Happy thread

[Kenny B 27,499]

12 hours ago, xOldBenKenobiX said:

Hello friends, welcome to the happy thread. I

'm here today to tell you a story and ask you for a big favor. 

As many of you know, I was born and raised in Brazil.

What you might not know is that we lost our dad at a very young age, he passed away when I was 4 and my younger brother was 3.

Our mom was left as a 22 year old single mother who had barely completed the 4th grade.

Back home in Brazil on the mid 80s poverty was really high, and to someone like my mom, multiple jobs was the only way to not let your family starve.

Our extended family always try to help, but they were on the same situation.

My mom worked 3 jobs as long as I can remember.

She used to work on the fields picking up vegetables from several hours before the sun was up, then from late morning to the afternoon she would clean a tire shop, and finally during the evenings, she would clean houses.

As children, we really only saw mom on her only day offs on Sunday.

As a result of this situation, birthday parties and Christmas celebrations as well as gifts were a luxury we could not afford.

For many years, I did not understand the meaning of Christmas, as to us, it was a normal day, with the bare necessities being all we could afford.

Luckily for us, our school started doing a giving tree on the early 90s, where people would "adopt" kids for the holidays. I finally started to understand that Christmas was a time to be thankful and enjoy your loved ones.

Now I have no regrets about my life and childhood, that is what shaped me to be who I am and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

However those memories make me want to help others however we can. Being donating food for the school is food drives, clothes and uniforms for the kids in need, and every year our son's school put out their own version of a giving tree.

Some years we have sponsored 1 kid, some other years we had as many as 5, but even with covid we still try to help, this year we picked up a a couple of kindergarten, 5 year Olds little girls, for a few weeks our home was a barbie wonderland, as the little girls had on their wishlists, Barbies, frozen dolls, dollies in general and clothes.

We bought a lot dolls for them, my wife is very savvy and buys a lot clearance out of season clothes from Carters, be ause we never know when someone will need something.

We had winter coats, gloves, hats fluffy sleepers as well as cute dresses and wanm pajamas.

After this long story, I would like to ask all of you to think about the kids who might be facing poverty and difficulties during this unprecedented times.

If you can, please reach out to schools and shelters around you and see if there is anything you can do to help and brighten a child's Christmas.

 

Thank you all in advance and God bless fellow spies.

 

 

Thank you for your story.  Your mom is a tremendous person, and should be proud of you now.  Your life could have gone many different ways, and you chose the correct path. 

My wife and I have sponsored a single mom with children in need every year.  This year is particularly difficult as so many businesses that offer work have been closed most of the year.  I hope more people step up in the days ahead of Christmas.

[Golfspy_CG2 28,453]

13 hours ago, xOldBenKenobiX said:

Hello friends, welcome to the happy thread. I

'm here today to tell you a story and ask you for a big favor. 

As many of you know, I was born and raised in Brazil.

What you might not know is that we lost our dad at a very young age, he passed away when I was 4 and my younger brother was 3.

Our mom was left as a 22 year old single mother who had barely completed the 4th grade.

Back home in Brazil on the mid 80s poverty was really high, and to someone like my mom, multiple jobs was the only way to not let your family starve.

Our extended family always try to help, but they were on the same situation.

My mom worked 3 jobs as long as I can remember.

She used to work on the fields picking up vegetables from several hours before the sun was up, then from late morning to the afternoon she would clean a tire shop, and finally during the evenings, she would clean houses.

As children, we really only saw mom on her only day offs on Sunday.

As a result of this situation, birthday parties and Christmas celebrations as well as gifts were a luxury we could not afford.

For many years, I did not understand the meaning of Christmas, as to us, it was a normal day, with the bare necessities being all we could afford.

Luckily for us, our school started doing a giving tree on the early 90s, where people would "adopt" kids for the holidays. I finally started to understand that Christmas was a time to be thankful and enjoy your loved ones.

Now I have no regrets about my life and childhood, that is what shaped me to be who I am and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

However those memories make me want to help others however we can. Being donating food for the school is food drives, clothes and uniforms for the kids in need, and every year our son's school put out their own version of a giving tree.

