Thomas Conine:  

I got sober in 1982 after years of partying and playing Animal House on several college campuses. I began a career in construction and became a carpenter, shipbuilder, laborer, piledriver and after 36 years of experience, including a 30 year career as a Union Carpenter retired at age 57 due to my body saying it had enough. I was married twice and had 4 children. 3 from my first marriage that I was awarded physical custody of due to my ex wife drug problem and 1 from a relationship at age 40.I was a responsible father, and the Judge for my custody case told me that I should be proud of myself,because I was always there for my children. I was a ward of the state for 8 years before I left an abusive foster home and returned to my biological family in Houghs Neckin the summer of 1975.My family didn't want me and told me to go back where I came from and never accepted me into my family again. I was an alcoholic by the time I was in High school trying to kill the emotional pain of abandonment and never getting any Love or encouragement as a ward of the state. There were rumors that I was in reform Shool,and people didn't know me ,because I had gone to Jr High in Portland, Maine where I was very well known and played every minute of the Football games,and nailed a lot of Quarterbacks and running backs.I want to apologize to my football team mates for my alcoholism getting out of control and its affect on my playing and my poor attitude as I lost my ability to stop drinking. I am 38 years sober,...Expand for more