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Dear Chaveirim,

Lag Ba'Omer is a wonderful day on the Jewish calendar. For me, it is a very special milestone, as I am now, as of Lag Ba'Omer 5776, seven years clean, b'Ezras Hashem.

I have had amazing Hashgacha regarding my anniversary dates. The day when I was three years clean (May 18, 2012) fell on Yesod she'beYesod (the 41st day of the Omer). I was incredulous at the Hashgacha. As noted back then, according to the Luach, the next time May 18 falls on Yesod she'beYesod is 2050 (5810)! Of course, we hope Moshiach will be here well before then, which might make it come out sooner!

Then, two years ago (May 18, 2014), my five-year milestone fell on Lag BaOmer - a day of great Kedusha and celebration. As an added bonus, the Heiliger Guard happened to be in my area for a Chasunah, so I actually spent time with him on this special day. We agreed that, be"H, Lag BaOmer, as opposed to the secular date, would be my anniversary date in future years. Lag Ba'Omer is Hod she'beHod; this is very appropriate for an anniversary date, because the greatest glory is when we strive to live b'Kedusha (one day at a time).

As an added bonus for last year (2015 - my 6-year anniversary), Guard pointed out to me that the number six represents Yesod! As my dear friend Bardichev (gosh, I miss him!) would say - Gevaldig!

Although I don't use May 18 as my anniversary date anymore, I still look to it for symbolism. This year (2016), May 18 falls on the 25th day of the Omer - Netzach she'beNetzach. This symbolizes that all our struggles in the area of Kedusha, which are temporary, produce eternal results.

I am deeply grateful to the RBS"O, to Guard, and to the GYE community for helping me reach this point. To those whom I know from the forum and, especially, to those whom I've spoken to or met in person, your friendship means the world to me.

We should all continue to make progress and serve the RBS"O b'Kedusha, one day at a time!

Kedusha

P.S. In response to someone on the forum who asked how I was able to remain clean for so long, I responded as follows:

The bottom line is that I decided that, be"H, I would do whatever it takes to stay clean, one day at a time. Whether it's reading through the GYE Handbook, implementing the three-second-rule, participating in one of the phone conferences, posting on the forum, having an occasional live meeting with other GYE members, or using only properly filtered internet, I've done whatever it takes to stay clean, one day at a time, and I'm prepared, be"H, to continue to do whatever it takes.

It's not always easy, but it does get easier over time.

Hope this helps. Hatzlacha to you!