip to rehab.Since mine started with an eleven day drug induced coma, it could only get better, and it actually did.
Good luck, I’ll add you to the list of things I wish good to each morning with the dog’s first walk.
nastybrutishntall
You are a magnificent creature, Cole. Rock that shit. See you on the other side.
flukebucket
Best to you John Cole.
LanceThruster
“He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man” ~ HST.
Godspeed, John.
Biff Longbotham
Good luck and come back soon, refreshed and recharged. As a long time reader and occasional commenter, I’ll be checking in frequently to hear about updates from/about you.
JMG
I know the person you have revealed yourself to be on this site will come back stronger for your troubles. Best wishes for that process.
Joel Hanes
Well, the first days are the hardest days
Don’t you worry anymore
‘Cause when life looks like Easy Street
There is danger at your door.
Think this through with me
Let me know your mind
Whoa oh, what I want to know
Is are you kind
ThalarctosMaritimus
We care about you, John. We’ll be here when you get back.
artem1s
good luck, the best and hardest part in retrospect will be the realization that its OK to let yourself heal. be good, be well, peace!
Stonetools
@Baud:
Another lurker. All the best. You’re going to win.
dance around in your bones
I forgot to say last night ? TBogg! ?
✌ ♥ Woot! Woot! ♥ ☜(˚▽˚)☞ Good call.
bmcchgo
Another longtime lurker and rare poster here JCole.
From someone who has (and continues to) struggle with alcohol and substance abuse, there’s no shame in your game to reach out and ask for help.
You’re stronger than you’ll ever know.
gbear
John, you’re probably long gone to the doctor by now but best wishes on your new path. You may feel like you’ve been standing at the edge of the abyss and self-medicating to be able to handle it, and at first you’ll feel like you’re still standing at that edge without the medications. It’s a scary place to be, but you will eventually discover that the abyss doesn’t control your life. You can walk it back and find some solid ground to stand on, and hopefully you will find that most of it is familiar territory that you’d simply forgotten you were connected to. Your friends will be there for you (and so will everyone who visits this blog).
I’m coming up on my 30th anniversary of sobriety. I could go into all kinds of detail about it but I will just stay that I am so glad that I did it. I wish you all the strength and fortitude that you need to cross this bridge. From everything you’ve written here, I know you have it in you.
MazeDancer
May all go well for you, John Cole. May much peace, happiness, and hard won freedom abound for you.
Jebediah, RBG
so this is what happens when I amn’t even lurking for a few days?
Good luck, godspeed, may you get what you need and want out of it… although I might (selfishly) be a little bummed if you come back with all the curmudgeonliness gone.
I’ll let Juno and Chucky know – I am sure they will be pulling for you. Now to wade thru 400+ comments…
StringOnAStick
OK, I read every comment above mine and I agree (with few but obvious exceptions). You’ve done so much to help and heal so many, but here comes the hardest part: helping, forgiving, being kind to and healing yourself. We all know you are worth it, and soon you will too! We’ll be waiting for you, in whatever way we can be helpful.
Like a lot of the others have written, this place has become a home for me. Lots of blogs have come and gone from my life, and here you go bringing in my original blog-love and one of the few I still follow: Tbogg. Thanks, and love and light to you on your journey.
lindabee in mt
Another daily lurker… thank you, sir. I am amazed at the community you have built here and in your daily life. And you still had the self-awareness to realize that you could be even more and the courage to take the steps.
mr_gravity
It came to pass – not to stay. Good luck on the journey.
Dee Loralei
You are a mensch John G. Cole. Best of luck and all the strength you need. I’ll miss you.
Yaya con dios, dude.
glory b
Good luck and god speed to the only West Virginian this Pittsburgher has found to be even remoetly tolerable.
Hey, I worked at Heinz Field during Pitt-WVU games, so I know what I’m talking about.
Tinare
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Looks like you’ve made your first one. Best of luck to you!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Several people have mentioned AA, both positively and negatively.
I have a family member who has been sober for 35 years.
He could not have gotten sober without AA.
He could not have stayed sober with AA.
It’s one of the better tools out there to get people off the sauce. It is a horrendous method for keeping most people off of it. He hasn’t been to a meeting in over 25 years, doesn’t miss them, doesn’t need them.
