This is a personal note to readers that I’ve been meaning to write for a couple of weeks, and I feel today is the right day. Don’t ask me why- it just feels right.
Regular readers may have noticed that for about 18 months, I’ve been somewhat absent from WUWT. There have been lots of guest posts, many press releases, and times when there were many hours in delays in moderation of comments or long hours between new posts. Readers may have noticed that I’ve been rather curt, maybe even “grouchy” during that time. Projects that I have been wanting to get off the ground, such as the Open Atmospheric Society, have languished. All of that lands squarely on me, my physical health, and my state of mind these last few months. I’ve alluded to this before in a previous post a couple of months back but things weren’t sorted out yet, and I really didn’t want to tell you all until I was ready.
Basically, I went through a life-changing experience: an ugly divorce. It was announced to me shortly after my return from London and Bristol in September 2014. All of the things I had hoped to accomplish after that wonderful trip went to hell in a hand basket with an express ticket as I had to sort out new life priorities. I’m sure many of you reading have been through the same thing, and know that when I was told by someone that the only thing more disruptive to your life is the death of a loved one, you can most certainly believe that. This affected my health, my mental well-being, my demeanor, my job, my finances; everything. Those of you that have been through it, you know the drill.
Some of you might ask, “was my dedication to keeping up WUWT a factor”? The answer was: mostly, no. The good thing about WUWT was that I could do it from home, and the multitasking nature of it did allow me to carry on family matters while at the same time keeping up with the state of climate science and posts about it. That said, in the early stages, I did offer to give up WUWT completely and shut it down if it was something that made a difference. There was a day when I actually took all my computers out of the house with the pledge that I would no longer blog from home. It didn’t make any difference because the problems were rooted elsewhere, and as I discovered, unsolvable. I suppose the best way to describe this whole situation is that people change. And sometimes other health related life altering events in the past set people you love on new paths that maybe they didn’t intend to follow. There’s really no blame in this nor really any good answers, it just is what it is, and you have to deal with the regime change the best you can. That’s what I did, and throughout that time, while I suffered, so did the quality of what was presented on WUWT because honestly, there were many days that even bringing myself to the keyboard was an impossible effort. But, like me, WUWT continued.
Now I’m happy to say that I’m out of the dark, and into the light again. Things are completely sorted, the road ahead looks clear, and while I’m bruised a bit and somewhat poorer, I’m OK, and I’ve left my baggage behind. I’ve checked my baggage and told the airline of life that I’d appreciated them losing it for me, and no, I don’t want it back. In fact, they can eject it over the Pacific into that mythical great Pacific garbage patch, because I’m ready to travel to new destinations, new experiences, and new friends. I don’t need the old baggage where I’m going.
I want to thank a number of close friends, some of whom are WUWT friends, who knew and helped me get out of the tunnel. You know who you are. I also want to thank Matt over at Must Be This Tall to Ride for his help in putting things into perspective.
P.S. Shortly after publication, I got an email inquiring about who got to keep Kenji, our resident pooch and the only animal member of The Union of Concerned Scientists. The answer is that even though Kenji technically was a gift to my ex-wife, Kenji long ago chose me as “his person”, and it was decided he’d go with me.
Anthony,
I am truly sorry. I can’t imagine the pain you and your ex-wife can have gone through. I say I can’t because I have been blessed with a truly wonderful woman who has the patience of Job (at least she needs that to have put up with me for 40 years).
Wait, I’m sorry, no preaching. I’m sorry for your pain and the loss of a relationship. Best of luck in the future and I hope you heal from this quickly.
God bless you for your courage, determination and perseverance. The army of truth is vital, and you are one of its leaders.
Amen my Lord.
I have to go with Bill Marsh on this. Those of us blessed (and that is the best word I can think of to describe it) with a long and happy marriage cannot begin to get to grips with what you have been through.
But we know all too well that it can and does happen and and can only offer our meagre sympathy and support for those who suffer this pain.
As I do. I am glad that you have emerged from your personal darkness and trust the future will,be bright for you.
I have been through two divorces, fortunately both very peaceful. But I’ve seen the pain in others of my friends.
Welcome home!
Anthony
When I met you in bristol you were optimistic and enthused after your series of meetings and your dinner. Sorry that things went awry. Let’s hope you have permanently moved into a better place and your enthusiasm for the wonders of life have been renewed.
Tonyb
Fourthed!
Nice to see you’ve come through, Anthony!
Takes time though…
Seconded.
Best wishes for the future.
Yes, best wishes for the future. Stay strong!
Thirded ,
God Bless You! Trust me, he HAS!
For what it’s worth, in those times when I despair for the future of humanity, WUWT is one of the things that gives me hope again. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication, Anthony.
I concur. Thanks Anthony for all you are to the rest of us, and ultimately mankind.
Absolutely. Thankyou Anthony…
Because of you the fraud that is CAGW is in the open and hopefully on the way to destruction.
Thankyou for all you do. You share the top spot on my “hero” list. The other is Tony Heller.
Regards Murray Lane New Zealand
a brave post from a brave person. my best wishes under hard circumstances, Steve Mc
Thank you Steve, most sincerely.
Best wishes as you move forward Anthony.
And let me assure you, the part you have been through is far from the worst thing that can happen to one.
Take care Mate.
G
Absolutely agree.
How many others with popular blogs about a controversial subject would post something so personal? Something those on the other side are likely to leap on?
I’ve said before that Anthony is a man of honesty and integrity. (When he himself has said something here that he finds out was factually wrong, he admits and corrects the error.) Now I will add brave to the list.
Keep your thick skin and honest heart.
Prayers.
Anthony,
You are my greatest hero, right now, – I have three:
– Anthony Watt
– Magnus Carlsen, and
– Jarle Andhøy !
Keep up the good, honest work you are known for,
in this croocked world.
Willis Eschenbach
Lord Moncton
Many others who post here regularly are among my heroes.
Also Heartland, CO2 science, CFACT and many others.
The unnamed moderators.
Been down that road Anthony. 18 months is about right to recover your life and start moving ahead again. My sincere best wishes to you, and may your life be once more interesting and full of joy.
Good for you, Anthony. It’s never easy, always expensive financially and emotionally no matter the cause, but one does recover and finds a new life ahead whose possibilities are boundless. And, this comes from experience.
Good luck, and thank you.
Man that’s a tough road. I lost my wife to cancer, somehow I feel divorce is worse. I’m glad to see that your back and n the right road again. I’ll close with a little joke: do you know why divorces are so expensive….because there WORTH it. 😀😀welcome back.
Your return is celebrated, and your wisdom in selection of guest contributors has been much appreciated!!! Jim Roth’s situation was my own too with 2 children, one teen and the other almost there. Yes, the situations are all unique and all different.
Find solace in that you have a GIANT Fan Club, and you’ve made an enormous contribution towards climate understanding. There’s more to come, much more, and your being in the thick of things will assure that the voices of reason get a place in the Sun!
THANKS for being the hero that you’ve become!!!
When I got divorced, my doctor told me “I think divorce is worse than losing someone to death. At least when a loved one dies, you don’t keep running into the corpse…”
A joke? Maybe. Also a truth. A divorce is the “death” of something two people created together. When you are on the receiving end of it, it’s devastating, a nightmare that never seems to end, the realization that the person you trusted more than any other, was capable of destroying everything and you never even suspected that was possible.
