flash's boys
 

Today I received this e-mail from Joan (Mrs flash). We have heard so many positive things about these boys, now we can put names with faces.

"IT’S BRAGGING TIME!! IN CASE SOME OF YOU DON’T KNOW, JOHN AND I HAVE UNOFFICIALLY ADOPTED 3 FOSTER BOYS. THEY STILL LIVE AT THE FOSTER RANCH BUT WE TRY TO HELP WITH THEM AND SOME OF THE YOUNGER BOYS TOO.

BUT THE 3 THAT ARE PICTURED HERE ARE OUR BOYS.

THEY COME TO THE HOUSE AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK TO PLAY, EAT AND HANG OUT. WE HAVE A GREAT TIME!! THEY HAVE HAD A ROUGH LIFE AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN PUT A LITTLE JOY INTO THE LIFE NOW. THEY DEFINITELY GIVE US A LOT OF WONDERFUL MOMENTS TO REMEMBER FOREVER. I HOPE I HAVEN’T BORED YOU ALL TOO MUCH."

You're doing a very good thing John. These young men will all be better off because of your efforts.

When I first saw the pics, my first reaction was that these boys were smiling from ear to ear. It is amazing what a little interest in someone can do. These boys were ment to be in flash's life. Just look how happy they are.

I think they are very happy to be a part of our lives and we are very happy to have them in ours .We had no idea anything was missing in our lives and werent looking for anything further when these boys stole our hearts .Its been a learning experience but Im grateful for them being brought to us. I look forward to our wednesday bike ride and just having them here for a meal and just hanging out. Paul is the one in the 4th pic grinning ear to ear and also the one who loves the cars and my shop.He has already started helping me organize and clean the shop ,says he would gladly live out there and clean the cars.Chase in the 3rd pic is into running marathons but still likes hanging out with the OLD MAN ,Aaron leaning on the stool likes riding bikes and is learning to be a chef and also likes hanging out and he has finally gotten to trust us as he has been hurt before and finds it hard to trust again.These boys are amazing considering what they have been through and are very easy to love.They still dont understand how or why we all were brought together and neither do we but they dont care and we dont either .We just plan to see what else god has planned for them and us .

One of the things that grumpy and I do believe in is Karma. I think that your Karma is now becoming apparent.

Here is one definition of Karma:

"In numerous religions, every action has consequences. When a pebble falls into a pool, it produces rings that spread throughout the whole pool. A butterfly fluttering its wings can produce a typhoon, under the right conditions.

In the same way, our actions cause cosmic vibrations that affect not only this life but our lives to come. What we do not learn in this life must be learned in the next. Harm we cause in this life will come back to us in the next. The universe is relentless. It will not let us get away with anything.

At the same time, good things we do affect future lives as well. It is said that when the Buddha had his great moment of insight, he saw how all his past lives had prepared him for that moment. He understood how they were connected. All at once, he understood the great force of karma at work, propelling him to come to understand the Middle Way of the Four Noble Truths (See Buddhism). With this realization, karma had done its work. He was now complete.

And that, according to the teachings, is what karma does. It makes us complete, driving us forever, if need be, until we come to understand what we are. And with that understanding, we also come to know who we are. In this grand scheme of things, it is not that we wrestle with God. It is that God wrestles with us and says, in reverse of the words of Genesis 32, "I will not let you go until I bless you!""

Great pictures of 3 boys having a some fun. Again my hat is off to you for helping these boys. Like the garage, wish I had that much room.

Thanks everyone but the boys are the really amazing ones considering what they have been through .They are a real joy to have with us when we can and we enjoy every minute of it. I feel like we have gained more from them than they have from us and its good to have some young uns around.

It is true, you have learned from them. The boys have a fresh set of eyes on which to see things. Also, from what you have said, they have had a pretty tough time so far in life.

You are teaching them what "loving and caring" is. And that it is OK to open up to people because not everyone is going to hurt you. You are helping to make them better men. And they are helping you to be more patient, more understanding, and in general just better people.

We have gone from 1 to 3 and tonight to 4 boys to have fun with as another one has joined the Hope House group.I will meet him after our bike ride this evening and then he will join the rest of us for a home cooked meal and maybe some shop time .He is also a student where I work so I may have seen him around and just didnt know him. Its amazing how quickly our little family has grown .