You’re a smart guy, you will know what you need to do. Some of the AA groups get pretty godbothery, if that happens, find another one or find a chapter of Rational Recovery.
Final piece of advice – do not become romantically involved with anyone in recovery. It will be disastrous for the both of you.
Good luck. I have seen this done and know it can be, and my family member had a lot less on the ball than you do.
wenchacha
You know the saying: Rehab is for Quitters.
The hernia is not a biggie, my spouse has had three hernia surgeries so far. Don’t try to play base(any)ball right away while healing. Don’t try to do all the “it was a good idea until I severed my aortic artery” kinda stuff you do. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find you’re not as clumsy as you think.
Best wishes. Maybe let us know how you’re doing once in a while.
spudgun
Too late to the show and won’t be read, but I at least had to get my thoughts out there in the ether…
Good luck to you and I hope you feel better very soon. You’re very strong and I know you can get through this. Sending you good vibes and positive thoughts—
muddy
I’m really happy for this John! I know you will be happy too. Sometimes you just need your native stubbornness to kick in, in a different way. You will be profoundly missed whilst you’re busy with other things.
I think you have enough good wishes from your wonderful community here that the mindful energy headed your way might change the weather patterns. If your electricity flickers again, you’ll know what that was.
WaterGirl
Hey Cole, as I sat down to eat my lunch with Balloon Juice just now I realized how much I am going to miss you. Really miss you. My eyes always light up when I see your name at the top of a thread.
Sad_Dem
The very best of luck to you, John. I will miss you. Come back soon.
booda
Yes! I love all the writers here, but you are the heart and soul of it JC. You’ll be missed. I rarely comment but read every day. All the best. Know that many people are thinking about you and wishing you every happiness, success and healing.
Also too, thank you for bringing TBogg into the clubhouse! Oh, how I loveses me some TBogg.
srv
John angry but not angry:
Well, maybe that didn’t work. Look, blogging is like alcholism. Your best blogging ever was angry and drunk, but the fanbase changed and you dialed it back because they didn’t follow you there. When you did get PO’d, they insisted you were trolling (see link above).
If you’re drinking and not epic angry blogging, you’re no use to me.
Might as well fix the former, but no use having a blog if it doesn’t provide the outlet you need (drunk or sober).
Mike R.
Best wishes John. I had hernia surgery a couple of years ago and, to my great amazement, was not in any discomfort at all and was basically not limited in any physical sense at all.
I was also lucky in that I was able to kick my habits relatively easily and I am forever grateful to whatever higher power oversaw that process because it was way beyond time and the time I’ve had since is so much better. It will be 20 years in November.
I look forward to your return.
greenergood
It’s true John, the epitome of relaxed bliss is a cat asleep, stretched out its full length, as though its bones had melted away. I envy that cat (my cat), and wish I didn’t need alcohol to feel ‘relaxed’, because I know it’s not real; it’s not really in my head – it comes from a bottle. I hope you find the rehab useful, and that when you’re back, you can stretch out along your comfy carpeted floor, or on your bed, alongside your magnificent cat, and be just as relaxed as him. Looks like you’ve got a great pet-sitter in Shawn – good call!
Elie
Best to you John… I applaud your courage and commitment to attend to what you need. Don’t worry though, all us crazies will be here when you return!
Kitty
Good Luck John! I pulled my shit out of the fire 19 years ago. It was the best thing I ever did.
Travels with Charley
Another longtime lurker! I’ve been visiting balloon juice for six years and it feels like this community is part of MY family. And – your leadership and spirit have made that possible for all of us. Let the reality of how many people you have welcomed and cherished bring you strength now.
Take care, we will be holding you in our thoughts.
Meyerman
Good luck with the surgery and the sorting shit out. Thanks for helping to make some sense of this world full of nonsense. See you in a bit.
Newdealfarmgrrrlll
Adding my best wishes to everyone else’s. Echoing a previous commenter, I couldn’t have got sober without AA (and out-patient treatment), I couldn’t have stayed sober these 30+ years if I’d stayed with AA. It was an essential crutch the first two years, but then I learned to walk with the muscles I developed in AA. On the other hand, my curmudgeonly Baby Brother has stayed sober for 20+ years without AA or treatment, so you do what it takes!