Anthony, welcome back to the surface after what, I’m sure, feels like holding your breath for a very long time. There’s going to be rough waters on some days, but you’ve got an army of people here who would never let you drown. We’ve missed you. A lot. In my own experience, there are MUCH better days ahead my friend. Hugs.
“A joke? Maybe.”
+++++++++
No. It’s definitely a joke and a bad taste one at that. Not that I’m against black humour but only the galactically self-absorbed would prefer that someone would die rather than merely bugger off.
I also lost my wife to cancer, and, while I haven’t been divorced, I agree that divorce must be worse. With death, everyone is supportive and caring, and the person you loved isn’t hurting you every day. Good luck, Anthony. I really appreciate your keeping WUWT going.
I also lost my dear wife to cancer, two years ago this September, and am still slowly working through it; while her death was (is) a wrenching experience for me, I am glad it was not divorce, which for both of us would have been worse. Your courage, and your willingness to come back, say a lot about your strength and sweetness of character. Thank you for all you do, and best wishes for whatever you encounter from here on!
Thank you Anthony, WUWT, is a daily read.
And of course best of luck.
Mr. Watts,
My sympathies. I’ve been through that unfortunate experience twice. The first was about as ugly as it gets, without any laws being broken. It took me much longer than 18 months to get over it. I’m glad you have moved on and I look forward to your re-engagement with this wonderful blog you have created. I wish you the best as the “airline of life” takes you to new destinations in your personal life.
I’m sorry to hear of your difficulties and I’m glad you are past the worst of it, though, I am sure, not completely over it. You have contributed so much for truth in climate science and deserve the best in all things.
Very glad you’re back, Anthony!
Bravely said. Stay strong.
All the best Anthony for your road ahead, whatever route you take.
Please accept our very best wishes and allow us to express the hope that you will take great care f yourself.
Very sorry to hear that, Anthony, but very happy to have you back firing on all eight.
Thanks for letting us know. I’m very sorry to hear about the pain you’ve been through and hope things will be much better now. I’ve appreciated your contributions, and the world is a better place for your involvement.
I suspect probably the hardest post you’ve ever done. So very sad that you have had to go through this – been there – done that – and it’s not at all pleasant.
But time is actually a great healer – oft quoted – but you will come to put it into even greater perspective as more time passes.
My thoughts are with you and all of yours
Andi
Yes, it was the post I never really wanted to write, but felt that I was obligated to do so.
One less thing now.
I see this post as one of your steps to recovery. Make a list of all persons we have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all – even when that person is yourself. Thank-you for sharing.
Good luck. I will pray for you.
Been there done that. Perhaps the most painful experience in my life and perhaps the best for me also in the end. Congratulations on dumping that garbage.
So sorry to hear this Anthony.
Painful stuff. I’ve watched close friends go through it, and even if it’s all amicable there are scars.
I’m so happy to hear that you have a good outlook, are moving forward, and are getting on with life.
Good luck, sir!
I lost my first wife (the Good One) to cancer. 30 years ago.
Second one to divorce. Took 2.5 years to get everything settled. Stress beyond comprehension. I still have physical problems from problems that originated with the stress, 20 years later.
But, yes, the road eventually cleared and I moved on.
Best of luck to you moving forward, Anthony.
Glad you are back. Stay strong.
Never been married, so I never had to go through what your experiencing. But 9 years ago I had an accident on my electric scooter & am now a quadriplegic. That 1st year was tough and I went through a lot of the emotions that you did. But after I stopped feeling bad for myself I realized that there was so much in my life that was worth turning it around for. It wasn’t easy, but it sure was worth it. Just keep positive, we never now where life will take us, but if you have the right attitude you can get through anything that life throws at you. Good luck Anthony.
Hang in there, Mr. Davis. So glad that you comment here when sometimes that is likely a bit of a chore to make happen.
And, hey! Don’t know if you WANT to ever be married, but, Joni Eareckson (quadriplegic from age 17 from diving accident in 1967 — 49 years, now), had that dream COME TRUE! Here is her website — if you click around, you’ll find something about her marriage to Ken Tada (back in the 1980’s, I think — and very happily married today). There is a good book, Joni and Ken, about their life (and lots of other books she has written, the first one was: Joni). Well, here’s that website, just FYI: http://www.joniandfriends.org/ .
Take care,
Janice
A little levity:
In order to save money, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.
Could have been worse: the light at the end of the tunnel could have been a train. God Bless and welcome back, this is a daily read.
I thought it was causing global warming….? 😛
A little more levity if it’s not out of order:
Divorce is so expensive because it’s worth it.
Comedian Louis C.K. outlines why divorce is good news from 1:07 to about 3:00 in this video
I once reached the light at the end of the tunnel. It was a 40W bulb over a sign that said, “This way to the rest of the tunnel. 🖝”
No it was a broken CFL and the EPA closed the tunnel until HAZ-Mat Decon a 1.5Km radius from the incident.
Sorry Anthony, for your difficult times. Hope you find better days ahead.
Rarely miss a day of WUWT. Sad and bad as a divorce is, you can’t change the past, so onwards and upwards. In School days, the only hymn that made any sense to me was Onward Christian Soldiers.
We sang “Onward, Christian Soldiers” indeed, and I felt that this was no vain presumption, but that we had the right to feel that we serving a cause for the sake of which a trumpet has sounded from on high. When I looked upon that densely packed congregation of fighting men of the same language, of the same faith, of the same fundamental laws, of the same ideals … it swept across me that here was the only hope, but also the sure hope, of saving the world from measureless degradation.
— Winston Churchill
Different cause, same sentiment.
I have not missed a day since before Climategate. Anthony, you created a light at the end of the tunnel for what, maybe hundreds of thousands of visitors, (possiby a million unique visitors?)…..many people over the years who found an answer at your humble abode to questions other sites cannot or will not address. To all my friends in Anthony’s house, thank you thank you thank you…I tell you three times.
Patrick, quietly sitting in the back of the pub, soaking it in, rarely commenting……
For an often depressed alcoholic, Winnie did alright for himself. Inspired millions of the rest of us while he was at it. He faced some long odds and terrible times, always with courage and purpose. Anthony, you demonstrate similar courage and purpose that inspires us to believe the fight is worthwhile. We who are (not) about to fry, salute you!
you have strange friends in some places
no no no
you have some friends in strange places, I missed meeting last time you came to Blighty,
Not the next time.
The English wine improves by the year they say
But the beer is always tasty
My hat is off to you Anthony..It takes a truly great man to share his agony…I wish I could be half as much..
+1
Sorry I came to this late Anthony,( problems of my own).
May the road ahead be clear.
I can only wish you the best of luck and good friends sir. The analogy of a a bereavement being the same was also said to me with the qualification that with a berievement you at least had a ‘closure’. Your work and blog has been, not only educational but an inspiration over the years. I, personally, hope you keep it up.
You kept the porch light on here, a great service to your readers.
Best of luck to you.
I just received news today that one of my loved ones is well on the way to a divorce. My heart goes out to you and all that you’ve gone through over the past 18 months.
I’m looking forward to the future and more posts by you here on WUWT. Cheers to better days!
I wish I could find words to express how sorry I am. Your piece was moving and courageous, and I’m profoundly happy that you’re out of the tunnel, back in the light.