Some years we have sponsored 1 kid, some other years we had as many as 5, but even with covid we still try to help, this year we picked up a a couple of kindergarten, 5 year Olds little girls, for a few weeks our home was a barbie wonderland, as the little girls had on their wishlists, Barbies, frozen dolls, dollies in general and clothes.

We bought a lot dolls for them, my wife is very savvy and buys a lot clearance out of season clothes from Carters, be ause we never know when someone will need something.

We had winter coats, gloves, hats fluffy sleepers as well as cute dresses and wanm pajamas.

After this long story, I would like to ask all of you to think about the kids who might be facing poverty and difficulties during this unprecedented times.

If you can, please reach out to schools and shelters around you and see if there is anything you can do to help and brighten a child's Christmas.

 

Thank you all in advance and God bless fellow spies.

 

 

Great Story E, and thanks for sharing it with us.  Your mother is an incredible woman, you are blessed.

This is the time of year I think we all try to think what we can do to help those that need it.  So it's a great reminder to all of us to do what we can.  

[xOldBenKenobiX 4,844]

1 hour ago, Kenny B said:

Thank you for your story.  Your mom is a tremendous person, and should be proud of you now.  Your life could have gone many different ways, and you chose the correct path. 

My wife and I have sponsored a single mom with children in need every year.  This year is particularly difficult as so many businesses that offer work have been closed most of the year.  I hope more people step up in the days ahead of Christmas.

 

1 hour ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

Great Story E, and thanks for sharing it with us.  Your mother is an incredible woman, you are blessed.

This is the time of year I think we all try to think what we can do to help those that need it.  So it's a great reminder to all of us to do what we can.  

My Mom is a great woman, I honestly did not see all of the sacrifices she made as we were being raised, not until an adult my self that I was able to understand all that it took to raise us.

We are super proud of her.

As a family history, we are decedents of slaves take from Africa to Brazil by the Portuguese and our last name was in fact given to our accosters by the land owners.

Our Great granddad was the first one to be born out of slavery, Brazil did not abolish slavery until 1888, and even with that him and my great great grandparents, still worked as sharecroppers, which in its own merit, in Brazil was slavery without daily beatings.

After the next couple of generations without much education, most of my elders had gone without school.

My brother and I although not the oldest of the cousin tree of our generation graduate high school and college, which led me to come to the US for further education and to actually end up moving here for good.

My bother is a police sergeant back home, out sister is a lawyer, all due to the sacrifices our mom made when we were kids.

My niece is a very bright kid and working hard to become the first MD of our family, she is 14 and adores her grandma.

Not to dismiss the rest of the family we have a cousin who is also a lawyer and her sisters are teachers.
All and all my uncles and aunts were as dedicated to a better future of our family as our mom was.

As  a child I never used to think about all of those facts of our family history, but as an adult I am proud that in roughly 120 years our family went from slaves and field laborers to educators, protectors of the peace and representatives to those who might not have a voice.
I know it is a long ways to go, but I cannot wait to see what our children, my nephews and nieces as well as the ones of my cousins will become and see what difference they can make to the future.

[JohnSmalls 6,308]

14 hours ago, Jmikecpa said:

After a lot of work around the house today my family drug me to trivia night at a local restaurant. We did well for four rounds and the deciding question came down to country trivia. Not only did I know the answer I had to line dance to Billy Ray Cyrus for the win. As the only dude in snakeskin boots that knew the answer I was proud to do it for the kids...and well as a plus embarrass them to no end.

I am proud that I still know the Achy Braky line dance 20+ years later.


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You had me at snakeskin boots.  Your entry to the Carolinas is approved.

[JohnSmalls 6,308]

29 minutes ago, xOldBenKenobiX said:

 

My Mom is a great woman, I honestly did not see all of the sacrifices she made as we were being raised, not until an adult my self that I was able to understand all that it took to raise us.

We are super proud of her.

As a family history, we are decedents of slaves take from Africa to Brazil by the Portuguese and our last name was in fact given to our accosters by the land owners.

Our Great granddad was the first one to be born out of slavery, Brazil did not abolish slavery until 1888, and even with that him and my great great grandparents, still worked as sharecroppers, which in its own merit, in Brazil was slavery without daily beatings.

After the next couple of generations without much education, most of my elders had gone without school.

