I never had the privilege of "meeting" Plantercat - he was around in 2002 so before my time. But his inspiration lives on. Here is one of his most memorable posts.
Plantercat's Farewell
I have been thinking about this quit as permanent..much different than any quit before. I keep on going back in my past to "permanent" decisions I have made in order to find strength and insight into leaving this "relationship" effectively. I think of some very significant love relationships I have had. Alot of good memories, but "bad chemistry." The relationship became "smothering" or "heavy." I looked for peace and joy and found sadness and selfishness. Yet, a bond had been formed...emotional, physical, at times spiritual. I remember trying to break things off...Oh, how it hurt..the agonizing loneliness, the fear of never being the same..the intense restlessness...there were times when I went back and tried to put the relationship back together again. It was just not the same, the emotions were there, but the reasons for breaking up were all the more apparent. I remember the last time I saw her. I loved her so, yet we both knew that this was not going to work out. We both cried as we parted. That was years ago, yet at times, the feelings are remembered as if it were yesterday. I have had to say goodbye to Copenhagen. I have been with her for 25 years. She was with me through both good times and bad. She listened when no one else did. She was with me during my "growing up years," and stayed up late as I worked my way through college, grad school, and just recently, a doctoral degree. She and I have had some good times over the years, but the chemistry is bad. She is a carrier of a deadly disease, and did not tell me about it until I was emotionally, physically, and psychologically addicted to her. Over the years, I have tried to break up, but she laughs and seduces me all over again. My family hates her...she is the Mistress from Hell...Nicodemon's chambermaid... I am free from her at this time, yet her memory haunts me. I know it will fade over time, but for now, I remember the good times, the warm times, I remember how whe was always there for me...Yet not really for me...She was there for the United States Tobacco Company. She was playing the Harlot, and I was the one who was continually seduced. It is easy to only remember the pleasant things. We are conditioned to forget those things that cause pain. Never forget to remember why you quit...Never forget how difficult Hell week was. Always remember that you were created to live an abundant life, full and free and free to choose life and to celebrate that life. One last thought...I loved the last scene in Castaway with Tom Hanks standing at the crossroads, considering which road he would travel. He had to let go of his past, as painful as it was...confusing, full of good memories...but look what awaited him down the road!! The wings of freedom...the wings that kept him alive...I would like to think that that "Cowboy" found what he was looking for...Life is all its Fullness!! A life that can begin today...fresh and clean, full of joy and peace... Plantercat
it won't hurt you.