Remembering the good times of the past is a solid foundation to build on a happier future.
Been there got the T shirt! I had to call time on a 23 year marriage, it was hard and scary, never lived on my own before. I can honestly say it was the best thing I could have done for myself, the baggage rears it’s ugly head now and then but I’m now married to a wonderful man whom I would not have met had I not taken life by the scruff of the neck and shaken it.
Good luck for the future….go onward and you will in time realise it was for the best.
Dear Anthony,
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. That you wrote what you did proves that you are a man of strength and character. That you were so graciously silent as to the failings of the one who hurt you so badly proves that you are a gracious man of integrity. There are many things, no doubt, that you COULD have said and refrained. Yes, I realize that you are not refusing your share of whatever “blame,” there is, but, you could have said a lot, I have NO doubt.
For me, divorce was painful, but, it was good. I finally got off the Hope-Devastation Roller Coaster (makes you feel nauseous a lot and only fun once in awhile). When you love someone very much, you don’t realize that the love you think is shining back at you is only an optical illusion (for awhile….. and then, you hang in there, for years, hoping he or she will change…..). I am so thankful to God for releasing me from that bondage of loving someone who never loved me. If I had not gotten out, I would never have met my dearest person in the whole world — and he really loves me! Me!!! 🙂
But, one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal … (Philippians 3:13)
You are loveable. And you deserve to be respected and valued.
Good things are ahead for you!
With admiration and respect and prayers (for your kids, too),
Janice
P.S. It has been bugging me and bugging me that I implied that you had any blame. While many relationship problems have shared blame, there are also MANY where only one is the person creating the problem and the other is simply reacting and trying to cope as best as they can. There is NO blame to be put on someone for lacking “perfect” responses to an unhealthy (or other issue) partner. To blame them is to, essentially, blame the victim. Not assuming ANY-thing, here, Anthony, but, {now in my “sister” mode — as in, do not MESS with my brother! Do — not — even} given what a wonderful person you are, my GUESS is: you have no significant blame here. Any of the guilt you feel is the pseudo-guilt stage of grieving a loss (as in: denial — anger — depression — guilt — acceptance).
Okay. That’s all. Just couldn’t go to bed without clarifying the “blame” word.
P.P.S. Oh, and SO glad Kenji is with you. My two German Shepherds are glad, too, “Whew!” they said soberly, eyes big, “That was a CLOSE CALL.”
Janice, many, many here at WUWT love you. Almost all here love, yes, love Anthony Watts and consider him a true hero.
Aw, Stan……. 🙂
Hope those little birds on the railing are still giving you joy.
Janice
you don’t need to face death to know courage.
you have to face life- and choose it.
happy independence day!
Thank you for being so transparent and open.
Best wishes on your journey forward.
And many thanks for deciding to persevere with WUWT.
You are making a positive difference in this world.
So sorry to hear about this, having a loved one leave is really difficult. There’s not a lot a person can say other than things do get better eventually. And that you have an untold number of people who want the best for you and really care.
I live the no-win scenario pretty much daily.
Anthony, I am so sorry to hear of your troubles. I have no words or experience that may alleviate them but can only hope you find the strength to get through and find peace and happiness again. In the meantime you owe us nothing and we owe you much, thank you for all that you do including giving many people hope in the months and years to come. I wish you every good fortune in the days ahead, goodness knows you deserve it.
Anthony, I’ve read the comments and there’s no need for me to repeat what johnbuk expressed better than I ever could do. If johnbuk doesn’t mind…
What he said.
Same here. And best wishes.
As you mentioned, many have gone down this road. Not easy nor pleasant and certainly painful. Wishing you the best.
Two sets of footprints on that path.
======
There is much that binds us all. Empathy is a strong human condition. I am humbled and impressed by your strength and honesty. May the fruits of your passion continue to reward you. I acknowledge the privilege of drawing from your efforts and thankyou for that. My best wishes to you.
Been there, twice. But I have my life back, the way I want to live it.
When you, as you wrote, have a new start and new perspective, my only advise would be to truly believe that what you desire, exists. You may not know the time, but you will know it’s on your path.
Thank you for telling your story. All the best!
Haven’t been down that path but have sure seen enough of it. Seems to me it is a wound that takes a long time to heal and probably never quite does.
Anthony,
Good luck with your journey.
I truly believe history will show you to be one of the true heroes of our age, a man who stood up for truth.
Pat
Yeah, Anthony, it’s hard. I went through it from late 1986 through part of 1988. I thought the idea of people dying of a broken heart was mythical until I was told the spouse was leaving and it damned near happened. But I recovered rather quickly and decided the best path was to try to make the whole thing work best for the kids and made it happen. After the final decision to divorce and getting over the emotional hurt, it was after all, essentially, a business deal. Get the best deal for a clean break and carry on with life.
Stay well, Anthony. After all, your health is really all you have.
Been there, done that. Divorce became final just one month after 30th anniversary. We spent out 25th talking about separation. And as one of her favorite country songs said: she got the gold mine, I got the shaft. Tried 9 years and lots of therapists/marriage counselors to keep it together, but finally failed as the kids left for college. Took a lot longer than you have to recover some modicum of equilibrium in a totally changed venue. Highest regards.
A gold mine is a hole in the ground with a liar at the top. Abaft, ye lubbers, the wake your shaft.
=================
Dang, shoulda had twirling props. I’d a laffed.
===========
The mining engineer’s divorce: She got the gold mine, he got the shaft.
Here’s to leaving the past behind, having a wonderful today, and having many more wonderful todays to come.
Anthony, I’m glad you are doing better. Your situation reminds me of the hard times I went through a few years ago. My parents went through a messy divorce a few years ago and we lost our house to foreclosure. This was right on the heels of the my sibling taking her life. I started reading your site in about 2012 when my state was having some really awful wildfires and the media did nothing but try and scare us with doom stories instead of being supportive. Reading what you said helped me put things into perspective and helped me cope with the fear I was experiencing and find myself of the road to being skeptical. but things do get better. my parents got back together and I live in a nice house now. I’m 25 now and I regularly read your site. Never forget you have younger readers too!
A very difficult set of conditions, RC. It’s not always easy to find the perspective on other people that allows one to see their actions objectively. This is especially true of family members or a spouse, where we expect constancy. The reality is that people are only troubled, flawed human beings. We just have to put one foot in front of the other and believe that our best efforts can make the world a better place, for ourselves and those we care about. “Chin up!” As my dear old Dad used to say!
I had suspected, that all these climate scare stories would be hard on young people. What a horrible “gift” to give to kids, that they claim to “help”. Great to hear that you are doing great now.
Hi, thank you for your open and honest blog about what you have been through. I’m currently going through the same marital issue and understand fully the dark places it puts you. Please know that not only your work, but now your personal outlook have inspired me. Thank you, and best wishes.
Having been there myself I can certainly sympathise. Now it will get better. Best wishes, Dave.
Best wishes on your new life.
I’ve been through a similar situation and can say that a “new life” is exactly what it is.
Keep walking toward the light.
Congratulations Anthony on making it through one of life’s hardest trials and for doing so like the true gentleman you are. Welcome back and thank you for WUWT, and all that you and your contributors have done to try and bring some reason back to the realm of science where the saboteurs have been having free reign. Only a man of real character could have done all this.
