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.
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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!