My brother and I although not the oldest of the cousin tree of our generation graduate high school and college, which led me to come to the US for further education and to actually end up moving here for good.

My bother is a police sergeant back home, out sister is a lawyer, all due to the sacrifices our mom made when we were kids.

My niece is a very bright kid and working hard to become the first MD of our family, she is 14 and adores her grandma.

Not to dismiss the rest of the family we have a cousin who is also a lawyer and her sisters are teachers.
All and all my uncles and aunts were as dedicated to a better future of our family as our mom was.

As  a child I never used to think about all of those facts of our family history, but as an adult I am proud that in roughly 120 years our family went from slaves and field laborers to educators, protectors of the peace and representatives to those who might not have a voice.
I know it is a long ways to go, but I cannot wait to see what our children, my nephews and nieces as well as the ones of my cousins will become and see what difference they can make to the future.

Thanks for sharing your incredible history.  It goes to show how much love, sacrifice, and hard work can mean to a family.  And from earlier; how much a little effort and caring for others can truly benefit those in our communities. 

[Rickp 24,410]

Hello friends, welcome to the happy thread. I
'm here today to tell you a story and ask you for a big favor. 
As many of you know, I was born and raised in Brazil.
What you might not know is that we lost our dad at a very young age, he passed away when I was 4 and my younger brother was 3.
Our mom was left as a 22 year old single mother who had barely completed the 4th grade.
Back home in Brazil on the mid 80s poverty was really high, and to someone like my mom, multiple jobs was the only way to not let your family starve.
Our extended family always try to help, but they were on the same situation.
My mom worked 3 jobs as long as I can remember.
She used to work on the fields picking up vegetables from several hours before the sun was up, then from late morning to the afternoon she would clean a tire shop, and finally during the evenings, she would clean houses.
As children, we really only saw mom on her only day offs on Sunday.
As a result of this situation, birthday parties and Christmas celebrations as well as gifts were a luxury we could not afford.
For many years, I did not understand the meaning of Christmas, as to us, it was a normal day, with the bare necessities being all we could afford.
Luckily for us, our school started doing a giving tree on the early 90s, where people would "adopt" kids for the holidays. I finally started to understand that Christmas was a time to be thankful and enjoy your loved ones.
Now I have no regrets about my life and childhood, that is what shaped me to be who I am and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
However those memories make me want to help others however we can. Being donating food for the school is food drives, clothes and uniforms for the kids in need, and every year our son's school put out their own version of a giving tree.
Some years we have sponsored 1 kid, some other years we had as many as 5, but even with covid we still try to help, this year we picked up a a couple of kindergarten, 5 year Olds little girls, for a few weeks our home was a barbie wonderland, as the little girls had on their wishlists, Barbies, frozen dolls, dollies in general and clothes.
We bought a lot dolls for them, my wife is very savvy and buys a lot clearance out of season clothes from Carters, be ause we never know when someone will need something.
We had winter coats, gloves, hats fluffy sleepers as well as cute dresses and wanm pajamas.
After this long story, I would like to ask all of you to think about the kids who might be facing poverty and difficulties during this unprecedented times.
If you can, please reach out to schools and shelters around you and see if there is anything you can do to help and brighten a child's Christmas.
 
Thank you all in advance and God bless fellow spies.
 
 

We live in The Villages which is enormously generous to the area. Most of the clubs have special areas or schools to donate to.
Keep up the good work [emoji106]


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[russtopherb 7,095]

Just saw that the indoor sim about 20 mins away will be open this winter with limited bookings to help maintain spacing. My son's already asking if we can book a time  I'll get him out there a few times over the coming months so we can laugh at how rusty we've gotten. 