But what a shining animal is man,
Who knows, when pain subsides, that is not that,
For worse than that must follow–yet can write
Music; can laugh; play tennis; even plan.
Anthony, I am very sorry to hear of your personal troubles. I can’t imagine the pain you felt during these months, I only can hope that all the wishes for a better future from all the WUWT readers here will come true…
Glad you’re back. We need you in the fight!
WUWT has been my daily read because of you and the vibe you set in this place.
Only thing I can add is that divorce is common place in our society. Been there myself, as sad and contentious as it was, I was able to experience other meaningful things in this new chapter of life.
Have been thru it ,not easy especially when the black dog starts following you around .
You are an inspiration and the world would be poorer if this site didn’t exist , all the best and keep plugging away it gets easier over time .
Glad to hear you are “out of the dark, and into the light again”.
I had know Idea what you were going through, as I read WUWT on a daily basis.
Looking forward to better times for you and for WUWT…
Welcome back Anthony. I made a break six years ago (initiated by me in my case). It was so hard, and costly, but the reward of shedding all that old baggage (over thirty years worth) was so worth it. I could have gone on living the way I had been for the rest of my life, wondering what might have been.
Good to know you’re OK. Life eh?
A Canadian consolation, eh?
Anthony, I surely commiserate with you. I went through a divorce 5 years ago after 32 years of marriage, and it was difficult. But, it was not a contested divorce, so both of us turned out OK, I guess (except financially). But, 3 years later my ex-wife died from breast cancer — a horrible event.
Anyway, good luck to you for your future endeavors. The best may be yet to come [seriously — it has been for me]!
Bravo
A very dark place indeed my friend, I hope in time, that, the scars on your soul will be healed, the feeling of betrayal maybe never will.
Churchill, the great man had moments of anguished, abyssal, black despair, it never ceases to discombobulate and disconcert in equal measure, how, he kept buggering on, his inner reservoir, of fortitude and strength must have been an almost bottomless resource.
And yet, aren’t we all natural survivors?
As, the the rain replenishes, the tide refreshes, the sun continues to rise and hope springs eternal, never forget Anthony, KBO.
He might have just been a stubborn s.o.b. Regardless, it was the right stuff!
Though you may never meet most of us here face to face, I am so glad that you have the confidence to share this very personal difficult experience with us.It indicates that you at least can get a sense of the respect there is for you on this Blog that you have established with all it’s fine qualities. In a sense, the community that frequents WUWT, have established connections with you and each other like that of an extended family. So your pain, we can sympathise and your enthusiasm to move forward we support in what ever way we can. Even if it’s just a few well meaning words. But know that they are sincere and well intentioned. Without your efforts on this blog, we would be without your inspiration and indeed a valuable education.
As always I wish you well and that you put yourself, your health etc. first and foremost. Thanks again for for all you give.
Best regards, Eamon.
Anthony: Helped a good friend of mine through this, 5 years ago. Actually, he KNEW that it was “needed” about 9 years ago. But being a man of honor, he refused to initiate it. However, he called me JOYOUSLY the day the woman had “moved out” and sent him the divorce papers. (Her WORK…) He had developed a small business. Had to sell it. Was very gracious and the woman was (is) treated well $$$ wise. He has a viable, employable occupation so he is back to work with a good income.) He salvaged the house, and his carefully built up lab/shop (Worth about $80K in and of itself, maybe more.) He waited 6 months, before “looking around”, after the divorce was final. He found an well educated, same religious beliefs, woman from a “traditional society”…who respects him, 1/2 way around the world (broad enough to let folks imagine). She is 17 years his junior. Athletic, a “knock out”…and now counted as one of MY best friends too! What a DIFFERENCE! A woman who RESPECTS her man! She has a certain “talent”, and because of lack of starting capital, could not be “realized” in the country she came from. She’s realizing it here. My friend and I think that she MAY in the next 5 to 10 years, out pace HIS income. (He says, “Good, I’ll retire and do charity work!”) Now liquidating a going business, that took 12 years to develop. Taking a “second mortgage” out to preserve the house…having to deal with the two children (18 and 21 now, so there was a blessing there)…WERE DEFINITELY HARD on my Friend. BUT, let me give you a hint” He looks 10 years YOUNGER now then he did 5 years ago!!!
So buck up friend! This might be for the BEST for YOU!
Anthony, I feel for you… and I sincerely hope that all of your loved ones make it through as best they can.
I did discern that there was “less” of you on WUWT, but I, like many others I’m sure, stayed here because of the value of what you have built and inspired at WUWT.
My best to you and thank you for all you have given to all of us.
I actually did not notice less Anthony and I suspect that is partly because of the culture you have created here, Anthony, that values honesty and respect.
Welcome back. Is it time for Big Oil money?? Well, we help a little …
Per Rodgers & Hammerstein from Carousel
Happy to hear things are working out for you.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” — Frank Sinatra (youtube)
Oh, how this song on my MP3 player in my car gave me courage during some long, lonely, drives during these past two years. Thank you, F. Ross (from me, too).
Thanks Janice, I was kind of looking for a unique comment from you, as only you can do. (much better than the Jerry Lewis version).
Anthony Watts will never walk alone as long as I live.
Glad you liked that, J. Philip — and look at that FACE — THAT is optimism!
Dear Stan — You are so cool. Take care of YOU, too.
Anthony
I hope the supportive comments from your devoted readership are helpful to you. Of course there will be better days.
The civil nature of the comments on this thread, as compared to almost any other place on the web, speaks volumes about the character of what you have built.
Good idea! Anthony can offer them a cooler life!
Anthony, did you ever check out those hot weather woman chicks on mexican tv???? Don’t wait too long they aren’t getting any younger 🙂
Have fun on your new adventure and do your best to remember life is not about yourself and you will heal.
Oops! See above!
Change is the only constant.
Without grief we cannot have happiness.
Treasure every moment , past and future.
We are lucky to have been born at all and to have shared the time we have with the people we love.
Glad to have you back.
Anthony, congratulations on weathering the storm. I can clearly state that you did not come across as curt or grouchy…at least in my mind. In fact, what stands out for me over the past couple of years is you made the effort to thank me on thread for posts. Always the gracious host.
To happier times ahead.
Salud! Or is it ‘Gesundheit’?
=====
I was aware of your difficulties a year ago but I never wanted to pry any further. I must say meeting you this past week , you looked strong and solid and I assumed one way or the other your divorce had been resolved. It takes courage to share our inner turmoil with others knowing it makes you vulnerable to lesser minds, but it so much better than trying to hide it. It is that same type of courage required by noble skeptics to air their contrary thoughts to a public that may be disapproving. I wish you and WUWT all the best. You are an inspiration to many!
Hitch up the suspenders.
Let it go.
This too shall pass.
Think positive.
The good humor to keep a canine pseudo-scientist at your side is the key to healing. Humor never hurts! Good luck to you man.
