On a serious note>

[turbomangt]

Yesterday afternoon, after my detail job, I spent time helping PT owners with their car care questions. (Boy, you guys sure have plenty of them) I don't mind doing it, I actually enjoy helping people out. As I sat by the conmputer my 18 year old son, who plays football for his high school, sat next to me. Matt is a senior, and their season is coming to a close. (7/1 record they hope to get to state) Matt is a tough kid, seldom, if ever have I seen him cry. He is my middle son, and has played football since he was five. Dad, he says, do you have a minute? Sure (now, if any of you have teenagers, you know this is a rare event, son asking for help) I looked at him and asked what was wrong. At that moment, nothing in my life could of been more important, than to see my son, feeling alone, isolated, so full of despair, that he needed his old man that much. As a tear ran down his face, he told me he couldn't face leaving high school, not seeing his friends anymore, but beyond anyting else, he couldn't understand where the time went, and how these years of playing the game he so loves, will come to a close. Being young, I told him, is a great gift. Growing up is part of life. Change is destiny beyond what we cannot control, and opportunity is what we make of it. I hugged my son, something I miss greatly, and as a parent we don't do often enough. We both shared tears, and exchanged an embrace that told each of us, things will work out. I told him college will provide another new and exciting experience for him, and although he will miss old times, new ones can be as rewarding. Their as been some stress in my life, over personal matters I need not get into here. But in the whole circle of events, nothing in this world can be as rewarding as the role of Dad. The final word come from Matt, when he told me he appreciated the fact I attended each and every game he played in. he also added that I provided support and encouragment in his life, and above all, he loves and appreciates me. That is what makes living all worth while. Amen. Gary

[Gear_Head]

Gary, things sometimes get out of kilter in our lives. Many times it takes a " FAMILY" moment like that to bring it all back into perspective........

[therents]

Gary, I have children and grandchildren so I fully understand your moment in life that you will never forget as nothing is more important. As you said, those moments are treasures that you will never forget and un-fortunately they don't come often enough in this hurry-up way of life. You did the best that can be done by being there and it's a testiment to your being a good parent that he came to you at his time of need. Oh yes Gary, I did shed a tear when I read it.

[bobs turbo pt]

wow gary!! that was great !! made my horrible day not so bad jst remember the good times and special ones to!!

[GTSteve]

Gary:
Thanks for sharing a personal story with us. It is obvious to me that your son and family are number one in your life. This is a forum for car nuts but it is good for all of us to rememeber what is REALLY important in life.

As you know, my daughter was in a car accident 2 weeks ago. She is fine, thank God. Her injuries are healing and she should be back to school soon. It is clear to me what is most important in my life and that is the well being of my family. My car is just a toy.

BTW, your son sounds like a fine young man. Like father like son.

Steve

[Gary04GT]

quote:...in the whole circle of events, nothing in this world can be as rewarding as the role of Dad...

Thanks for sharing, Gary. When everything else is said and done the most important thing, besides your health, is your family. I count my blessings everyday.

[Punch]

Gary, being a new Father to a 3 month old girl, I can understand, all I've ever thought about in life was to climb the ladder as fast and as high as i could, I now have a job which pays great, well above my freinds and family, and I hate my job! I am on call 24/7 364 days a year, i am missing out on my duaghters life, and my wife is pissed that I'm not around to help.

Having a child has made me realize money isn't everything!

Punch

[PianT]

That is a very touching story Gary, thanks for sharing.

Punch, I was in your same situation a couple of years ago, too much work, on call all the time, missing important events in my young children's lives. On one hand we need the money to feed them, on the other we need the time to be with them. I was fortunate enough to change positions and now realize how important the time is, once it's gone you can never get it back, hopefully you will find a nice in between, good luck.

[Hooligan]

Gary:
Believe it or not dads and daughters also have those moments. My youngest (38) came to me one day and asked my opinion. This floored me as she was the one who always was the "tough one". She NEVER asked for help before, in school, going thru a divorce etc. Sure made me feel good. She now has a 17 yr old daughter and they are VERY close. She mentioned to her daughter how her "POPS" (me) was always there for her, watching all 4 high school years while her class built thier Homecoming class float and when ever a parent was needed she knew I would make myself available.

So IF they never tell you thanks right then, eventually they will.

[pt_tom]

quote:...in the whole circle of events, nothing in this world can be as rewarding as the role of Dad...

As the father of eight, I couldn't agree more!!