[tony@CIC 20,026]

Hello friends, welcome to the happy thread. I
'm here today to tell you a story and ask you for a big favor. 
As many of you know, I was born and raised in Brazil.
What you might not know is that we lost our dad at a very young age, he passed away when I was 4 and my younger brother was 3.
Our mom was left as a 22 year old single mother who had barely completed the 4th grade.
Back home in Brazil on the mid 80s poverty was really high, and to someone like my mom, multiple jobs was the only way to not let your family starve.
Our extended family always try to help, but they were on the same situation.
My mom worked 3 jobs as long as I can remember.
She used to work on the fields picking up vegetables from several hours before the sun was up, then from late morning to the afternoon she would clean a tire shop, and finally during the evenings, she would clean houses.
As children, we really only saw mom on her only day offs on Sunday.
As a result of this situation, birthday parties and Christmas celebrations as well as gifts were a luxury we could not afford.
For many years, I did not understand the meaning of Christmas, as to us, it was a normal day, with the bare necessities being all we could afford.
Luckily for us, our school started doing a giving tree on the early 90s, where people would "adopt" kids for the holidays. I finally started to understand that Christmas was a time to be thankful and enjoy your loved ones.
Now I have no regrets about my life and childhood, that is what shaped me to be who I am and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
However those memories make me want to help others however we can. Being donating food for the school is food drives, clothes and uniforms for the kids in need, and every year our son's school put out their own version of a giving tree.
Some years we have sponsored 1 kid, some other years we had as many as 5, but even with covid we still try to help, this year we picked up a a couple of kindergarten, 5 year Olds little girls, for a few weeks our home was a barbie wonderland, as the little girls had on their wishlists, Barbies, frozen dolls, dollies in general and clothes.
We bought a lot dolls for them, my wife is very savvy and buys a lot clearance out of season clothes from Carters, be ause we never know when someone will need something.
We had winter coats, gloves, hats fluffy sleepers as well as cute dresses and wanm pajamas.
After this long story, I would like to ask all of you to think about the kids who might be facing poverty and difficulties during this unprecedented times.
If you can, please reach out to schools and shelters around you and see if there is anything you can do to help and brighten a child's Christmas.
 
Thank you all in advance and God bless fellow spies.
 
 

What a story and nice to know you're paying it forward. Every year for the past 12-15 years our employees as a group would adopt kids for Christmas. Most times they had single parents - mostly working mothers which we would include in the gift giving. We knew ahead of time who the families were and their needs. What a heart warming thing to do.


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[silver & black 5,960]

As some of you know, I had to put my buddy of 12 years down a few weeks ago.

The evening that I put him down, my vet asked if I knew anyone that could handle a large dog and give him a good home. I thought he was being kind of insensitive, being as I was in tears. Turns out he knew exactly what he was doing.

He had one of the girls bring the dog in for me to see. He was/is a beautiful American Bulldog... 18 months old. We took to each other immediately. I asked what his name was... Moose...lol.

Well, 3 days later I picked Moose up from the vet. We've been best buds since that day. He's a handful at 110 lbs... and growing. I'm looking forward to giving him a good home and a happy life. 

 

 

Edited December 12, 2020 by silver & black
add more

[Lacassem 13,065]

17 minutes ago, silver & black said:

As some of you know, I had to put my buddy of 12 years down a few weeks ago.

The evening that I put him down, my vet asked if I knew anyone that could handle a large dog and give him a good home. I thought he was being kind of insensitive, being as I was in tears. Turns out he knew exactly what he was doing.

He had one of the girls bring the dog in for me to see. He was/is a beautiful American Bulldog... 18 months old. We took to each other immediately. I asked what his name was... Moose...lol.

Well, 3 days later I picked Moose up from the vet. We've been best buds since that day. He's a handful at 110 lbs... and growing. I'm looking forward to giving him a good home and a happy life. 

 

 

Now that’s a dog! Awsome man glad the vet could read you and obviously get a good pairing. He’s a moose that’s no doubt!

[B.Boston 13,029]

As some of you know, I had to put my buddy of 12 years down a few weeks ago.
The evening that I put him down, my vet asked if I knew anyone that could handle a large dog and give him a good home. I thought he was being kind of insensitive, being as I was in tears. Turns out he knew exactly what he was doing.
He had one of the girls bring the dog in for me to see. He was/is a beautiful American Bulldog... 18 months old. We took to each other immediately. I asked what his name was... Moose...lol.
Well, 3 days later I picked Moose up from the vet. We've been best buds since that day. He's a handful at 110 lbs... and growing. I'm looking forward to giving him a good home and a happy life. 
 
 

Moose! What a handsome pup!


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[tommc23 11,044]

22 minutes ago, silver & black said:

As some of you know, I had to put my buddy of 12 years down a few weeks ago.