I’m confident the commenters will carry on pretty much as usual while you take a needed break … I get a lot of laughs from the pie fights and severe troll stompings as well as the wisdom, compassion, and pet stompings. BJ will stay my #1 bookmarked blog.
Joe
I’m another lurker with the same thoughts – I haven’t taken the opportunity to say it, but I think of you as a friend and I’m pulling for you and your speedy return to the web. I love listening to what you have to say, especially when you’re shouting.
zzyzx
Good luck! I’ve been reading you since the Schiavo days. I know we will never see eye to eye re Super Bowl XL, but you are one of few people who were able to say that you we wrong and reevaluate your core beliefs. For that, I’ll always respect you.
Anne
Another (mostly) lurker chiming in. I know I’m not the only one here who’s proud of you for not only acknowledging the need for rehab but also actually going. Take the time you need, and be patient with yourself. Lean on your resources. You’re going of your own volition; that makes a huge difference.
I’ll be thinking of you.
stinger
I’ll miss your posts and pics, but this is more important. Good on ya for doing it. Best wishes.
DK2
Longtime lurker here also, and certainly like what you’ve done with the place. You really should be proud. Return as soon as you can, happy and healthy.
Xjmueller
Head and health might be effed up, hut your hearts in the right place. Get better. Or, crossing new ageism and assholiness: best wishes on your journey to find your missing inner mustard.
JenJen
@Karen in GA: I love your story and just want to give you a big hug. :-) Thanks for rescuing your little guy!!
Kineslaw
Best wishes, John! Congratulations on recognizing you need help. You deserve a lot of credit for that. Come back happy and strong. I’ll miss you.
redoubt
Best wishes (from another lurker).
spender
Long time reader, never a poster,
I admire your honesty.
Get well in every way you need.
“You need to clear away
All the jetsam in your brain
And face the truth”
KBS
I’m delurking to add my well wishes to the many above. I love reading this blog, and I think you’ve created a really cool space here. Best of luck doing whatever you need to do to get well. Come back soon!
(Also, I second the Hilzoy recommendation!!!)
gbear
One last point to make: When a cat looks that peaceful and relaxed, it’s because it is dreaming of sweet, sweet revenge.
rk
I’m not very good with words, so I’ll just say good luck and wish you a successful surgery and success in rehab.
NobodySpecial
Best of Luck, Cole. You will be missed, but not forgotten.
Rosalita
Just seeing this now… take care John and get well. We will miss you and will try not to trash the joint too much while you are gone.
And thank you for the gift TBogg while you are out taking care of business. Hugs, R.
Hal
Good luck! and yay for TBOGG. I expect at least one Sippy Cup story or reference.
The Very Reverend Crimson Fire of Compassion
We hold you in our prayers and hearts. Keep the faith, John.
currants
Wishing you good luck and courage, and beyond that, well, thank you, for gardens, politics, pets, and the commentariat, from whom I’ve learned a great deal. I hear you’ll have some work ahead of you, but it’s work that’s worthwhile, if my sober friends are any indication. I will–we all will–miss you here, but won’t stop reading–and will look forward to your return. All the very best to you and your family and friends.
everbluegreen
Late comment, you don’t know me from Adam…but bon courage, mon ami. You do a lot of good in this world. I hope you can take as good care of yourself as much as you do of Lily et al. You deserve it.
gogol's wife
I finally got to read most of this thread, and one of the most moving things is the number of people whose nyms I’ve never seen before who say they come here multiple times a day just to read the blog.
Meyerman
Good luck with the surgery and the sorting life out. Thanks for helping to make some sense of this world full of nonsense. See you in a bit.
danimal
I’m way late here, but best wishes in finding your path to recovery. You’ll get all kinds of advice (see the last 400 comments or so), and most of it is worth the amount that you’ve paid for it.
We’ll be around to cheer you on or call you an ass when the time’s right. In the meantime, take care of yourself in the best way you can. You are valued, and many folks care for you.
And we get TBOGG? Bassetts, Shakira’s um, attributes, and a fellow sufferer /Padres fan. Great addition.
