speaking of down but not out...............

firerescueman · December 06, 2008, 02:31:55 PM

Hey Beefman,

I truly wish you well in the coming weeks and hope your situation is resolved soon. Make them PAY! Just remember one thing, no matter how bad things may seem on the surface.... it can ALWAYS be worse! Here is what has happened to me the last few months......

I am self employed, scratching out a living as a locksmith, and volunteering most of my spare time as a firefighter, vehicle crash response specialist, husband, and dad.

Had what should have been my best year in business so far (financially) for 2008. Had 3 of the biggest jobs I have ever had. Without getting specific.... The profit from these three jobs combined would have paid off the remaining 12 years on my mortgage and put a little in savings. I was elated! business was booming and I had to hire extra help in order to get all 3 jobs done. All 3 jobs were to be completed within 2 weeks of each other. Got them all done with time to spare............ all 3 filed bankruptcy against me. will probably never see a dime.

AND THEN........

After scrambling for the last 6 months to recover from the losses created by the bankruptcies....... On November 4th, I was splitting firewood with a 27 ton hydraulic log splitter. My phone was ringing and I got distracted while operating the splitter..... I crushed my left hand between the wedge and the log. Doctors were able to save all but 2 fingers. major bummer. Been unable to work (except just a little) for the last month. Wouldn't you know.... no health insurance.

BUT TO PUT IT ALL IN PERSPECTIVE........

The day before Thanksgiving, I was having a bad day. My pain was intolerable, and the meds weren't working. I was depressed, trying to figure out how I was going to be able to work and how my life had changed and how bad it sucked right at that moment. I heard a call on the fire radio and listened intently, wishing I could be there to help. After the call was over, my phone rang. It was the preacher at our church. One of our church members was mowing leaves in his yard and backed over his 4 year old son with the mower. He didn't realize it until the mower quit running. The little boy is in LeBonhuer Children's Medical Center in Memphis. They have removed the lower part of his leg and are fighting to save the rest of it.

My problems are minor...............

It's all about perspective.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. When New Year's Eve rolls around at my house, I am having the BIGGEST one man party EVER! I am gonna say GOOD RIDDENCE to 2008...... Cause 2008 has S U C K E D !!!!!!!!! LOL

Wildcat · December 06, 2008, 02:45:24 PM

:o Our prayers will be for you and that child. You are right - it is all a matter of prospective.

Habanero Smoker · December 06, 2008, 02:45:57 PM

Sorry to hear about your situation. That is a lot for one person to go through in such a short time. Glad to see you are able to overcome your circumstances and are looking forward.

beefmann · December 06, 2008, 03:24:21 PM

Fire

first off thank you for sharing your story and am sorry to hear of your mis forturnes as well.. I hope that you have a fast and as pain free recovery as possable..as for the child my prayers are with the child its family and yours...

and it is all in perspective like u have statted... we currently are safe and secure thogh not at home.. the damage happined quickly

sunday cracks in walls and in ceiling
monday told construction company they saw... called city and more inspections, called an attorney
tuesday more people showed up ... attorney made an appearance on property and spoke with city and us city red taged house
wensday street filled curb to curb with city trucks and vehicles must had 50 people there at the construction site, my home, in the street taking a hard look at everything
thursday more city and construction crews at site looking at the problem
friday found out the exisiting sweage lift station has been damaged...

maybe that will teach them turds...

anyway dident mean to hijack this post though i can be sempathic and concerned about other in the times of trouble... make the best of it

beefmann

Smoking Duck · December 06, 2008, 03:38:40 PM

Fire,

That's tough to hear but I like your attitude. I have also had a real rough 2008 but you're spot on............it is all about perspective. 2008 has sucked, but rest assured that in 2009, it can get better. It's about the only thing that keeps me going day to day. My thoughts are with you and the family as well as the family with the child.

SD

firerescueman · December 06, 2008, 03:48:00 PM

QuoteSorry to hear about your situation. That is a lot for one person to go through in such a short time. Glad to see you are able to overcome your circumstances and are looking forward.

