My story. Hope it will make someone feel not alone who needs it.

[Deer_hunter_088]

So today after work I was sitting in my truck thinking. Dark nights make me think. I thought of where I came from. I was the kid who sat in the back of the class. Failed everything. Was a outcast, destined to be a worthless p.o.s. I was in a dark patch. But then I discovered my love for machines. Specially cars. I was 12s no getting a car yet. So I bought a fourwheeler. That fourwheeler turned into my k10. Then that k10 made me get a job. That Job made me get anoter vehicle. My s10. Those two trucks led me here. Again still a rough patch I'm going through at this time. I'm 16 at this point. My dad left. My mom started drinking. But hey I was strong. So I kept working at this job until they started forcing me to quit. So another job. I'm 17 then. I worked 3 jobs over the summer to save a Lil bit of cash. Then, 3 weeks ago I get a call. It's the PRESIDENT of the local nursing home asking me to work, he offered me a decent hourly rate. I accepted. Now I'm 18 juggle college,high school, an almost full time job. A girlfriend of 3 years and building a truck. I'm happier than ever now.

But I couldn't have done it without help from yall. Especially flashed. John ya kept my head up through the worst time in my life.

As for the person reading this. DON'T EVER GIVE UP. I'D YOU NEED A FRIEND TO TALK TO PM ME!!!

P.s. this is a vent post. Not a call for attention.
P.s.s 67-72 chevy are better than any other truck

[1968k20]

I just wish they had the Internet when I was young, just to read stories like this. Thank you so much!

[1968k20]

PS- I never gave up.

[Deer_hunter_088]

Originally Posted by 1968k20

PS- I never gave up.

Good. You better not. I just hope it gives atleast one person hope. I wish someone reads this and knows itl be okay instead of giving up. We truck people are a family. We gotta stick up for each other and help each other. Or our hobby will die.

[flashed]

All I did was encourage you to be yourself and be strong and to promise me a couple of things which I wont go into here . I offered advice and shared the love of these trucks and my love for you . Even though we have not met in person I know you pretty well from our conversations and I love you like a son . Keep on dreaming and believing in yourself and keep working on that truck .

[Deer_hunter_088]

Originally Posted by flashed

All I did was encourage you to be yourself and be strong and to promise me a couple of things which I wont go into here . I offered advice and shared the love of these trucks and my love for you . Even though we have not met in person I know you pretty well from our conversations and I love you like a son . Keep on dreaming and believing in yourself and keep working on that truck .

I've heald true to those promises bud. No new scars. And we will meet soon bub. And il drive that truck down there.

[yuccales]

Great story! Do not ever stop tinkering. Keeping those hands busy keeps your mind working. You will find your new job very rewarding. Helping the elderly is a great thing to do. Keep your ears open, as their stories are the history of this great country we live in.

[Deer_hunter_088]

Originally Posted by yuccales

Great story! Do not ever stop tinkering. Keeping those hands busy keeps your mind working. You will find your new job very rewarding. Helping the elderly is a great thing to do. Keep your ears open, as their stories are the history of this great country we live in.

Sadly I work in a primary care facility so I don't get to talk to residents alot. Now on the assisted living side however I have heard tons of stories.

When I have a suicidal thought I get online and research. Or I tinker. That's how I'm 18 and smarter than the average highschooler.

I'm not a huge tough guy. I'm 6'1 and 230 lbs but I have a heart. IL gladly tell my story if it makes someone not give up. I came awfully close to giving up. If anyone has any questions about me ask. Im willing to tell.

[Chevyland]

Originally Posted by flashed

All I did was encourage you to be yourself and be strong and to promise me a couple of things which I wont go into here . I offered advice and shared the love of these trucks and my love for you . Even though we have not met in person I know you pretty well from our conversations and I love you like a son . Keep on dreaming and believing in yourself and keep working on that truck .

