Orphans /Boys Home

[flash]

Joan and I visited a boys home for orphans today to deliver some tools and floor jack and jack stands for 4 of the older boys so they can learn to do maintenance on their cars . We met Chase ,I met him last year at my work when he worked there during the summer and Joan met him this year at her work where he works part time .A few weeks a go we were grocery shopping and he walks up and starts chatting and wondered if we remembered him .We both did remember him and felt a special bond and just felt like we were supposed to help him in some way . He told us he was in need of a cheap car if we saw something in his price range as he had to have transportation to work and he was starting at the university where I work. We had lunch with him one day and he told us the most heartbreaking story which was his life story of how he had been in foster homes since he was 12 (he is 19 now) and bounced around never getting to know anywhere as home. He was basically to old for a family to want to adopt him. His little sister was adopted and now lives in California but they still keep in touch. Just before we went to the Northern Ohio Chevelle show we spotted the perfect car for him that belonged to friends of ours since new and they gave him a great deal ,even though we had no idea until after we got back home that he got it. But anyway he wants to learn how to change the oil ,check his tires and general maintenance and I told him I would teach him if it was OK with his house parents .Well his house parents want me to teach all 4 of the older boys so I decided they needed some stuff ,so I went in my shop and gathered up what I could spare and they are thrilled to say the least . Joan and I dropped off the tools and stuff and they gave us a tour of the older boys home .These boys are so thankful for the things I gave them but I think they gave me much more. I never planned on anything like this but I think its going to be fun .Now I need to find them some more car stuff .Sorry for such a long post .Waving

[Ms Grumpy]

flash don't ever be sorry for posting a story like that. What you and Joan did is so much more than most people would ever consider doing. You two are just amazing.

Can I repost your story? Only so that others, who may want to help, can let me know and I will send them your way.

You and Joan will probably never know what a positive impact you have made on these young mens lives.

[flash]

You are welcome to post it anywhere you wish but I think they made a more positive impact on our lives .We would welcome anything anyone would offer such as tire gauges and anti freeze testers ,extra wrenches or just ideas of ways to help these boys .We didnt chose to do this but feel like we were chosen to do this for some reason .We plan on visiting the other part of the boys home where the younger boys are living and see what kinds of things they may be in need of .They are on 400 acres with several homes where the boys are living and learning to cope with all that life has thrown at them. There are 24 boys on the main ranch ,some that will probably never leave due to the abusive situations they have been through. Its a sad situation but maybe we can help a little .This place does some amazing work and we look forward to being a part of it.

[shadowgray396]

Great story Flash, After adopting two girls myself I know what these boys are feeling. I myself was adopted and know the pain of not having a place to call home. It's amazing what people do to kids, We seem to have a throw away additude when it come to kids by some people. It truly sad. Thank you and Joan for being a positive role model in these kids life. :ntwrthy::ntwrthy:

Ray

[Hank70SS]

Thanks for posting the story John, you and Joan are doing a good thing. I'll look through my stuff and see if I have some extras I can send you. It'll be awhile before I can get out in the garage and look though. My ass is still broken and I have to use the walker to get around so the garage is off limits for now.

[72convertible]

John - That story my friend is why I call you the ambassador of the Chevelle Community. God Bless ya!!

[flash]

Mark ,its these boys that have been through so much that are so remarkable .Its amazing that they survived at all and we just want to show them that we're proud of their accomplishments so far. We are looking forward to meeting the younger boys in the ranch .

[mborohoney]

That's my great friends, Peach and P.Head.

[earthquake68]

Great story! Glad you were there to help them out.

[Ms Grumpy]

We are trying to work here and help you if we can. Cause you guys are doing a wonderful thing.

[flash]

Thanks everyone ,you too Sandra ,see you soon. We cant wait to find the other boys some stuff and get to meet them .We are in touch with the other group homes for the younger boys to find out some of the things they are in need of and then we can start collecting for them. Its going to be fun getting stuff for them instead of more stuff for us that we dont need anyway .

[flash]

We found a few more things to take to the boys home maybe tomorrow if the weather isnt too bad .We are having fun finding things they can use.