RF
We’ll all be thinking about you, John. I read Balloon Juice every single day (for a number of years now) and would be lost without it. Take some time and heal. See you soon.
jcgrim
John, Please take care of yourself and know that we all love you for yourself & not your blog, alone.
I’ll miss your wonderful sense of irony and your keen stupid detector. As a BS detector you are unparalleled. I’ve read your blog for years looking forward to a laugh at your loving pet stories and your reactions to political & media dimwits.
Take Care.
Denali
Do what you need to do – but we’ll miss you!
JadeGold
Best wishes, man.
I’m positive all will work out.
EL
Yes, we will miss you. I hope everything goes well. And come back after.
LT
John, I am very proud of you.
Be well.
YellowJournalism
I hadn’t been able to post until I got back from being in the US, so I wanted to say belatedly that I wish I could give you a big old hug and wish you all the best. We’re all thinking of you and can’t wait for you to return back to this little corner of the interwebs to curse at us all and then post pet pics.
James E. Powell
Good luck John, and don’t worry. If this move doesn’t work, you will just do it again or try something else till you get to where you want to go.
Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore, we are saved by love. Reinhold Niebuhr
cmm
Catching up and just saw this. Best wishes John, I hope this is what you need to get well. A lot of folks respect, admire, and yeah, evenlove you, even if we have only known you electronically.
Louise
I’m late to the going-away party, but I wish you all the best in your recovery. I’ll be praying for you and sacrificing mosquitoes in a ritual manner. You have done so much to keep the rest of us sane, so I’m very happy you are taking care of yourself. Get well!
Uncle Ebeneezer
Super-late to the party but: Best of luck to you John.
vogon pundit
Only looked at the first 50 comments (!), so I’m sure this is getting repetitive: get well, and best of luck.
WaynersT
Well hell, this is an awful/awesome development. Wish you the best of luck with surgery and rehab.
Hopefully the surgery turns out to be a blessing in disguise. Being hospitalized right now might be the best place for you at the start of this journey.
SFAW
John –
Best wishes, I hope things work out even better than you hope/expect.
Looking forward to seeing you back here soon.
sherparick
Take care John Cole and do what you have to do.
Susan K of the tech support
Heal.
— with many well-wishes…
Sourmash
My best to you John. As Anthony Hopkins said to Jodie Foster “the world is a much more interesting place with you in it.”
Felixmoronia
What everyone else has said. Get well.
Cyclotic
Best of luck. I’ve gotten through both booze recovery and hernia surgery – it gets better. And easier. You have a lot of people on your side. And if you react badly to overly-directive recovery folks telling you what to do and how to feel, there are alternatives – lifering.org, smartrecovery.org, sossobriety.org, and others you can find on your own. Take care of yourself.
GHayduke (formerly lojasmo)
Late to the party, but stopping by to offer my congratulations. Rehab was magical for me, and I hope it will be for you as well. Take advantage of every minute. Don’t leave a stone unturned.
Also, this agnostic/weak atheist swears by the twelve steps. Good luck.
Dave
John,
I’m another one of those who read the blog more than commenting. But I do appreciate the work you’ve done, and continue to do here. This is the only blog that I read EVERY DAMNED DAY, because it’s worth it.
Best wishes for getting all of your shit fixed, as soon as possible. I’ll definitely miss you, and your epic rants.
Dave
GHayduke (formerly lojasmo)
@Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name):
Or, you know, he could fucking try it himself for once.
#NotRecoveryBehaviorOhWellFuckIt
Aunt Kathy
I say stuff with other peoples’ music. Go get fixed. http://youtu.be/Kj-sFIHQWLY
GHayduke (formerly lojasmo)
@Tiny Tim:
As one who has been through it, you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Chuck
Ah, hell. Mr. Cole, if you come back spouting 12-step religious “spiritual” AA bullshit nonsense, you might as well come back a Republican, and move back to Poughkeepsie, as I would have as much use for you as I would for my family. Make good use of the post-op analgesics.
erlking
Motherfucking cocksucking bullshit fuck! I am always late to the party. Godspeed, John. The lights will be on when you get back.
And fucking A, yay, TBogg!
Cara
Take care and be safe. May the FSM touch you with his noodley appendage:-) Ramen!
