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 .

[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.

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.