We met our newest addition to the clan this evening and he is a riot ,so funny. His name is John too. We didnt get to ride bikes today as they were late getting here but we had a nice meal and Joan had baked a birthday cake for Pauls upcoming birthday .John had been told about our little toy box and wanted go out there and play so we jacked up the vert to inspect the brakes .While taking a break he said he liked the stickers on my shop door and I asked if he would like some .I dug out an old box full of stickers and key chains and told the boys to have at them and John said it was like Christmas come early. I had no idea why I collected all those stickers but Im so glad I did as it was nice to see them being enjoyed by the younger guys.John kept looking around like he was looking for something specific so I asked what had peaked his interest and he asked where the truck was that all the parts went to and he was happy when I told him it was in the bodyshop being restored.We had a great time together as we always do and were happy to welcome John aboard.

It is just so wonderful that these boys were brought into your life. You and Joan lived your life together, and built a strong relationship to bring you to this time with the boys. I wish you all the happiness.

We are very happy to have these boys in our life and make a difference anyway we can. We have been blessed in many ways and now its our time to give back some of what we have received but we are gaining as much as we give. These boys have made a wonderful difference in our lives and they are loads of fun .I enjoy sharing my shop with them and teaching them what little I know. I called their foster dad today and thanked him again for sharing the boys with us as we look forward to their weekly visit. They wont be here next week as they are going to try and reconnect with some of their real family and I hope that goes well for them but they are very reluctant to do it .They all fear the rejection all over again but they know they are welcome here.We will never abandon them as long as they want us.

We had our boys over again last night after Aaron and I went hiking ,it was too cool for biking .Our newest young man (Jon) just bought a 1988 GMC custom van with only 49,000 miles on it for $600 and his foster dad wanted us to check it over as a local mechanic told them it needed brakes and a new belt .This van is amazing at how nice it is and all the gadgets they had in it and as it turns out the brakes did not need replaced nor the belt .I gave him all kinds of cleaning supplies and am slowly getting some shelf space back .They are learning a lot and continue to look forward to our next visit ,we are blessed to have them.

You are so cool to help these kids, especially with the van. I hope that they got in there and learned something as you were checking it out.

They are learning a lot ,they love the air tools and have learned quickly how to use them and where I keep everything .They are very good about putting tools back where they belong and they are helping me organize the shop too. They come up with some pretty good ideas about storing my extra parts too.We are having so much fun together and I look forward to their visit and we talk on the phone just to BS or they will just call to say Hi.Their foster dad calls from time to time to see if we are still having fun and want to continue and I always tell him when they want to stop they can but I enjoy every minute with them .He says they look forward to coming each week as they love Joans cooking better than his and they love hanging out with the Old Man(me).

They look like a good bunch of kids. Glad you guys found one another.

Sounds like these boys have a lot going for them. The foster dad calls to make sure everything is still OK, it is nice to know that they are at a place where respect is something thought of highly. I love the fact that they call you the "old man". lol

I love being their Old Man ,never dreamed I would have 4 teenagers to hang out with. Its very challenging but even more rewarding than I would have thought possible .The foster dad even wants to come hang out some which I think is pretty cool.When these boys turn 21 they will have to go out on their own and I dread the day that happens but there will be other boys that take their place if they want to. Even after they go out on their own I want us to be a part of their lives if they want us to be .

The boys and I went bike riding again yesterday after work and boy what a workout wet leaves and mud makes. Im doing better as I kept up with them and didnt give myself a heart attack but that cool air sure is hard to get used to while riding some pretty rugged trails.After the ride we went to my place for supper and of course play time in the shop where Jon Jon worked on cleaning and waxing his van while me and Paul started organizing my shop .The other 2 boys stayed in the house and kept Joan company and kept her laughing with their jokes .We have been invited to a fancy restuarant and a play next week with the boys and their foster parents in Atlanta and Joan says I have to dress up so I guess its time to break out the overalls .

First off, I want a pic of you in your overalls. Second, even when these boys turn 21 they will still be a big part of your lives. You don't develope a relationship like you have with these boys and abandon it.

I can't wait to hear about your big night out.

