flash's boys

[Ms Grumpy]

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.

[flash]

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.

[flash]

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.

[Ms Grumpy]

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.

[flash]

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).

[earthquake68]

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

[Ms Grumpy]

Originally Posted by flash

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).

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

[flash]

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 .

[flash]

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 .

[Ms Grumpy]

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.