Now that’s some ‘Real’ stuff right there !!
-What life is really all about-
Connection, And caring
I applaud you both

There definitely is something about these trucks, that brings us all together

[Deer_hunter_088]

Originally Posted by Chevyland

Now that’s some ‘Real’ stuff right there !!
-What life is really all about-
Connection, And caring
I applaud you both

There definitely is something about these trucks, that brings us all together

That is true. Maybe it's just how popular these trucks where. And they are affordable classics so its a mix of young and old. And that inspires a bond.

[Ol Blue K20]

I was at my cabin for a week off the grid. I just read this and I think your story is very inspiring and hopefully helps others.

[Grumpy old man]

Well all I'm going to say is not many have the perfect family or relationships when you're young and the best advice is to toughen up buttercup ! You're barely 18 and have a long way to go before life really kicks in and you should enjoy everyday you have until that happens . The secret to a good life is easy just do these 4 things .

Don't have any kids out of wedlock

Get and keep a job -Your doing this one

Don't spend more than you make on toys ,and BUY not rent your first home .

Learn how important credit is and how to use it wisely .

If you do these 4 things you'll be fine .

[GOPAPA]

I am happy for you deer hunter, Sometimes a person has to dig a bit deaper to get where you want to get ,and this you did..I am also happy that flashed was there for you at the right time ..and glad that you came back and shared it all with us .. your going to make kid ,, you now have the grit to do it ..

[fun in dirt]

That is awesome dude!!! (sending you a virtual hug & fist bump - LOL)
Ditto on what Chevyland said ... the trucks are just a good connecting point to meet some great folks!

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Well all I'm going to say is not many have the perfect family or relationships when you're young and the best advice is to toughen up buttercup ! You're barely 18 and have a long way to go before life really kicks in and you should enjoy everyday you have until that happens . The secret to a good life is easy just do these 4 things .

Don't have any kids out of wedlock

Get and keep a job -Your doing this one

Don't spend more than you make on toys ,and BUY not rent your first home .

Learn how important credit is and how to use it wisely .

If you do these 4 things you'll be fine .

Good advise....

at 62...I look back at myself at 18 and realize just how little I knew...about anything.

I was lucky to have a good family life as a kid....and a friend who got me into the machinist trade at 18....been on my own ever since

I've come a long way...but I tell you from experience..the road is not always smooth and you must prepare for what is often a bumpy ride...

ultimately you are the one....the only one...... who is responsible for your own well-being and happiness....

keep your feet on the ground but keep reaching for the stars....

best of luck to you my young friend...

As Ron White says....."when life hands you lemons...find someone with vodka...and have a party...!"

[Deer_hunter_088]

Yall are awesome. I'm not asking for attention. I'm jus hoping to inspire someone that they can make it too.

[cypressbog]

Here's my interpretation of these golden rules and a new one

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Don't have any kids out of wedlock Don't have any kids. Period!

Get and keep a job -Keep that job until you can find something that better. Better can mean different things. More money, better benefits, greater upward mobility, etc)

Don't spend more than you make on toys ,and BUY not rent your first home .

Decide what is a want and what is a need.

Learn how important credit is and how to use it wisely . Bet advice!

$5: Put 10% of every paycheck away into retirement and start NOW!

If you do these 4 things you'll be fine .

[flashed]

I met Noah on here one lonely night either before my wife passed away or right after , and he shocked me with what he posted . I reached out to him in hopes that I could help him thru a tough time ,gave him my phone numbers and email so we could talk it out . I knew I needed to do whatever I could to be a friend to him as he needed one badly . I think the tables turned on me though as he has been a big help to me getting over my wifes death . Sometimes we just need to open our hearts and minds and let things happen . I still dont believe in things just happening for no reason , I think God knew we both needed each other and put us together that night . Love you Buddy .

[A1971Blazer]

Originally Posted by flashed

I met Noah on here one lonely night either before my wife passed away or right after , and he shocked me with what he posted . I reached out to him in hopes that I could help him thru a tough time ,gave him my phone numbers and email so we could talk it out . I knew I needed to do whatever I could to be a friend to him as he needed one badly . I think the tables turned on me though as he has been a big help to me getting over my wifes death . Sometimes we just need to open our hearts and minds and let things happen . I still dont believe in things just happening for no reason , I think God knew we both needed each other and put us together that night . Love you Buddy .

