Gratitude.

[cantwell.colton]

ya know im about to be 26 and i was sitting here thinking about how lucky i was as how my life has really turned around in the last two years... before then i wasnt even worth my weight in pennies.
I was on a quick path of destruction with alcohol and drugs with no regard to
anyone including myself --

now im sober (since june 21, 2008) i have a beautiful family and a few actual friends, and an amazing hobby and people like you folks to share it with.

i guess i just wanted to say thanks for all the inspiration/help and advice - and just being decent people -- probably help me more than i can ever help you guys but
i thought that you all should know that youre greatly appreciated.

Thats all-- sorry for getting all sentimental lol.

 

[Davidhud29]

Don't think we've really met. But glad to be here for you and anybody else. Glad to hear you're doing well. It takes a real man to be a father and daddy and husband and good employee and hot rod.., I mean RAT rodder. It can be difficult to balance what you want to do and what you need to do and even what you should do. I know it is for me.

 

[CR55]

Congrats on the sobriety and your new family life! That's the great part of being on this site, you have friends not aquaintances on here! I have a good friend who was in the same boat as you. Name it and he did it! Now he's sober and has a great family. If he can do it for 25 years, so can you! [cl..CR

 

[FlatBroke]

All I can do is echo what David, and CR55 said. I won't even try to speak for anyone else, BUT, I believe that we would much rather hear the sentiments from you here, in person, instead of hearing that we lost another car enthusiast to something that could have been prevented.

Hang in there Brother, we are here with you...

 

[fuzz]

Congradulations...been there done that. We're surounded by temptation and it's easy to backslide so please remember we're always here for you...

 

[donsrods]

Thank you for telling us about this, we're so happy for you. Most if not all of us were different people in our younger days than we are today, it's part of the growing up process. I really wasn't that great of a guy myself until my twin Sons were born, very self centered and didn't always do the right things. Family and (true) friends can change things a lot.

You've come too far to turn back now, and I bet you are really proud of yourself, as are your loved ones. We are proud of you too.

Don

 

[RPM]

I am sure we all have a skeleton or 2 in the closet. It takes a big person to realize problems and be able to deal with them. Congratulations on you new lease on life.

 

[dmw56]

That wonderful that you've turned your life around and now have a focus on things. More than a few of us went down that path for awhile and finally realized that wasn't the way to go. You figured it out a lot sooner than I did.

I feel the same way about the guys on here, they are like family to me. The good kind you know the ones I don't have to go visit on holidays. Just kidding!

 

[earthman]

A heartwarming story bud. Good for you.

 

[Hotrodsparky]

Brother, the only reason you let yourself go there in the first place is because you felt you weren't worth your weight in pennies. I'm glad you discovered you were wrong about that. Stories like yours helps us all to see the potential in others that are still there.

I've been studying the subject of spirituality for a few decades now, and I must say that those that struggle the most shine the brightest. Ever notice how the people that are born with the biggest 'handicap' are the ones who fight the hardest and enjoy life the most? There's a girl that goes to my daughter's high school, she has no legs-whatsoever- this girl is on the track team! She's got a tricked out chair kinda set up long like a dragster.

I'm glad to hear about how happy you are with your family, I'm sure your statement will help someone else who has yet to find their full potential....

 

[gww]

good for you and your family. one day at a time..

 

[cantwell.colton]

good for you and your family. one day at a time..

thanks but how have i never seen your cab over?



** thanks for all the kind and encouraging words everyone else added as well -- the cab over just really caught my eye

 

[42chevy]

I was there myself. I came real close to dying and about 15 years ago I had an epiphany and have been clean since. I would not go back for anything. Thanks for making me remember and to be grateful for what I have. Hang in there, it only gets better!

 

[shakey56]

Pay it forward

CONGRATS......Well, I'm about to be 66!!!...never thought I'd make it. Family and friends and God can get us through. Be proud and be there for others.

Shakey

 

[hotrodron]

Congrats on your progress. 2 years approaching very soon. Good for you. I know myself and many others here can relate to your story. Keep it up [cl

 

[PA41]

I'm with you--For these last 45 years the passion for these machines in one form or another, has been one of the 'rocks' in my life. Add your family, your faith, and your profession, and you've built a life.. Good on ya.

Then you run into a car forum that understands that 'life happens' .. Thanks to RRR for embracing the humanity in the car culture, and letting the whole thing be addressed.

PA41

 

[cantwell.colton]

whats funny is i would be more likely to help most of you quicker than i would
be to help most people i know in person -- not that theyre bad people
theyre just not necessarily good people.

 

[42chevy]

I think this group are the kind of people we wish were neighbour's. Everyone responds well when we are having troubles. You can be "real" here IMO.

 

[Hotrodsparky]

I think this group are the kind of people we wish were neighbour's. Everyone responds well when we are having troubles. You can be "real" here IMO.

Man, if you guys were filling up my cul-de-sac THAT would be somethin'!! There would be a permanent cirlcle of rubber dust in it!!

 

[CR55]

Man, if you guys were filling up my cul-de-sac THAT would be somethin'!! There would be a permanent cirlcle of rubber dust in it!!

I want to live next door to DMW and have Gastrick as my other neighbor. I would be sneaking into their garages on a daily basis!!!!....CR