I would like to start out by saying that I respect everyone's view, team, and most of all, opinion. I had got an email about this group not taking the 12 step seriously. That person has not posted on this group and will remain anonymous so don't even ask. Let me tell my story and maybe you can understand that a co-dependency does not have to be a person.
My father died when I was 7 and the first thing my mother did was get season tickets for the Bears in 1979 after a 3 year waiting list. She taught me everything I know about football and went to every home game and playoff from 1979-87. Little did she know she created a monster.
In 2003 the Bears played @ Seahawks and lost 17-24. I was sober for 3 years at the time. As I left the stadium in my Urlacher jersey, a Seattle fan came up to me, reached out to shake my hand, and said "good game". I said "yes, it was a good game" and shook his hand. He then yelled "BUT YOU STILL LOST". I squeezed his hand, jerked him close to me, and gave him a head butt that put him on the cement. I ran away to not get pummeled by others and/or arrested.
On 2/4/07 as you know the Bears lost in the Super bowl 17-29 to Indy. This time I had been on a 4 year drunk and at the time was deeply wasted and in a very bad mood. Where else would an angry, drunk, Bears fan go after the game? To the bar! Well there as I was drinking more and not cut off (I am/was a very functioning alcoholic that held my liquor well, until the lights go out). There were 5 kids (I guess ages 20-23) that were there disrespecting me & saying things about my Bears that made me mad. I told the bartender that I should leave before it got worse and asked for my bill & paid with my visa. As I was signing my bill they hurled one last insult to me. In an instant, I planted the pen in one of their necks, cold cocked another on the chin, and turned the table over on the other three. I was again not arrested, and luckily the pen did not hit an artery or go to deep. Goes to show you don't have to be behind a wheel & drunk to kill someone. I had been a usual customer there and knew the bartender so they took care of me & kicked the kids out.
I have not gone into how many Packer Fan's I have punched, got punched, or all out brawl when I have been drunk. No need to beat a dead horse.
Now I have been sober but things don't change with my feelings. When the Bears lose I have a terrible week and people generally know stay away from me for a day or two. They also know not to joke with me because I am not in the mood. I have to tell myself that it is "just a game" and have been getting better. As I do every day I pray to God to let me practice "patience, tolerance, kindness, and love". I have anger issues and when I don't drink I can control those feelings. Now I learn from other fans and respect their love too because I can understand. I have to have a respect for other fan's even if they may not have for me. Now I can laugh at others that joke with me about the Bears win/loss because I have to. It is part of my anger program to work with others and with people on this site I can learn to be better. I do love you Joel! However thank God your not a Packer fan, then it would be a lot harder. Thanks for helping me in ways that you don't know. After all it is just a game and a way of life, not the only thing in life itself.
Thanks for reading & now you know a bit more about me and maybe more than you should know. Oh, by the way, mom still has the tickets in her name and they are willed to me upon her death.
Peace