Thanks Habs......

but it's all in God's plan. nothing to be sorry about there, ya know? I have a really good friend who has had some hard times this year, too, and he says talking to me always makes him feel better. Why? Because after talking to me, he realizes that his problems can always be worse. (he, he.... Glad I can help him.... I guess! LOL)

I wasn't at all trying to take anything away from Beefmann's story and situation, I was telling my story in hopes that it would give him a little reassurance. You know, I was depressed and angry after my injury, until I heard about my fellow churchmember's accident.

Beefmann will come out of this in better shape than he is now. I am confident of that. He and his family are safe and THAT is what matters. I mean, what if the city had hit a gas main in his front yard and caused a fire that his family didn't escape from?

His situation is alot like mine...... it really sucks right now, and it's very inconvenient, but it will be better soon. He will be back in a home soon, and I will be back at work before too long. We both just have to be patient.

God doesn't give us any burdens that we can't bear.

Jeff

Mr Walleye · December 06, 2008, 04:10:21 PM

Jeff

I can't say enough about how you are dealing with the problems that got dealt to you. Not fun for sure but you are absolutely correct... things can "always" be worse and you don't usually have to look very far to find an example of it. Life seems to always throw a few curve balls at ya but it's all about how you pick up the pieces and pull things back together.

Great attitude Jeff and good on you! ;)

Good luck in your recovery.

Mike

firerescueman · December 06, 2008, 07:27:52 PM

Thanks Mike,

The good news is that after I get healed up, I will be able to do 95% of my current work. I lost the index and middle finger on my left hand, but I still have my thumb and 2 more fingers. Thank God I am right handed. I have just enough left that with time and physical therapy, I should be able to adapt and do most everything I do now. The doctors are telling me it will probably be about a year before I am comfortable doing everyday tasks. I don't plan to be that long. I am fully aware of how bad this could have been. Had the damage been any worse, I would probably be forced to sell my business and look for other types of work.

It was a wake-up call, but absolutely could have been so much worse!

Jeff

beefmann · December 06, 2008, 07:35:15 PM

we all have problems or have had problems it is a fact of life and we will come out just fine and in the end maybe with a new home... I dont believe any one was trying to take anything away from my situration in any form just sharing...

we are a big family here on the forum and care for one another .. maybe not like a close family .. care none e less and all the warm wishes and prayers for everyone and to everyone is always appreacated

beefmann

Tenpoint5 · December 06, 2008, 07:41:23 PM

Quote from: firerescueman on December 06, 2008, 07:27:52 PM
Thanks Mike,

The good news is that after I get healed up, I will be able to do 95% of my current work. I lost the index and middle finger on my left hand, but I still have my thumb and 2 more fingers. Thank God I am right handed. I have just enough left that with time and physical therapy, I should be able to adapt and do most everything I do now. The doctors are telling me it will probably be about a year before I am comfortable doing everyday tasks. I don't plan to be that long. I am fully aware of how bad this could have been. Had the damage been any worse, I would probably be forced to sell my business and look for other types of work.

It was a wake-up call, but absolutely could have been so much worse!

Jeff

I'm just guessing here and with the attitude you seem to be saying you'll be getting along just fine just a couple of bugger pickers short!! Chin up and Drive on!!

firerescueman · December 06, 2008, 08:34:05 PM

Quotejust a couple of bugger pickers short!!

::) ::)

I don't care WHO ya are, THAT'S Funny!

beefmann · December 06, 2008, 09:40:24 PM

bounces on my butt like a baby chanting ... not gonna laugh... not gonna laugh... not gonna laugh

yeah thats funny

HCT · December 07, 2008, 06:36:33 AM

Geeeezzzz, and I thought I had problems.
I hope everything works out for all. :)

KyNola · December 07, 2008, 07:57:36 AM

Jeff,
I am truly sorry for your circumstances but man what an attitude! I have absolutely no doubt that with the attitude Beef and you, display, you will both come out better on the other side of your cuurent situations.

You are both an inspiration. I wish you both God's speed in bringing a rapid and successful end to your current situation.

Peace,
KyNola