Anthony: Thanks for your letting us know what’s going on in your life. I’ve always thought that you’re a soulful person–and was particularly impressed when you posted a piece about the beer you shared with Bill McKibben. (That showed a lot of character and class.) I’m sorry that you’re going through a difficult time, but keep going. You have a lot of friends who wish you well. Best, steven
Been there, had that T-shirt – and the subsequent ‘other’ emotional T-shirts relating to being a distant father, etc, etc. I can only advise that now the messy bit is over, the rebuilding can begin without, as you say, the baggage – and it is now up to you to take the reins and control of whatever you want to do in the future. One thing I learnt is never look back – but to think of the past as viewed through the rearview mirror of a car – its reversed and therefore looks different from your ‘new’ perspective (something you probably couldnt do beforehand!) but the big window(screen) on the world is out there in front of you. Good luck and thanks for keeping the skeptic cause alive and very much kicking despite your personal issues.
Wow, a shock to read it, but a relief to get to the bit where things are getting better. Hope things continue on as massive an upward trajectory as an adjusted temperature graph.
I’m sorry to hear of your woes, and all I can say is, life on the other side of that tunnel can be marvelous. Been there, done, that, and my second wife and I have been blissfully married for 35 years now. It does – or it can – get better.
Eyes to the front, and quick-march; the past is pain and the future is where you need to be.
It’s hard. But, this is just the fact of the life.
Here in MD, 66% of the divorces are filed by women, and in most cases the guy never saw it coming.
Men are actually more romantic than women. Chew on that.
Anyway, that said, there is a lot of life out there after marriage. Enjoy it. The older I get, the most important things I think are liking yourself, having activities you enjoy, and friends. Don’t read the newspaper too much!
It’s amazing, isn’t it Anthony, just how deep that pain can go.
Great to hear that news Anthony.
Your perseverance has been exceptional.
All the best to you moving forward!
Regards Ed
My thoughts are with you. If you find yourself near Pearson International Airport and need a ride, give me a call. I’m a pretty good cook and the wine cellar…the wine cellar…crap it’s almost empty. But you can’t drink 800 bottles anyway.
When life doesn’t go your way, it’s comforting to have a dog on your side. Best regards.
Sorry to hear your story — very brave to share. WUWT has kept me sane in a world of CC Craziness. Welcome back!
Praise and thanks to Hygiea.
H/t Marvelous Minerva.
=============
So sorry you had to go through this, but it is good hear that you came out the other side without too much (apparent) damage.
I am glad you are back on on track Anthony, fantastic news! Not that I knew you were off it, but still, this is great news.
Mark
Heh, he was on auto-pilot, and with several co-pilots, too.
========
Anthony – Thank you for telling us. Yours is a shining example of the ‘transparency’ so sadly lacking in the political world. I’m sure I speak for many of us when I say – “If there is anything we can do to help please let us know”.
good luck and best wishes. Life will smile again at you
allthe luck for the new chaptr in your life
Best wishes Anthony.
I’ll post this with the hope it’ll lighten the mood a bit. 🙂 From the late, great Jim Croce:
http://youtu.be/a_2bSvTbvck
@ PaulH, on the other hand there is this one:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO1rMeYnOmM
Our wedding song 42 years ago, it is not all bad, Anthony glad to have you back.
press on
Sorry you had to go through the darkness, and glad you are back in the light. I hope you are blessed as much as you have blessed others. Best wishes.
Thank you for all the years of dedication and perseverance. I wish you the very best.
At one point in my life, it seemed that all my friends were getting divorced and I was the one person both parties could talk to. What did I learn? A lot. What advice do I have? None. Everybody is different. All I can do is say what everyone else is saying. We love you. Your personality permiates WUWT and makes it the excellent place that it is. In your darkest moments please remember that you are very important to many people.
Life is hard and it’s sometimes filled with pains,
But still a grand magnificence remains.
Please keep on keeping on because your work IS magnificent.
Also thank you for your posts about Starkey. Because of your post, I have gotten hearing aids through the Starkey foundation that have changed my life!
Thank you Anthony.
Live longer and prosper even more!
Yeah: sometimes all you want out of the relationship, is the dog..
The more I know of men, the better I like dogs.
H/t Mae West.
==========
Taken from Mark Twain.
Anthony,
We are so very indebted to you for keeping this web site going under such trying circumstances. You are doing the world a great service and I certainly appreciate it. I hope that things go more easily for you in the future.
Emergence? – now you can soar like a butterfly. Umm, I guess sometimes mixing metaphors doesn’t work.
Anthony, so sorry to hear of your travails, must have been very painful.
Glad you are moving on briskly, excellent plan given the circumstances.
Thanks for all you do with this blog.
Cheers, KevinK
Welcome back
So glad you are out of that tunnel. We all love you here at WUWT.
Beenthere … ditto, do., do. … Delighted to hear you’ve re-set yr sails to an advantageous wind.
Am fresh to this Blog, but rave about it to all my friends … truly, a mouthpiece of glorious, fresh, common-sense. Can’t wait every morning to get (effectively) my World news-feed headlines from a practical, pragmatic, balanced-science, political, societal perspective, taking the Big Picture into account. WUWT in its totality, scope, scientific contribution, argumentation, (delightful humour! repartee!) and lack of tendentiousness, is worth 1,000 IPCC Summaries!)
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
All best for the future: re-focus, move forward and set the past aside; take renewed pleasure on what you do best, and it doesn’t get better than WUWT.
Ross.
Having ridden this same ride, please know you have my support. More than that though, endless thanks for keeping the absolute best sanity tool in the forefront of the climate world! ….. Through the midst of all my life’s turmoils, YOU have been my go-to for sanity!
Hi Anthony, Yes, I know that feeling, how to find the energy to make your contribution when you yourself feel that you have been given such a raw deal. And I may say you have done much better at it than I could. But the consolation is this: you are not trying to build an empire for yourself, just trying to make the world a better place. Not for money. Not for fame. Just because you believe in it. We ask ourselves “Why do I have to do all the giving?” The answer is, because I chose to. And we choose because our inner character demands that we be better than the pole-climbers. We get what we choose, not what we want. On a more general tone, to all good people, one thing I believe: be careful and caring with your friends. Real ones are rare.
Man this is a long thread! It’s how we measure affection and respect around here. I’ve been through cancer, divorce and kidney failure and two pulmonary emboli. Nine years ago I got a kidney from my ex-wife. Boy, was she surprised when she woke up! But seriously, I’ve kept myself going several times by reminding myself how lucky I am and that I can still do things for my family as long as I’m still alive. Last but not least, (this one is for the statisticians), when things are as bad as they can get, they can only get better! If not, laughter is appropriate.
I’m so sorry, Anthony. I’m glad you’re battling your way back.
Here’s my breakup playlist:
# – Song Title – Artist – Album
—
01 – A Thousand Years – Sting – Brand New Day
02 – The Goodbye Look – Donald Fagan – The Nightfly
(this song isn’t really about personal breakups, it just sounds like it)
03 – We Just Disagree – Dave Mason – Let It Flow
04 – Evenin’ Breeze – Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks – Original Recordings
05 – Blue Spanish Sky – Chris Isaak – Heart Shaped World
06 – My Antonia – Emmylou Harris & Dave Matthews – Red Dirt Girl
(hauntingly beautiful and sad, separation due to death is a type of breakup)
07 – Romeo And Juliet – Dire Straits – Making Movies
08 – The Last Thing On My Mind – Doc Watson & Earl Scruggs – Earl Scruggs Performing with Family and Friends
09 – A Certain Sadness – Astrud Gilberto – The Diva Series
10 – Song for the Dumped – Ben Folds Five – Whatever and Ever Amen
11 – Nobody Knows Me – Lyle Lovett – Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
12 – Broken Hearted Savior – Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Live Monsters
13 – Poor Old Heart – Alison Krauss & Union Station – Lonely Runs Both Ways
14 – Heartbreak Radio – Delbert McClinton – Plain’ from the Heart
15 – Stuck In A Moment – U2 – All That You Can’t Leave Behind
16 – Dimming of the Day – Bonnie Raitt – Longing in Their Hearts
Seasons in the Sun.