A blessing is always two fold....when a blessing goes out....one always returns....that's Grace....poured out in abundance....
may God bless all those involved.....even in the smallest of ways...
He knows the heart of each one

[68C15]

Have you ever smelted lead. You turn up the heat so the slag and impurities come to the surface. Then it's easier to skim them off and cast them away.

We, as humans, are like lead. When the heat is on, skim and cast the slag

[Deer_hunter_088]

So yesterday the unexpected happened. I'm in ag shop, welding on my mower. Well the ag teacher comes in and gets me. I think I'm in trouble lol. Well I get up there and the welding salesperson is there. He had a box with him. He opened it up and it was a auto darkening welding helmet welding gloves, and a welding jacket. Did I mention that I'm in high school and doing college classes? The guy said my ag teacher asked him if he had any extra gear around as mine was basically junk. So now I got brand new gear that actually works. Plus the local company earned my business in the future.

[Deer_hunter_088]

Originally Posted by 68C15

Have you ever smelted lead. You turn up the heat so the slag and impurities come to the surface. Then it's easier to skim them off and cast them away.

We, as humans, are like lead. When the heat is on, skim and cast the slag

Yes I have. Then the molten metal after having some time to cool off is made into a useful peices of material and not just a chunk of lead. Like humans

[Deer_hunter_088]

Originally Posted by flashed

I met Noah on here one lonely night either before my wife passed away or right after , and he shocked me with what he posted . I reached out to him in hopes that I could help him thru a tough time ,gave him my phone numbers and email so we could talk it out . I knew I needed to do whatever I could to be a friend to him as he needed one badly . I think the tables turned on me though as he has been a big help to me getting over my wifes death . Sometimes we just need to open our hearts and minds and let things happen . I still dont believe in things just happening for no reason , I think God knew we both needed each other and put us together that night . Love you Buddy .

I remember it. It was the day joan passed. I saw you posted a thread and p.m.ed you. We exchange get numbers and we talked for a few hours and we ended up close. I remember when you'd randomly call me to ask for advice. Then it turned out I needed a friend and I trusted you with some dark secrets which I still do. Then you made me promise not to do a few things which I've held my word. I'm hoping to make a trip that way soon

[yuccales]

Originally Posted by Deer_hunter_088

Plus the local company earned my business in the future.

Sounds like you have a good head on those shoulders. Business relationships & personal relationships are both like camp fires, if you don't tend to them regularly, they will soon go out.

[CG]

It sounds like you have an open mind, seems a little rare on an 18 year old these days. Im going to make a suggestion. I have a membership to podcast one and I really like listening to Adam Carolla. He can be over the top crass, so probably not everyones cup of tea.

He also has a podcast called Take a Knee. This podcast he reels in the crass stuff to almost zero, Im even having my 13 year old grand daughter listen.

He interviews people from all walks that have amazing insights on "making it". Even though I'm 59 I really love listening to the stories and glean some very good insights from them. Believe me some of the places these people have come from make your story sound like a cake walk.

I found a link for you. Im pretty sure most of them are here. But because this isn't a premium membership area you will probably have some commercials to forward through and my guess they hold some of them out. I wish I would have had some of the insights these people talk about when I was 18, and the smarts (lol) not to pooh pooh them and do things my way. Funny how stupid the folks telling me what I should and shouldn't do back when I was a kid were, and now when I look back at how smart they actually were. Use experience and wisdom to learn, not push back on. Why remake the wheel when people have been there done that?

By the way don't discount a single one just because you read the blurb and don't think it applies to you. They all apply, one of my favorites was from the woman that started Hungry Girl ... I had never hear of her or Hungry Girl, but when her an Adam get to talking its really very interesting stuff. Listen to all from beginning to end, sometimes it takes a bit to ramp up.

http://www.podcastone.com/podcast?categoryID2=335