[Ms Grumpy]

Hey flash. Why don't you post some of the stuff you need/want. Maybe some of us from out of state can send some stuff to you.

[flash]

Well they can use tire pressure gauges to check their tires ,anti freeze testers ,jumper cables ,any small tools such as ratchets or sockets .Pretty much anything as they had nothing until I took one of my floor jacks ,jack stands and oil drain pan and oil filter wrench .

[flash]

On my next visit Im going to find out if they would be interested in car magazines and what they do for fun.

[Ms Grumpy]

Keep us informed.

[flash]

We didnt make it over there monday as the weather was not fit and we were trying to get ready for our trip to Maine .It will likely be a couple of weeks before we can get back over there but I will keep you guys posted.

[Ms Grumpy]

Send me a PM as to when you will be gone. Just in case we get some stuff and want to send it to you, I don't want it to arrive while you are gone.

[flash]

They want to talk to me when we return about being a mentor to these young guys with their automotive questions and just to have a male figure to help guide them and Im not sure about that role as it is so new to me. I cant say no but I dont really know how to go about it either .I look forward to the challenge and dread it at the same time ,so I just hope and pray that I dont screw them up more than they already are .This one young man named Chase if I had known him in his youth I would probably have adopted him but it was meant to be this way for whatever reason .I dont know why we were chosen for this role but we are going to do our best to help however we can.

[mborohoney]

John, you were chosen because you and Joan are such good people! If you don't want to do it, don't do it. But if you can do it, I think it will be special.

Sandra :)

[flash]

Sandra ,its not that I dont want to do it ,I think its an honor to be asked to do something so special I just dont want to screw it up somehow .I think it will be fun for Joan and me once we get used to all of it .They are only asking for an hour or so of our time once a month or as often as we like .We are definitely going to do whatever we can as these boys deserve so much more .Its just going to be a learning experience ,we will probably receive much more than we could possibly give .

[Ms Grumpy]

Oh I am certain that you will end up spending more than an hour there. Knowing you guys, you will end up making it a weekend trip, a few times a month. And you will enjoy every minute of it ! You should see if you can get the local car club involved.

[flash]

The local car club which believe it or not we are not members of already has charities they support . And you are right about us as far as enjoying every minute of it. I get to see Chase at my work from time to time which makes it all the more fun. We have some more things for them but it will be after our return from Maine before we can get it there.

[Ms Grumpy]

You guys are so great doing this for them.

[flash]

We just feel like these guys deserve anything we can give them to try and help make up for their lost childhood .Some of these boys had to grow up way too fast .

[flash]

We got to go back to the boys ranch yesterday to deliver some more stuff but better than that we got to meet some more of the boys and also got to meet the founder of the ranch .The more we learn about the ranch the more involved we want to be. We took some bicycles ,toys ,games ,DVD's ,clothes ,8 new DVD players (we found out they had none) and other things and they could not believe it all. The house mother said it was better than Christmas as their stock of clothing was really low .They are happily and sadly losing 4 of their boys to adoption this week and getting some new ones. They are always proud to find adoptive homes when they can but it is hard to let them go. We have fallen in love with Chase and he with us but he will continue living in the adult Hope House with 3 other boys that are transitioning to college and other schooling but we are seeing him every chance we get .This was not in our plans but sometimes our plans are not the ones that were intended for us.

[shadowgray396]

Flash, You will be suprised on how that can change someones life. My hat is off to you and Joan for spending time with these boys. You are changing lives by being a positive role models. You are right we don't know how our plans can be changed. Just when we think we have it figured out then a curve ball seems to come our way. Keep up the good work, you should be proud of yourselves.

Ray

[Ms Grumpy]

If anyone here has ever had the pleasure of meeting John and Joan you know how special these two really are. What you see and hear on this site is only a very small portion of what these two do for others.

I know that flash will not come right out and ask so I will. When he started this thread he talked about how he wanted to help these boys. He also talked about how he initially started going there to maybe show them a little bit of car maintenance/repair. It sounds like it has gotten bigger, but let's go back to how we can help him. I know that times are tough for all of us, but maybe we have something sitting around that could help him. John was initially looking for tools. Maybe you have a screwdriver set that you won at a car show, shop towels, socket set or anything automotive that you think these boys could use. Contact John, send him a PM. I know that not everyone can help, that is a reality right now. But you never know unless you ask. And John I hope you are not mad at me for putting this right out there, and asking point blank.