==============
Seasons in the Sun?? The original (Belgian singer) lyrics are REALLY dark……
The very uplifting “Blue Skies are Coming” from the great Break-up album “First Days of Spring” Noah and the Whale https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul7XLD_AZu8
This was obviously caused by global warming.
There are lots of women your age looking for a husband.
Based on your photograph, you’ll have no trouble finding one.
You could soon be trading up to a better model.
You already had the best website on the internet.
You can’t expect to have a perfect wife too.
Most people I know have been divorced at least once — only one woman I know regrets the divorce and wishes she had stayed married — but only for the money he had, not his behavior.
Been there and done that. I had nightmares for years, and very occasionally still do after more than twenty years. There are many people who you have never met who love you and value you and your work. If you ever get to the Austin TX area, give me a shout. We can drink beer, eat BBQ, shoot guns, and go to a rousing, bible thumping Baptist church service. All of those things that us Texas Red Necks love to do!
The nightmares are rough, but then I wake up and she’s still gone so it’s ok
I know something of what you’ve been going through as it happened to me after 12 yrs & 2 kids.
I came home after a weeks work in Belgium to be told “fc uk off you don’t live here any more”, totally devastated (it’s a great way to lose weight), divorce was nasty & vindictive (I still don’t really know why it happened).
I floundered around for 2 years then met Jan, instant soul mates & best best friends; that was 30 wonderful years ago (we hope to get another 10yrs).
You’ll be bruised for a while but the world IS full of nice people (it’s only the bastards get the publicity), good luck & stay strong …..We’ve got a war to win !!!
Thanks for all you do for scientific sanity,
John & Jan.
Anthony, I’m glad you’re nearing the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been there, of course, and it was a nightmare of betrayal by my ex. However, part way through the healing process, I reunited (on LinkedIn) with the girl I had been dating before I started going out with my future ex, the Anti-Christ. After 30 years, we reconnected, and now live together very happily. It was serendipity, but you’d be surprised at the number of women out there who can make all of the difference in your life. I wish you all of the best, and you will be much happier from now on.
Anthony
As you can see you have a lot of friends out here, and a lot of respect for your conviction.
So a great big group hug is comming your way, embrace it, put a smile on your face and always remember that tomorrow is the start of a whole new day to continue the good fight.
Best regards
Martin
Anthony, that is two post now you have done that are very personal, hearing and divorce. I never thanked you for the the hearing post. Thank you. It gave the incentive to obtain my own aids. Life is much better. Not perfect but better. Wishing you happiness, good health and relief for the coming years.
I hear, hear ya’.
========
Hi Anthony – I went through a divorce nine years ago. Looking back now, I realize that it was probably a few years before I was really past it. Speaking as one of the many people who really appreciate the work you’ve done on this site over the years, I want to express my appreciation at your untiring dedication. And I’m glad you’re feeling like you’ve recovered now. I’m speaking from experience when I say that you may find that you’re affected for a lot longer than you expect. Just remember that life is long. Of course, if the boneheads behind the CAGW panic turn out to be right, maybe not. 😉
What? Being bound to a trail-blazing star wasn’t good enough for her? Or was that the trouble? Don’t answer, not necessary. Good luck, and may God bless.
H/t Red Skelton.
=============
Hello Anthony. Devastated to learn of your most recent travail adding to your and your wife’s awful health problems in recent years. I was, and continue to be, in awe of the Herculean amount of crucial work you put into the web site. Prior to my finding your site I was largely accepting of the catastrophic narrative as media in Ireland is firmly and steadfastly of the view that the issue of climate change is settled. Best of luck with things in the future. Eoin
Hang in there mate. It is no exaggeration to say that right now the world needs you.
Cheers
Roger
Anthony,
So much of our lives is private. I read your confession of pain and I was moved to tears. Moved to tears by a man who has given me so much. I am emotionally shaken. I don’t believe I could assemble the courage to disclose my personal suffering as you have done in this epistle. I am a mess of empathetic sorrow for your suffering. I am so so sad for you Anthony. You know, it has been said that people cry when they find that they are not in control. So I am and old man, crying.
There is a mystery to pain. A mystery that I don’t yet understand.
All I can say is as you seem to have already done:
Rise, let us be on our way.
Antony what you have done is incredible re climate ect., I have not even bothered to read above as we all go thru this (as I assumed I have also gone thru this ITS NORMAL). As Malcolm Fraser said “life aint meant to be easy” Its actually has to be hard and painful for survival. cheer up!!!
I’ve come to believe that the secret to living happily ever after is to die young. Because you are right (of course) people change: we change, they change, even the climate changes. There is nothing to do but go on and be as happy as possible under the circumstances. For what value my words may have I do wish you the very best though.
Anthony,
I wrote this:
It seems fitting for a man like you.
A Palisade of Hollow Trees
A stone browed hero poses proud,
Upon his chariot aloud
He shouts the name of God he knows
Will give him legs and arm to throw
His mystic axe at timbers tall,
The ancient refuge for those all
Who pain his mortal heart.
Beneath his brow his mirrors shine
In fertile soil and harvest wine,
And bend he now with axe in hand
Among the roots alone he stands,
No wheels, no horse, no whip, no reigns,
A fury flows within his veins
To strike the monster’s heart.
A mighty swing and muscles brace
The hardened blade into the base
A hollow echo now betrays
An empty stump of slow decay,
His axe flies free of faithful fist
Tumbles lost amid the mist
Devoured by the forest’s heart.
A brow shrugged low with hanging head
Empty hands and feet of lead
No vanquished villain hero made
Wine spilled sour on cracked clay
A thousand hollow trees remain
To mock the hero’s empty frame
Around his broken heart.
Paul Westhaver
I’m so sorry Anthony. Keep plugging along. You do have friends. I’d like to think I’m one. In my opinion, Kenji made the right choice. He’s one perceptive puppy.
Welcome back from the “dark-side”.
I can’t think of anything to say that wouldn’t sound trite or hollow. I don’t know the situation, and cannot presume to. But, I can tell you, you are a hero to a large crowd of people. So, thank you for the magnificent service you have provided to us all, even those who do not yet understand.
Anthony.
I am so sorry for you. I will tell you this. A loving and merciful heavenly father has brought me through major schisms like this, one of my heart for 7 years another after 33 years of giving everything I had to something. But each bad thing led to something greater. As Springsteen says in Badlands.. let the broken hearts stand as the price you have to pay… till these Badlands start treating you good.
I look for your light to shine better than ever to those of us that cherish looking for it.
On an optimistic note, I hope that the Concerned Scientist Kenji is a member in good standing, paying his dues regularly. I don’t think that anybody knows how many animal members the Union has. I estimate 80%, based on the quality of their output.
Anthony,
Been there, done that. It really does get better with time.
Like all the others, I wish you well and thank you immensely for the WUWT blog. Your contribution to science is positively mind changing.
Good news. As Willis would say, the numbers are on your side. When you are in your 20’s finding a girl was difficult. When you are a man over 40 you are entering a man-drought area. Your chance of finding someone compatible is greatly increased. Better than we thought- perhaps climate change?
My other thought is to say to other readers put your hands in your pockets and fling funds. This web site is so important to the future of Western Society we need to support it to maintain hope for our grandchildren.
Fare well and enjoy the next chapter in your life!!
Thanks for the post.
John
I am glad you are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Our prayers and good wishes are with you.
This is why we don’t have eyes in the back of our head. It’s all in front.
Wishing the very best for you. I attended Heartland conferences in Chicago ,Las Vegas, DC, I read everyone of WUWT. I know you have lots of friends at Heartland contacts. I will be hoping to read more columns. Janet Nelson. Bellevue ,WA Sent from my iPad
>
The best advice that all of us should take to heart is to …
… always make the best of it. Whatever that is.
Do not rush into the next one. I heard (and found it to be true) “For every 5 years of marriage, you need a year to recover”.
Wow if I’d ever thought of divorcing my wife that would take over 8 years ( guess I better stay married! :), 🙂 )
The hardest thing is that you have to keep up with the exterior world when your whole interior life is crumbling.
With apologies to the Kingston Trio may they RIP
They’re rioting in Africa
They’re starving in Spain
There’s hurricanes in Florida
And Texas needs rain
The whole world is festering with unhappy souls
The french hate the Germans, the Germans hate the Poles
Italians hate Yugoslavs, South Africans hate the Dutch
And I don’t like anybody very much!!
But we can be tranquil and thankful and proud
For man’s been endowed with a mushroom-shaped cloud
And we know for certain that some lovely day
Someone will set the spark off
And we will all be blown away!!
They’re rioting in Africa
There’s strife in Iran
What nature doesn’t so to us
Will be done by our fellow man
Then again a quote from Sootch
Be strong
Be of good courage
God bless America
Long live the Republic
Do the best you can Anthony
That is all anyone can ever ask.
You are a national treasure.
Anthony to a lot of us out here you are THOR! You keep hammering down bad science. We all owe you a great debt. Thank you and hammer on.
Tough row to hoe. Time is your friendly healer – keep looking and moving forward. There is much to look forward to. GK
There’s not much I can add here except to say that I know there are brighter days ahead for you. And thanks for all you’ve done here at WUWT. I’ve been a fan since 2007, when you started looking at some of the problems with Stevenson screens and climate temperature measurement.
cheers and all the best.
Frank K.
Tough times for you, but I’m glad you’ve got it sorted out now. The world needs you.
It is obvious that everyone’s thoughts are with you, Anthony.
Mine as well.
Anthony, you have my respect and admiration for what you have done and I’m sorry to hear about your troubles. Best wishes for the future.
Regards
Climate Heretic
Went through the same thing myself in 2007. It started a string of bad things one after another.
So many I got numb and it almost got to be laughable. Marriage, real estate/ finances, health all crashing.
Had to put down both pets and lost both of my parents too.
I now tell everyone with troubles to just to do this.
Peace.:)
So glad you are out of that tunnel. Love your site….. Daily Reader.
Greetings from Manila, Anthony. WUWT has acquired a life of its own including its own loyal readers, mainly because of you and your network. Congrats for being back in the loop.
Hang in there, Anthony! Best wishes!
On 16 June 2010, we met for a few minutes at the Sheraton Mirage, Gold Coast on your Australian tour. You are responsible for my becoming a proud, passionate skeptic. It is good to hear your heart has lifted and you are feeling positive about the future. Being somewhat deaf, I appreciated your explorations on how to hear better yourself. Anthony, you are a truly humble person. Time to visit Australia again. It’s politics are driving me crazy. Also, your politics are mind blowing!
Thanks for all you have done for free and open debate during such difficult personal times. In a few years you will look back and it will seem like a story that happened to somebody else. Let it be .Don’t look back – think about your new life and new beginnings. Best Wishes Norman
Thanks for coming back, Anthony.
Sit down, relax, kick your shoes off.
And watch out, it can get a bit crazy around here.
All hands on deck . Hopefully you find someone who shares your passion for truth and honesty .
I have no doubt you will .
Carry on Skipper .
Hang in there, Anthony. The world needs you.
Good luck Anthony. You have friends here.
the old saying life goes on lots of luck from now on
Anthony. I went through a divorce in 1980 and changed my job at the same time. It took me many years to get over it. There was nothing anyone said that helped. I thought I was never going to be happy again. I was wrong. Humor helped during my sad times. Here is a ytube link that helps me even now. https://youtu.be/Y8JYAo1giBU
From every disaster comes new and greater things. So many people are glad to share what you started in many places.
Thanks for all your hard work. Without hero’s like your self the world would descend into darkness.
I am very sad to hear about your immediate past predicament, and I am very glad to hear that you are back on a good road in life. Take care.
I’ve been there, Anthony. A lot of us understand. I am just glad that you made it back. Not everyone does.
Anthony, I speak for 99% of people here when I say, if you ever need ANYTHING from any of us, don’t hesitate to ask. Anything, whether it be people to talk to, financial help, hands and feet to work, a shoulder, advice, anything.
I will make a wager – I bet in 18 months time, you will be saying your life is now better than ever.
I know the pain Anthony at times one wonders if it will ever subside, having been through it twice the best I can offer is do not think you will ever figure it out, it just is and the sooner you accept and move on the better.
Been there, done that mate. Give it a few years and life will be all tops again. It’s easy to say looking back, but I certainly know how hard things are. Take some time for yourself and it’ll be OK. Time keeps on ticking.
Thank you for sharing Anthony. This devastation happened to me six years ago too. After I came back from the darkness I realized what a great life I’d had prior to the “event” which, fortunately, was accomplished probably in the top one percentile of friendliness. So I ended up gravitating to a state that really helped me move on, and I even discuss this with any friend who asks. I consider that the pre-divorce Phil had a fabulous life, which I did, and then was reincarnated into a new life. It has really helped me thinking that way, so I thought I’d pass it on.
Single-parenting two late-teen, early twenties California kids/young adults has been a bit challenging though ……
On another note Anthony, I am so looking forward to the day you receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Welcome back.
Anthony, I’m not a poster at your site but a frequent lurker. I’ve been through a divorce and can emphathize with you. I really appreciate your site and the work you do. Thank you so much.
Even if a divorce is the right thing and for the best there is still the sadness that something has ended. I hope that both of you can move forward.
Resiliance maintained. Welcome back, Anthony.
We are all concerned about your circumstances. Please, keep on doing what you are doing.
Anthony, have lost a spouse through cancer. But death is final. Divorce, as far as I know, never is.
Thanks for hanging in there and supporting us who try to do our little bit.
Strength and good luck.
What do they say about what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Don’t think you really need that quote, we all know that you are a strong, beautiful man. Onwards and upwards from a keen follower of your site, and occasional contributor.
I have seen a million bad marriages but never a bad divorce. Divorces always turn out to be the right thing to do, and usually happen later than they should (people are eternal optimists and delude themselves).