Evergeengator
I’ve been a lurker for many years, but using my first comment to wish you the best of luck in fixing your shit and stuff.
I’ll miss my daily cup of Cole, but I must say Tbogg is one of the few worthy substitutes.
Hope to see you back and feeling great… whenever that is.
VFX Lurker
John Cole, your pet blogging encouraged me to adopt two kittens in 2010 when my friend needed to find a home for them. I cannot imagine life without them now.
Thank you for your blog, and thank you for being awesome. I wish you good health and success.
ErinSiobhan
Totally late to this but absolutely have to wish you success in getting your shit together. We’ll all be waiting here for you when you’re ready to come back.
thundermonkey
Go easy… step lightly… stay free.
Manyakitty
Animals are excellent judges of character. Yours love you as much as you love them. Get better and find the happiness you deserve.
Wishing you strength and peace.
neal peart
Geddy, Alex and I wish you well on your healing path.
Comrade Javamanphil
If you know thyself, there is nothing else to know. You are home. You are whole. Good luck, John.
railsplitter
@J R in WV:
Sorry to burst some bubbles. Both the AA and non-AA camps will quote statistics validating their approach. I’ve successfully fought this disease for 23 years using the tools AA has given me. God willing I’ll have another 24hrs. after tonight.
Unless you’ve actually fought an addiction, these opinions are simply that, opinions informed by indirect sources. I find that talking to a non-alcoholic about alcoholism is like talking to a Priest about sex.
Leigh
John, been reading your blog for a long time but never commented before. I wish the best for you and I have faith in your courage.
pkdz
Best wishes to you. I find this essay really helpful. “Without these fellowships I would take drugs. Because, even now, the condition persists. Drugs and alcohol are not my problem, reality is my problem, drugs and alcohol are my solution.
If this seems odd to you it is because you are not an alcoholic or a drug addict. You are likely one of the 90% of people who can drink and use drugs safely.” Russell Brand
http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2013/mar/09/russell-brand-life-without-drugs
Bill D.
Real late here, but best of luck with the surgery and best wishes for successful rehab, John.
Patrick Thompson
Another lurker (4 years sober in September) wishing you the best, John.
Mary in Ohio
So many lurkers coming out of the woodwork, including me. Best of luck to you throughout this process. Can’t wait for you to come back strong and healthy and post new pictures of the critters.
LT
This thead – yoy. /sniffle/
Why do I think your Mom’s gonna mock you for this, John?
MJ
As usual, I’m a day late and a dollar short here. But, Godspeed John!
You’ve built quite a community here and we’ll all be wishing the best for you as you begin this journey. Multiple members of my immediate family have been through Rehab and have come out much better for the experience on the other side. I’ll be praying for you and maybe I’ll even post a cute picture or two of my cranky rescue doggie while you’re gone. God Bless.
notorious JRT
Been away a couple days. Good luck, John. You are, indeed, an excellent human being. I hope, when you have finished this phase of your journey, you will declare emphatically that you are worthy of a soul mate and go out and find one who is worthy of you (they had better be pretty damn awesome).
Come back soon and come back strong and content.
Gretchen
@John (MCCARTHY) Cole: Good luck, John. If you don’t mind my asking, how does one find a rehab place? My son just admitted he needs to quit, and I have no idea where to start looking.
Sarah
Oh John, I’m going to miss you so much, but I’m so glad you’re doing what you need to do. Come back soon!
Applejinx
Yeah, the thing about The Program (I’m a lot happier in NA but it still applies) is that there’s ONE good reason to stick around year after year: helping others and carrying the message that people GET to come to meetings, work steps and not use/drink/what-have-you.
I suppose it’s possible to dry up and then go about your business never helping another person so long as you live, and it might even be ‘rational’ but I don’t see John as being one of those people. I had a sponsee who went off and lived his life without relapsing or going to meetings. He reserved his love for his family, which is cool in its own way and I could see myself in his shoes under some circumstances, but I got no family besides two cats, and leaving the meetings isn’t going to work for me.