[Ms Grumpy]

Flash, You will be suprised on how that can change someones life. My hat is off to you and Joan for spending time with these boys. You are changing lives by being a positive role models. You are right we don't know how our plans can be changed. Just when we think we have it figured out then a curve ball seems to come our way. Keep up the good work, you should be proud of yourselves.

Ray

Couldn't be said any better.

[flash]

Ms Grumpy ,I could never be mad at you especially when you are pushing to help our boys .I would be glad to accept anything ,a screw driver ,Tire Gauges ,neat key chains or anything at all .These boys are eager to learn and use anything they can get. They have the basic things they need to live but the home cant afford to buy them auto related items as they are housing and feeding and clothing about 26 boys at any given time .Chase is looking forward to coming to my place and changing his oil and just spending time with me and Im looking forward to it as well. He is such a sweet guy and I look forward to getting to know him more and maybe helping him to heal from all the shuffling around from all the foster homes he has lived in .He will not be losing me and Joan unless it is his wish to as we feel he deserves so much more. I told him several weeks ago that this was all new to me and that I expected nothing in return from him but I have changed my mind. The one thing that I am going to somehow tell him that I now want in return is for him to allow us to be a small part of his life going forward .I just want him to know we will always be here for him however we can be. I dont feel like we are doing as much for him as he is for us as he has introduced us to a whole family of boys that we may be able to help just a little bit and we are having fun doing it. Joan wants to have a 50th birthday party /car show for me next year at the boys ranch as a fundraiser for them but we dont really know how to even start to pull that off. I suggested instead of a registration fee just ask for a donation to the ranch and no gifts for me .We will have to see how that works out if we can pull it off at all.

[Ms Grumpy]

Oh flash, you could pull it off. I have organized events for Audiokarma, you have Chuck who has organized Chevellabration for many years. You have so many pools of knowledge to pull from, and I am sure that so many people from all over would love to come to an event in your honor. I certainly would try to do it !

[flash]

We had dinner with Chase tonight ,2.5 hours of talking at Applebee's until they made us leave .We are more impressed with this young man every time we get together ,he is so honest and open and so lovable .We are going to service his car at my shop next week and I cant wait to help him learn the basic maintenance things and he is eager to learn. He told us of some of his dreams for the future and I think he will achieve them with a little encouragement. We asked him all sorts of questions about his school ,home life ,what he likes to do for fun and things he would like to have.All the questions were easily answered except for things he would like to have ,he said he had the things he needed and didnt like to ask for anything .I asked what he did for fun and he said he really didnt have time for fun stuff ,I think he just needs to learn to have fun and Im going to work on that.I had told him in an earlier conversation that I did not expect anything in return for our helping him and the other boys but tonight I told him I would like to retract that statement and that I did now want something in return .I then told him I wanted him to be a permanent part of our life in whatever way he wanted and he just smiled and said he would like that. He has already given us more than we could have imagined by inviting us into his home and his world .Sorry for the long post.

[flash]

We invited Chace over to our home tonight for dinner and Joan prepared a meal fit for a king and Chace was as lovable as ever .After dinner and talking for a while it was time to go to my shop and change his oil ,antifreeze ,and replace several burned out bulbs .He said he knew absolutely nothing about cars but he did just fine and said he learned a lot. I learned a lot too as Im not used to tinkering on newer cars .The bulbs are a challenge to replace as you have to take so much stuff off just to get to them. We had a great time together and Im looking forward to our next visit .He says he is learning much from me but Im learning so much more from him. I have never met such an honest ,open and loving young man such as Chase and he has been through so much .I wish I could take away the bad memories of his childhood but I think that is part of what makes him strive to be better than what his parents were. He has welcomed us into his world and we love him for it and we have welcomed him into ours .

[shadowgray396]

Good for you John, He will alway remember what you are doing for him.

[flash]

He's a good kid and we are having fun spoiling him just a little .We have more stuff to try to take to the ranch for the other boys maybe today . This place does a wonderful job with these boys and the more we learn about them the more involved we want to be.