I will see if someone will take our picture without taking our camera . This kind of thing is not my cup of tea but the foster parents really want us to go and it will probably be fun .I just dont care for downtown Atlanta ,too big a city for me.

I havent posted about the boys lately but yes they are still coming over once a week to hang out with us .We had all four again the last two weeks ,it was great to have them all back again. One is working through some rough patches but in time I think he will be happy and healthy ,he's heading in the right direction. We are so blessed to have them in our lives.

I am glad you posted about the boys, I have been wondering. As far as the one who is having a rough patch. He is lucky you are there for him. When he is ready to talk I am sure that you and Joan will be there for him. Wasn't there a new young man ?

Our newest one is the one going through the rough times but he is getting there .Even when he doesnt come over I always call him to let him know we are here for him .He started his college courses so maybe that will also help keep him occupied and on the right track.

I would say to keep doing what you are doing. Does he seem receptive to your calls ?

Yes ,he is very receptive to my calls and I think he will do much better now that he's back in school .He was spending way too much time alone to be healthy.

Well I thought I would give an update on our boys ,some bad news and some good. We started with one boy and eventually had 4 ,now we have 3 and soon only 2. One was dropped from the program because he quit his job and school and would not look for another job and also refused to go to school and also had other issues. One is being adopted by a permanent forever family and we will be attending a going away party for him soon. We only had one boy with us tonight for supper ,shop time and a surprise from him. He brought his accoustic guitar and played and sang some of his original songs that he had written and he is very talented and he really enjoyed himself more than we had ever seen .He said playing and singing was what made him happiest and we are encouraging him to persue it as far as it will take him .It was a very nice night thanks to Chase ,he plans to write a song for and about me but you will never hear it as I have heard the beginning .
John

John thanks for sharing your story. I know these boys have a dear place in you and Joan's heart. You said you are going to the going away party, are the adoptive parents going to be there? I was just thinking that maybe you could give the adoptive parents your phone number, and if/when they are comfortable with it, maybe the young man could give you a call if he wants. Adoption is a hard time for some kids, and the adoptive parents need all the support they can get.

About the song....we want to hear it when it's done. The good, the bad and the ugly. lol

John. thanks for sharing. I know adoption is hard for these kids since I'm also adopted two girls and I'm adopted. Thank you for caring.

Ray

It's takes a special person to adopt a child. Good for you Ray.

We would have gladly adopted one of these boys had we known them when we and they were younger .Joan and I had even discussed the possibility when we were younger but did not have the finances to do so and didnt know the boys were available either. I hope all the boys keep in touch with us in the future as they will always be our boys and always welcome in our home and hearts .Jon will only be one county south of us when he is adopted so hopefully we will see him from time to time .Aaron is being offered help through another program and hopefully he will accept the offer and we also hope he keeps in touch. As far as the song Chase is writing I will keep you posted as it progresses .Im thankful Chase feels comfortable enough to open his heart and mind to us ,he has some impressive dreams which I hope come through for him. Paul is my car /shop buddy more so than the others as he likes to get dirty working on the cars as well as learning to work on his .They are a challenge and much joy all at the same time and we enjoy every minute they share with us .I still think we are getting the better end of this deal as they are so much fun to learn about .Thanks for your support guys ,it means a lot.
John

John, there is a saying that "Anyone can be a father, it takes someone special to be a DAD".

I think what you and Joan are showing these boys is nothing short of amazing. The two of you are caring, patient, loving people...all the things that a mom and dad should be. You have opened your heart and accepted these boys for who they are, just like any good parent does. To these boys, you are more of a "Dad" than you think. And they are all very lucky.

We welcomed our newest boy into our home tonight and are happy to have him ,his name is Wade and he also plans on attending the university where I work and hopes to play on our newly forming football team. He seems like a great kid and we look forward to learning more about him .That gets us back up to three young men and there may soon be another.

I am so happy to hear that your family is growing again flash.

Ms Grumpy ,these guys are a lot of fun and a lot of work but we would not change a thing.

You and Joan are special people.

In the short bus kind of Special ?

In the luxury liner kind of special.

good one !

But I kind of like those short buses ,especially the one we saw out in Oregon at the show where I met Shadowgray (Ray).