I would hope that divorces teach folks a lot about themselves and romance, but seeing a few friends on their 4th marriage (and not good ones) leads me to believe that this is certainly not a given. I often wonder some couples stay together – they certainly treat each other more like enemies than anyhing else – each one trying to force the other to be the person they clearly are not and never can be (or hould be).
Yep. I went to Bristol once as well. brrrr
I remain amazed, despite 30+ years in technology, how are virtual world has allowed us to forge bonds with people we’ve never even met.
That said, your timing sucks. I’m recovering from major surgery, and I will share with you that there are precious few people on this planet for whom I would drag myself to a keyboard right now in order to wish them well. You couldn’t have waited a couple of more weeks? 😉
Best wishes.
Praying for you, davidmhoffer. Janice
Get well soon David! We miss you!
Anthony, thank you for providing the world with this shining Beacon of Hope: WUWT.
In my long experience of life, sorrow is one of those, unavoidable at some point, happenings that strengthen the character (not that yours seems to need much strengthening!). It certainly helps one understand and share with others their own feelings of loss. And I really do feel for you.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other – you will get there.
Kindest and most sincere good wishes to you.
Anthony, I’ve been a WUWT lurker for many years and had the privilege of shaking your hand when you were in Brisbane (Australia) as part of a lecture series some time ago. I have directed many people to your website as the source of empirical science and reason in the CAGW debate.
Your efforts have been well recognised here in Oz and there are significant developments in the political arena that will hopefully bring the debate to a head over the next year or two. I say all this by way of thanks, your efforts are greatly appreciated and are making a real difference.
Great to see you are back and moving forward.
Anthony,
Sorry to hear of your divorce. I have no words that mean much at such a time in your life. I can only wish you the best and thank you for all the accomplishments with WUWT, which have educated me and many of my contacts with real data and honest science.
Anthony,
My first post…and likely my last as I have not much to add on the technical front. I am very happy to read that things are going better for you. I graduated from MIT quite some time ago and when I hear/read the ill-informed views of people about CAGW I take solace that I know there are people like you fighting the good fight and trying preserve the meaning of “science.” Often I come to the site to read articles and comments and convince myself that I’m not going crazy.
I truly believe that you are doing something valuable here; you should be very proud of your efforts.
You have been a great example to me and I now do my best to gently (and not always so gently) nudge people in the right direction regarding these issues.
I second stan stendera’s plea below.
=================
Dear Anthony,
Yes, divorce is a small death and mourning and resetting priorities takes time. I went through that back in 1982,. I am glad you are out of the tunnel.
Yes, people change .. I would have never thought to what extent back then. At present my ex and I have become good friends, due not just to the children, but the grandchildren.He and his significant other spend time as family all together at the summer cottage,of my son, sharing board and bread ( and sea for swimming).
keep strong
Anna
Gee, anna; fission and fusion.
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Best wishes, Anthony. In theory, nobody in the world is indispensable, but in practice you are as close as it is possible to be.
h/t Anthony, good to have you around !
Sorry to hear of your sad times Anthony. I hope all goes well for you in the future, from the positive tone of your comments above I suspect you’ll come through this painful period a stronger and wiser person.
Anthony, you haveperformed very well under enormous stress and provided a public service not many people can say that.
Now back to work!
Been there, Done that.
Keep strong.
I was a mess in that respect for quite a while too.
But the freedom I now have, is a blessing 🙂
Very sorry to hear this, Anthony but I admire your great courage for carrying on as though things were normal. Thanks for letting us know and battling on as you have I know life will get better for you now.
When I met you over here years ago I knew you were special. And you have proved it. Jim
The way that nature or our creator has designed life on earth means that during our privileged stay, as well as experiencing joy and happiness, we all have to endure pain and suffering.
Anthony, sincerely sorry to read about yours and if all the pain has not completely disappeared I can assure you that the greatest healer of all – time – will make it go.
I personally did not need to hear any explanations or apologies for any inactivity on the blog but I am moved by your post and the frank responses of support.
My small cent’s worth of advice is just be well, be active and do what you enjoy doing most. I hope that your internationally renowned, extremely important, professional blog continues. But don’t give up your life running it and whatever path you take, always find time to smell the flowers on the way. Good luck.
You’re the man, Anthony! Always has been and always will be – Good luck on your new journey.
Anthony, you know what the only blog worse than this is. You will find someone to bring you joy and long life to forestall that blog.
Anthony, thanks for bringing to us this place of learning and sharing and refuge.
Everyone, every life and every relationship is different, but I would not wish divorce, nor its causes and repercussions on anyone else. That said, given your grace and openness and determination I can only imagine that your happiest and most rewarding days are in front of you. Keep up the good work.
Anthony, you are a very strong man. You will find much happiness in the years ahead.
I check you website at least twice a day. Every time I do so since we were last together in Washington at the last Heartland Conference on Climate Change I have thought about your personal well being. Yes, I have given you my very best thoughts every time I have clicked on WUWT.
You devote so much of your time to managing this spectacularly successful website, I suspect it distracted you in a significant way from other matters that wanted more attention. I certainly know that my total devotion to my professional life was a significant factor in divorce for me years ago. I note that a wealthy successful businessman who is very much in the news these days was divorced twice while he was building his company. I don’t know of more than one or two “stars” who has maintained a marriage for a life time. Love and attention for your Children and respect for your ex wife will be important in the years ahead. Much good luck and my very best. Anthony, I envy your website. You are a spectacular success.
So sorry for your news.
You only live twice;
Once when you are born,
And once when you look death in the face.
17th century Japanese poet Matsuo Basho
Divorce is a kind of death. Hopefully, having now faced this, you will live again – with renewed relish! The courage of posting as openly and honestly as you have is evidence in chief!
Welcome back.
Been there. Done that. Bought the tee-shirt.
I wish you well on the road ahead.
Animals (Kenji) have an uncanny ability to snuggle up with the nicest people.
Vuk said it very well. My first wife died 10 years ago after 40 years together. But I have a ton of great memories. I focus on them. Hopefully you have many good memories from before the drift.
Everyone drifts over time. Both my children separated from their partners. As traumatic as it was, it was best. Now they have double families and a much better relationship with their ex’s than before.
In 1968 I wrote the following on a piece of paper I have kept to this day:
I wish you the very best for the future.
Thank you for this blog.
And thank you for providing all the information from many people I feel I know to a limited degree – plus all the valuable articles and comments from which I have created close to two thousand references.
You and the people here are truly amazing.
Yeah – been there myself. Only time and getting on with getting on will help. 🙂
All the best
Dear Anthony, Wellcome back; you have weathered a storm. WUWT is still the speed dial on my computer.
Glad you’re back!
Anthony,
Sorry to hear of the personal travails – I wish you good times ahead.
Your courage is an inspiration to us all, Anthony.
Keep going and never give in. Never. Ever.
All the best for your future. I’m sure it will be a great one.
Godspeed Anthony! I’m looking forward to the future and all of the enlightening you bring to those of us seeking the truth in the climate debate. Rarely a day goes by that I don’t read WUWT.
So glad to see that you have been able to weather what must have been a horrible two year storm! Onwards and upwards and all the best for your new adventure!
They say you know who your real friends are when the going gets tough.
It seems you have a lot of friends!
You must be doing something right!
Good luck!
Peace, Anthony. Wow.