[Ms Grumpy]

Have you considered taking him to a local car show with you. It would be a great way to spend some more time with him.

[flash]

He actually suggested going on a double date with him and his girlfriend which we will set up after our trip to Mississippi .I'LL let you guess which car we're going to take. He is not really into classic cars but I'll try and change that .We were able to take some more stuff over today and one of the other boys was on the receiving end and he was quite happy .We left him a very nice mountain bike along with some clothes and DVD's and he was riding the bike as we left.We need to find some more stuff this saturday for some more boys , did I mention we are having a ball with this new adventure ?

[flash]

Another new boy just moved in to the boys home and his house dad says he is really into his car (import of some kind) and he is looking forward to meeting us and checking out our old junkers .We look forward to meeting him as soon as we get back from our trip.

[Ms Grumpy]

I can hear the excitement in your voice as I am reading your posts. Isn't it amazing how easy these boys have gotten into your heart.

[flash]

Easy is right and we are enjoying every minute of it .We had a brief few minutes with one of the other boys today (Aaron) who got the bike from us the other day when we dropped off a few more things today .He is getting to trust us now and seems to want to spend some time with us soon as we can .These boys sure do brighten our day ,Im sure more than we brighten theirs .They just need a little love and encouragement from outside their current environment even though the place they are at is wonderful.

[flash]

We talked to a very tired Chase today. he had just finished running a half marathon in
about 2 hours. He sounded so exhausted but he is young I am sure he will recover
quickly. We can't wait to talk to him the next time.

[grandsport]

I just found ths thread,and my hat is off to you and Joan.What a great thing you two are doing,and I know how great it makes you feel. If there is anything I can do to help,let me know.

[Ms Grumpy]

grandsport he is looking for anything to help these boys to be able to work on cars. If you have read the thread John and Joan have taken cloths and tools over to the boys.

[flash]

Gary ,just bring your black car down to Ga and show us how you restored it under the hood .That should keep us allbusy for a while.

[flash]

We miss our boys at the ranch and hope to get home in time to go visit them later tomorrow .

[flash]

We got home from Mississippi at 11:00 AM and by lunch we were gone again to get carpet and supplies for the rental property .After unloading all that we went grocery shopping for us as well as the boys .We got to meet the newest member of the boys home family (Paul) and he loves old cars especially Mopars so Im sure he will teach me a thing or two. It sure was good to see the boys again ,we sure did miss them.

[Ms Grumpy]

Isn't it neat how they have already become a part of your family. I am so happy for you.

[flash]

You are right they have become part of the family ,Chase is coming over tonight for supper and to tinker on his car .We may even work in a movie and popcorn after the shop play time. I never knew kids could be this much fun .

[flash]

I havent posted about the boys lately as I dont want to bore everyone and Ive been quite busy as well. My rental property is killing me trying to get it put back to livable condition after my last bunch of tennants destroyed it. But today I took the evening off to go ride mountain bikes with one of the other boys and woynd up taking 2 boys riding .Boy did they ever wear me out on those trails ,but it sure was fun.We came home and Joan fixed us supper and me and one of the boys went riding in a local subdivision while Joan walked for her daily exercise.Im sure I'll be sore tomorrow but were going to ride again next wednesday.One of the other boys is getting his list together for us to go to Pull A Part for some good old junkyarding.

[shadowgray396]

Glad you had a good time, you are making a last impression with these boys. My hat is off to you and Joan.

[flash]

Im quite sore this morning after riding about 3 hours on rough trails but it was fun. I just recently turned 49 and these 2 19 year old boys smoked me big time but Im going to practice up a bit for our next ride. Right now I feel every one of those years but my back actually seems better than before.I'll let you know how the next ride goes.

[Ms Grumpy]

Im quite sore this morning after riding about 3 hours on rough trails but it was fun. I just recently turned 49 and these 2 19 year old boys smoked me big time but Im going to practice up a bit for our next ride. Right now I feel every one of those years but my back actually seems better than before.I'll let you know how the next ride goes.

Me thinks that maybe you hit your head, a few times...

Sounds like these guys are going to keep you active and young. And it sounds like a good time.

