Hi everybody, I'm back...gun collection is a little smaller...

[benEzra]

I had to take a hiatus due to some major life events...I'm now single, renting a small duplex, and sold off about half my gun collection to make ends meet. Long story. I still don't have Internet access at home yet (other than 2G on my phone) but hopefully that will change in the near future.

It's a little scary to be more or less starting over at 41 after being married for ~19 years, but life is life. I still have my kids, great friends, a good job with health insurance, a roof over my head, and food on the table, so I can't complain. My son is doing great.

I may not be super active for a while, still, but I missed this community!

[Clames]

1. Never easy starting over...

...but you have what's important and that just means whatever extra you have is gravy...

[spin]

2. Glad you are back ...

and good luck on your new life.

[pipoman]

3. The best advice I was given

and have since given my friends who have gone through divorces (with many thanking me later) ...Don't make any decisions beyond the absolutely necessary for a full year. Divorce, like many other life changing events, changes a person's perspective in ways we don't even realize. Smart people going through this often are tempted to make decisions with long ranging effects which they wouldn't necessarily make if they were thinking correctly and they ultimately regret later. New cars, buying homes, changing jobs, dating, changing investments or investment strategies, getting into bad habits (going out to bars, changing friends, ect.). Laying low, tending and repairing relationships with kids and adult family, and letting the people who love you listen are good ways to spend your year.

Best of luck. Things will get better. Normal is on the horizon. Anxiety is part of healing.

[ileus]

6. You're spot on.

great advice...

I can't tell you how many people I've know that get divorced and dive right back in to relationships, and new debts only to find those early decisions make getting out of the hole harder and longer.

[virginia mountainman]

4. Sorry to hear about your troubles..

But glad you are back, and things will get better!

[ileus]

5. Plus side you still have half your life ahead.

[cherokeeprogressive]

28. HALF???

You suck! Halley's Comet is expected to make its next appearance on or just after my 100th birthday and I plan on being here to see it.

That would make me 51 BTW.

And no, you don't suck... well maybe just a little. Reading that a 41 year old is halfway done is a little disheartening for someone my age!

[ileus]

30. I'm 42....counting on another 40 before I take a dirt nap.

[Kaleva]

7. Welcome back! Was wondering what happened to you.

[DonP]

8. Sorry to hear about your situation Ben

All I can do is say, "Been There Done That".

The advice on no major decisions for a year is great. Hard to follow sometimes, but solid.

Good to see you here again and good luck with things in general.

[friendly_iconoclast]

9. Welcome back, dude!

[Hoyt]

10. Sounds like you are doing well without all those guns. Good luck to you.

[benEzra]

12. Thanks for the kind wishes.

I did keep the ones I shoot the most, sold most of the ones I don't, though.

[rl6214]

14. Typical snark

[oneshooter]

18. Did you really expect any less from Hoyt?

Great to see you back benEzra. You may not be totally back on your feet, but you are at least off of your knees!

Oneshooter
Armed and Livin in Texas

[Warren Stupidity]

26. How does this OP fit the stated purpose of this forum?

Oh right, it doesn't. It is part of the misuse of this forum as a staging ground for the pro-gun fan club on DU.

[friendly_iconoclast]

27. And once again...

[permatex]

31. And again

Awwwwwwwwwww, here, have a cookie

[rrneck]

11. Good to see you! Welcome back! nt

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

13. Glad you're back.

Best of luck.

[rl6214]

15. Welcome back and best of luck to you.

I also have had to sell much of my collection due to hard times so I understand where you are coming from.

[petronius]

16. Glad you're back! And very very happy your son is well

Best of luck with the life changes, and I hope you're getting to spend lots of time with your kids. (Every time I see your username I remember that adorable boating picture you posted before his surgery...)

[Simo 1939_1940]

17. So glad to hear your son is well, benEzra, and that you have such a

positive mindset re. your new life status.

Be well, friend.

[burrfoot]

19. Welcome back, man :)

Sorry to hear it's been tough times, happy you're getting things sorted again. Glad your boy- and any/all other kids- are doing well!

[Atypical Liberal]

20. Sorry to hear of your problems.

I've been selling firearms also, but to buy more firearms!

[gejohnston]

21. don't expect to hear from iverglas anytime soon

She umm well, was awarded the granite slab.

[aikoaiko]

22. You've been missed. And your return is timely.

Few people are as gifted as you when it comes to explaining the nonsensical aspects of certain gun laws (e.g., the AWB).

Divorce is hard. Starting over is hard.

My standard advice for divorced guys is to spend your time on your career, your health and a few fun activities and good things will happen again.

[CokeMachine]

23. Welcome back!!

I didn't join until December of last year (I did join on DU2 but never posted) but enjoyed reading your posts for at least a couple of years before that. Looking forward to your posts.

[appal_jack]

24. Welcome back, benEzra!

I have always enjoyed your well-reasoned posts and I share your interests. Best of luck putting pieces back together: sounds like you are well on your way.

You have friends here, even if some of us have not yet met except via electrons.

-app

[TPaine7]

25. Welcome back!

Best wishes and I'm sure you'll do well once you get things reset.

As far as this group is concerned, we'll enjoy your contributions when we can get them.

[cherokeeprogressive]

29. Welcome back Bro. Life goes on. Stiff upper lip and all that... n/t

[permatex]

32. Your were before my time

but welcome back and things can only get better in your life.