The evening that I put him down, my vet asked if I knew anyone that could handle a large dog and give him a good home. I thought he was being kind of insensitive, being as I was in tears. Turns out he knew exactly what he was doing.

He had one of the girls bring the dog in for me to see. He was/is a beautiful American Bulldog... 18 months old. We took to each other immediately. I asked what his name was... Moose...lol.

Well, 3 days later I picked Moose up from the vet. We've been best buds since that day. He's a handful at 110 lbs... and growing. I'm looking forward to giving him a good home and a happy life. 

 

 

I'm glad that you jumped on it and that you two have bonded he is a handsome boy

[sirchunksalot 12,206]

1 hour ago, silver & black said:

As some of you know, I had to put my buddy of 12 years down a few weeks ago.

The evening that I put him down, my vet asked if I knew anyone that could handle a large dog and give him a good home. I thought he was being kind of insensitive, being as I was in tears. Turns out he knew exactly what he was doing.

He had one of the girls bring the dog in for me to see. He was/is a beautiful American Bulldog... 18 months old. We took to each other immediately. I asked what his name was... Moose...lol.

Well, 3 days later I picked Moose up from the vet. We've been best buds since that day. He's a handful at 110 lbs... and growing. I'm looking forward to giving him a good home and a happy life. 

 

 

He's beautiful and the American Bulldog is a wonderful breed. My cousin had one for a long time until he lost him a couple of years ago after a companionship of 12+ years. Muggsy was a gentle soul and I always enjoyed being around him. 

I'm happy your vet knew what he was doing in pairing the two of you up. 

[Rickp 24,410]

As some of you know, I had to put my buddy of 12 years down a few weeks ago.
The evening that I put him down, my vet asked if I knew anyone that could handle a large dog and give him a good home. I thought he was being kind of insensitive, being as I was in tears. Turns out he knew exactly what he was doing.
He had one of the girls bring the dog in for me to see. He was/is a beautiful American Bulldog... 18 months old. We took to each other immediately. I asked what his name was... Moose...lol.
Well, 3 days later I picked Moose up from the vet. We've been best buds since that day. He's a handful at 110 lbs... and growing. I'm looking forward to giving him a good home and a happy life. 
 
 

Beautiful pup!! Looks like the Vet knew a great match when he saw you 2!!


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[bens197 8,651]

1 hour ago, silver & black said:

As some of you know, I had to put my buddy of 12 years down a few weeks ago.

The evening that I put him down, my vet asked if I knew anyone that could handle a large dog and give him a good home. I thought he was being kind of insensitive, being as I was in tears. Turns out he knew exactly what he was doing.

He had one of the girls bring the dog in for me to see. He was/is a beautiful American Bulldog... 18 months old. We took to each other immediately. I asked what his name was... Moose...lol.

Well, 3 days later I picked Moose up from the vet. We've been best buds since that day. He's a handful at 110 lbs... and growing. I'm looking forward to giving him a good home and a happy life. 

 

 

He's perfect.  It's been a difficult year for you so I am glad to see a good outcome here.  BTW, Love the name Moose.

[rkj427 391]

Great looking pup, and the perfect Christmas gift for both him and you!

 

[fixyurdivot 12,382]

Fantastic!  So happy for you @silver & black.

P.S. just showed my wife (who I also shared your loss with) she said he's cool looking and that she's happy for you too .

[silver & black 5,960]

1 hour ago, sirchunksalot said:

He's beautiful and the American Bulldog is a wonderful breed. My cousin had one for a long time until he lost him a couple of years ago after a companionship of 12+ years. Muggsy was a gentle soul and I always enjoyed being around him. 

I'm happy your vet knew what he was doing in pairing the two of you up. 

Wow! When I was a very small child, we had an English Bulldog. His name was Muggsy!

[silver & black 5,960]

57 minutes ago, bens197 said:

He's perfect.  It's been a difficult year for you so I am glad to see a good outcome here.  BTW, Love the name Moose.

Yea, the name definitely fits!

[xOldBenKenobiX 4,844]

23 hours ago, JohnSmalls said:

You had me at snakeskin boots.  Your entry to the Carolinas is approved.

I need me some size 13 wide snakeskin boots myself