Craig Mac
BoM 4/10 7/11 12/14
As I sit here early this morning, my mind races a thousand miles an hour as I have a lot to think about right now. You see it was on this day 3 years ago that I had a life changing experience. Most that were around BOTL remember the story, but to those who weren't here is a quick recap (I remember it all too well).
I had just closed up the shop around 9pm and walked over to my favorite bar and ordered a big mug of beer with a buddy and not two sips in my phone rings. It was my neighbor and as soon as I answer he tells me "the house is on fire". I assumed he was joking so I said something to the effect of " Yeah, right ". He then repeated himself and there was something about his tone that told me he was serious. I rushed out of the bar and headed home.
When I arrived, I couldn't even park within a few blocks of my place because there were so many Fire trucks already there. I spent the next several hours watching everything I owned disappear right in front of me. I still remember the smell when I went in the house hours later. I went in hoping that something was salvageable, but it was obvious that everything was gone. I walked away that night with nothing more than the clothes I had on.
The next day I went in and got a look at the damage, and it was as expected, things were barely recognizable and it was such a sinking feeling. I didn't spend very long there the next day because there was really nothing that could be done. Just before I left I went to check the vinotemp just to get one last glance at my stash. As I went to open the door, it didn't budge. So I yanked at a few more times and got it to open. To my surprise, the sweet smell of cedar and tobacco cut through the stench left behind by the fire. What had happened was, the fire melted the gasket enough to seal the door shut and protected the sticks from Fire or water damage. The craziest thing.... The one thing I intended to set on fire was the only thing that survived it.
The days following this event were some of the most humbling days of my life. So many great people did some amazing things. From friends to family to complete strangers went out of their way to help me when I needed it the most. I am a very proud person and don't like to ask for anything, it was very difficult for me to accept what others were doing. I've tried very hard to make sure each and every person knows what their generosity means to me, and I hope if anything, I succeeded in doing that.
So.... Here we are 3 years later. I've moved to a different spot and have "rebuilt" my life and started over with a new appreciation for how easy it is to take things in life for granted. I won't ever forget what those people did for me and I am truly grateful.....
First of all, I am grateful that no one was hurt, my neighbor for some reason happened to be up later than normal that night and got out safely. I'm truly grateful for my friends and family for all the support they offered. Grateful to those who showed up with a bag of clothes they bought or took from there closet. Grateful to those who called, emailed, text messaged, etc to check on me and see if I needed anything.
And finally, most of all I am still humbled by what all the people from BOTL did for me, I don't think I would have bounced back so easily if it wasn't for everything everyone here did. I know I could never pay back the generosity I was shown, but I will try and I will never take it for granted. So many here did so many great things and I want to once again say thank you. There is a reason we call this a brotherhood, we come for the cigars and stay for the friemdships that we create.
I had just closed up the shop around 9pm and walked over to my favorite bar and ordered a big mug of beer with a buddy and not two sips in my phone rings. It was my neighbor and as soon as I answer he tells me "the house is on fire". I assumed he was joking so I said something to the effect of " Yeah, right ". He then repeated himself and there was something about his tone that told me he was serious. I rushed out of the bar and headed home.
When I arrived, I couldn't even park within a few blocks of my place because there were so many Fire trucks already there. I spent the next several hours watching everything I owned disappear right in front of me. I still remember the smell when I went in the house hours later. I went in hoping that something was salvageable, but it was obvious that everything was gone. I walked away that night with nothing more than the clothes I had on.
The next day I went in and got a look at the damage, and it was as expected, things were barely recognizable and it was such a sinking feeling. I didn't spend very long there the next day because there was really nothing that could be done. Just before I left I went to check the vinotemp just to get one last glance at my stash. As I went to open the door, it didn't budge. So I yanked at a few more times and got it to open. To my surprise, the sweet smell of cedar and tobacco cut through the stench left behind by the fire. What had happened was, the fire melted the gasket enough to seal the door shut and protected the sticks from Fire or water damage. The craziest thing.... The one thing I intended to set on fire was the only thing that survived it.
The days following this event were some of the most humbling days of my life. So many great people did some amazing things. From friends to family to complete strangers went out of their way to help me when I needed it the most. I am a very proud person and don't like to ask for anything, it was very difficult for me to accept what others were doing. I've tried very hard to make sure each and every person knows what their generosity means to me, and I hope if anything, I succeeded in doing that.
So.... Here we are 3 years later. I've moved to a different spot and have "rebuilt" my life and started over with a new appreciation for how easy it is to take things in life for granted. I won't ever forget what those people did for me and I am truly grateful.....
First of all, I am grateful that no one was hurt, my neighbor for some reason happened to be up later than normal that night and got out safely. I'm truly grateful for my friends and family for all the support they offered. Grateful to those who showed up with a bag of clothes they bought or took from there closet. Grateful to those who called, emailed, text messaged, etc to check on me and see if I needed anything.
And finally, most of all I am still humbled by what all the people from BOTL did for me, I don't think I would have bounced back so easily if it wasn't for everything everyone here did. I know I could never pay back the generosity I was shown, but I will try and I will never take it for granted. So many here did so many great things and I want to once again say thank you. There is a reason we call this a brotherhood, we come for the cigars and stay for the friemdships that we create.
Last edited:
