I'm back at it...

Been about three years since I was here.

I lost my son in June of 2006...he was 22. That really knocked the wind out of me. The worst experience that anyone could go through. We were really close, worked together and played together.

The rod I'm building was going to be his at some point and I could hardly stand even going into the garage...we spent a lot of time out there. That...and the fact all his stuff we had to move from where he was living was jammed in there and there wasn't much room to move.

The first two years was the hardest...like a blur now. I spent all my spare time with my music...I suppose that was my escape. Finally got around to clearing the garage out last month...fired up the old truck and took it for a spin.

Spent the last several days working on raising the body up just enough to get rid of the tire rub on the front fenders. Haven't had a busted knuckle in 3 years...now I got two...lol.

And...I ain't gonna talk politics...so don't start any of that crap...thanks!

Parents shouldn't outlive their kids, sad for you. Time heals (well, mostly), good to have you back with us.

Welcome back. Sorry for your loss. Drive it proud in his memory, that's what he'd want.

Welcome back! So very sorry to hear of the loss of your son. 22 and his whole life ahead of him is such a tragedy. I can not fathom losing my child and even though like you I would carry on , I know the burden and grief would be an enormous load to bare.

Good to have you back!

There's no way I can even imagine what you have gone through and, sadly, what you continue to go through. To my knowledge we have never met but you can be assured that I, and others here who have raised, or are raising, sons have you in our thoughts.

As rc57 suggests, "Drive it proud in his memory" and, if I might add, dedicate the truck, and the pleasures to be had with it, to the memory of what was obviously a much loved young man.


Jim

I lost a 32 year old son in September of 2006. It was to human nature.....or stupidity.....or what ever it is that makes young men sometimes die young......but it's a story as old as humanity. Still not really over it, but I have learned to smile more lately.

Sounds like your truck would be an excellent tribute. I have painted things on customs before as a tribute to a lost loved one. It could be a name, or an illustration, or maybe some choices made the way he would have made them. That might help inspire you to get busy again. I have learned that if you can make something positive out of your loss, that helps you to heal.

Good luck to you.....and welcome.

sorry to hear of your loss. i am 32 and dont have any children but i couldnt imagin losing my nephew. hes just getting in to the car thing. keep your head up and the wrenches movin. i know if i were him thats what i'd want you to do. my thoughts are with you and im sure everyone elses are also.

I can only imagine what you are experiencing. 4 years ago my brother lost his only son at the same age to suicide and I know the terrible time he and his wife went through. My heart goes out to you.
As others have said, use the truck as a tribute to his life. Complete it and enjoy it as he would have wanted.

Thanks so much...everybody.

22 was so young to check out. But, he lived a pretty full life in that short time. I just wish he had listened to his old man when he started talking about getting that crotch rocket. But he bought it 5 months after he turned 21...nothing I could do about it. I begged him not to. But the banks were handing out credit to anybody, which is what caused the financial breakdown. There's no way, when I was 21, that I could have walked into any kind of dealership and gotten a $10,000 purchase on my signature. And they never even called to verify his employment.

I still have bad days with it...but they aren't as frequent. And now that I've started working on the truck again...I don't want to stop...I've really gotten a lot done in the last 5 days!

Also...I can see where I'm not alone...sorry to hear about your son...same year...my condolences.

Dave, Glad to have you back. Good for you to get back working on the truck. Wishing you the best trying to find normal. I checked out your Myspace. Nice music! You are a talented writer and musician

Pat

Dave, sorry to hear about your son. Can't imagine what that would be like. My wife and I couldn't have any children but if we could of I'd feel the same way as you for sure.