You can make fun of me as an aging recluse with no life and no love who finds his ‘family’ in recovery meetings, but only another addict would understand: it’s better than I came from. What am I gonna do, go back out? Why would I scorn those rooms of fucked-up, often doomed people when some of them don’t die, when you can wake ’em up occasionally and offer a chance (in your own way, that being the only way you have to offer, and then they have to take that chance in THEIR own way)
I could leave and come up with a different support network and abandon meetings, probably. At least 50% chance I could do that and never end up relapsing. I could act like people who never had a problem and were never that fucked up, and probably do a passable job pretending to be them.
WHY? I _get_ to go to meetings. Those are my people.
Paul in KY
Wishing the best for you & your family, John.
RosiesDad
Godspeed, John Cole. Best wishes for getting your shit right.
Ridnik Chrome
Good luck, John Cole. Hope to see you back in the saddle again soon.
revrick
God speed, John Cole. And you have officially hit whatever unit 500 posts are.
Tara the Antisocial Social Worker
Came in late, but wanted to say good luck and cyber-hugs to you, Cole. You’re deserve to be healthy and happy, and you’re taking a huge step in the right direction. I’ve been a social worker for 20+ years and I’ve seen a lot of people reach this point, so it’s experience talking when I tell you:
YOU CAN DO THIS.
taylormattd
Good luck Cole! <3
Carol Ryan
John, I will miss you and I wish you the best of luck in your quest for peace of mind and good health. Come back soon recharged and energized.
central Texas
Good luck and a safe landing.
I’ve been reading for a while and you have one of the more rationale and focused readerships I’ve found. The hernia is straight forward. Do what they tell you and it will all vanish in due time. The rehab is beyond my experience but you are self aware and will make the best use of it.
Again, best of luck and best wishes.
Jon Giordano
Maybe I’m going crazy, but outside of Tunch’s death, hasn’t John been talking about how great things have been? Constantly having people over, having Shawn over, finding peace, etc. Maybe I hallucinated it.
AndoChronic
Good on ‘ya John.
WaterGirl
@Jon Giordano: Well, you might be crazy, but we couldn’t prove it by this.
I can assure you, you did not make any of that up.
LightsOut
Hey John,
Another lurker here stepping out of the darkness for a sec to let you know (for the 500+th time) that you’ve got more people who care about you than you may realize. You will be missed for the time you’re gone, and your angry rants will be welcomed when they return. Unless of course that’s not your thing at that point. Whatever works, dude.
I also wanted to say that I’m your age, and though I don’t have the same problems you do, you have much more courage than me. Easily.
Best of luck.
eric nny
Well I’m late to the party again. Having just completed rehab in December, my advice to you if you haven’t already chosen a rehab is to spend the extra money to go to a quality facility. I went to the one my insurance would pay for. This was also the facility Medicaid paid for. It was country boy me with the 5 boroughs. I received an education for sure. But it helped. Immensely. Sometimes I wished for less group more individual, but hearing some guys’ stories makes you realize how good you have it. PLUS I got a street name: E-Money! Hang in there and use your time to reflect on what’s important.
eric nny
Well I’m late to the party again. Having just completed rehab in December, my advice to you if you haven’t already chosen a rehab is to spend the extra money to go to a quality facility. I went to the one my insurance would pay for. This was also the facility Medicaid paid for. It was country boy me with the 5 boroughs. I received an education for sure. But it helped. Immensely. Sometimes I wished for less group more individual, but hearing some guys’ stories makes you realize how good you have it. PLUS I got a street name: E-Money! Hang in there and use your time to reflect on what’s important.
PeorgieTirebiter
Been off the grid for a week, so I’m late in signing your card. I was thirty-eight when I finally checked myself in That was 27 years ago yesterday- so it seems to have worked for me, so far.
Look for the similarities you share with the others, focusing on the differences is a waste of time. Good luck and congratulations on the gift you’re giving yourself.
Sondra
Gell well soon. It will take time and patience, but you will recover.
After many years of suffering and trying every type of alternatiive to going under the knife, I finally surrendered and had the spinal surgery I needed.
It sucked, but it worked. It took a long time to heal and then there was rehab, but I’m better than ever now and very grateful to my excellent surgeon, the rehab facility and their staff and my pain management Dr. for his caring follow-up treatments.
You’ll be better than ever too, once it is all over.