[flash]

My head is the only part that dont hurt so I must have bumped everything else a few times .It is tough to hang with these young guys but its a challenge Im up for and very much fun.

[Ms Grumpy]

So how is the Mrs handling all the fun ? I think that she likes to sit on the sidelines and watch, I know that I would.

So what is the next big adventure with the boys ?

[flash]

I was planning to go to Pull A Part with one of the boys tomorrow but instead I have to work at the rental house .Next wednesday we ride bikes again and maybe Sunday we can go junkyarding. Joan loves spending time with the boys as well and cooks us a great meal when they are here. Its been really busy lately so we dont see each other or the boys as much as we would like.

[Ms Grumpy]

Sounds like with all the physical activity you are going to be a "Lean Mean" man for your special lady.

[shadowgray396]

Sounds like with all the physical activity you are going to be a "Lean Mean" man for your special lady.

Or "Lean Mean Riding Machine" so you can keep up with the boys

[flash]

Im going riding on my lunch break tomorrow to try and get some practice in and maybe get to where I can keep up a little better without being so winded .I snuck over to the trails last thursday with a mower and cleaned part of the briers out of our path.Wish me luck as Im going to need it.

[flash]

Well today brought some nice surprises for our weekly bike ride with one of the boys .The foster dads wife was out of town and Wes the foster dad asked if he could come ride bikes and have dinner with us and we also had already invited the other 2 boys over for supper .We wound up with me ,Wes and 2 boys riding the trails and then to our house to do routine car maintenance on Chases car to check the brakes while Joan fixed supper .We all had a great time hanging out together and I think Wes enjoyed the evening as much as we did .This is so much fun and so rewarding to be a small part of their lives.We never dreamed we could enjoy 3 19 year olds this much ,not that we planned any of this.I think God gave us this to do for whatever reason and we are just following our hearts.

[flash]

Well Im not sore this morning from the bike ride so I must be getting somewhat used to riding again .That first ride just about killed me but I didnt let it show as I didnt want to discourage my riding partner as he is having a hard time getting the hang of the trails .We may start riding on paved surfaces for a while until he gets used to his bike a bit better.Im encouraging him to do as much or as little as he wants just to have fun together and he says he is having fun so Im happy with that.

[Ms Grumpy]

flash I am so happy for you and Joan. These boys sound like just what you two needed. I hear your happiness in your posts and I can just imagine the smiles that these boys put onto your faces. These boys were put in your path for a reason, and I think that you are doing a wonderful thing by giving them your time, and showing them that people DO care. Keep up the stories, cause you are putting smiles on other peoples faces too.

[flash]

Ms Grumpy,
We dont know why these boys were brought into our lives as we were not looking for anything else but they are a gift from above and we really do enjoy the time we have together .We have had to squeeze them in lately due to the reconstruction on our rental property but it has worked out .We had planned to spend time with each of the boys on an individual bases but having them all together on Wednesdays has been more fun and easier in some ways .After the rental house is finished we hope to spend more time with them.They seem to be very happy with us ,Paul just wants to live in my shop as he loves the old cars.Chase calls me his ole man and just likes to hang out and Aaron likes to hang out with Joan as he loves to cook (he is learning to be a chef) ,that is when were at our house after our bike rides.Wes is the young foster dad (he's in his early 30's) and he likes spending time with us when he can too.Its like were a big happy family that just reconnected if that makes any sense.

[Ms Grumpy]

Makes perfect sense. Family is not just because of blood, it is a connection. And you found that connection.

[flash]

Today was a rainy afternoon and I thought our weekly bike ride was going to be rained out but we managed to get to ride after all with 2 of the boys.Then we went home to a big pot of chilli that Joan had prepared with corn bread .Chase joined us later after a youth conference he had to attend .We then just hung out in my shop and cleaned up and had a few laughs .Joan took some pics of our boys to share with Ms Grumpy so maybe she will post them for us.Aaron is finally opening up to us and is really responding well ,he has been the hardest to get to know as he has been hurt the worst.This has been very rewarding even though we dont have a clue what were doing.All we know to do is what our heart tells us is right and we just follow what God has given us. I still dont know why we were chosen for this but we are very thankful for the opportunity.