Here is an example of the way I operate:
While I was living in Georgia, last year, a buddy had his water pump go out on hid minivan. He had made it to work, so left the van there that afternoon, His father-in-law picked him up and took him to a parts store to get the water pump. Had to order it. So, my buddy was able to use his father-in-law's truck to get to work til his water pump came in. His in-laws seemed to be helping him out, so I didn't offer. But then, when the water pump came in, my Wife told me that my buddy was going to replace the water pump that afternoon, after work, but his phone service had run out, so if there was a problem, he would have to walk or hitch a ride home, leaving the van there again. I looked at her and said, "That is Nuts" and told her I was going to get a tow dolley, go get him and his van and bring them back home, so IF there WAS a problem, he would at least be home along with his van. His father-in-law COULD HAVE DONE the same thing. I was kicking myself though, for not thinking of this sooner and helping him myself. Anyway, get this, I didn't know where he worked and the only one who knew, was his "Father-In-Law"! Yeah, and this man went with me, to get him and his van. And, the first thing my buddy's father-in-law said to me, when he got in my car, was "How Did You Get Roped Into Doing This?" Yeah, He actually thought I had to be like "Hogtied", to HAVE TO do this!!!!!! I looked at him and simply said, "I am doing this, Because I Want To. Roy's MY Friend And Need Help!" "Simple As That." The man had a puzzled look on his face and said "Oh". Yeah, like a Friend is supposed to have to be "Hogtied" into helping a Friend?" So, that was the last of THAT conversation and I had less of an opinion of that man that man.
So, anyway we got there (and I realized that where Roy was, wasn't that hard to find and I could have done without my passenger. So, when I pulled up, Roy was really happy to see me, as the parts place had ordered the wrong pump and he was getting ready to walk home. We positioned my car and the trailer, in front of his van, he started it up and drove on the dolley, we secured it and then, his father-in-law starts up with: You sure this car can pull this or not? The door on the van are going to get bent up, when turns are made! I mean, REALLY? We both told him there was and would be No Problem! This man wasn't involved with this at all, except making a big deal about knowing exactly where Roy was. And I, in fact, had been in that basic area and where Roy worked, was only about 2 or 3 blocks from where I knew about. So, we got him home and the first thing that happened was, the father-in-law jumped out of my car, ran back to check the van and returned with a puzzled look on his face, saying that there wasn't any damage!
Roy told him, he knew there wouldn't be, to back off and stay out of the way. I told the whole deal, to show what Roy had to deal with, with his father-in-law, when he had any assistance from Him at all (and THIS time, all he was there for, was to show me where Roy was). Roy and I both were wishing the man wasn't even there.
Roy didn't have anyone else he could count on, he hated to ask me, because he knew we had alot going, but at least, I realized that I could help the situation and did it, just like I KNOW he would do the same for me, as much as he possibly could. In fact, when he wasn't working, he made several trips with me while I was moving things from Arkansas to Georgia, when I went by my Dad's place, he helped with my Dad's lawn and such. When we were moving things out of my old home in Arkansas And getting ready to make the move BACK to Arkansas, Roy was there! I can't say enough about how much he has helped me and I ill do EVERYTHING I can, to help him, as HE needs it.
REAL Friends are Very Special and just can't say enough about that.
I have some Really good friends here as well and I Know that IF we lived closer to each other, we would each be there for each other. I have NO doubt about that.
A few years back, I was looking to get a Jawa 250 engine shipped to me, that I bought off of ebay and suddenly "kirkn", offered to pick it up, since it wasn't but an hour or so away from him and then, "jtb" had a buddy who was going to Florida and he picked up the engine and brought it back to Alabama to John (jtb), who turned around and offered to bring it to Memphis and meet me at the Cracker Barrel there. Awesome Outpouring of Assistance!!!!!! We got the engine and the chance to meet John (jtb) in person.
I mean, there are several instances where SOHC4 folks have either helped me out behind the scenes or even in person. I won't go into details, but, cb650 (Terry), Ilbikes (Gordon), MickeyX, Sam, mlinder, jeylux, 6packrunner, aptech77, hondaman, kcs76cafe, member named okie, actually gave me almost a complete Honda CB77 Super Hawk (in parts), because he knew I was searching for parts and he told me that IF I would come and get them, he would give them to me. and possibly more have helped me, in one way or another. I apologize if I have missed anyone and the order in which I have put the names, has nothing to do with importance or anything. I am SO Grateful for ALL of the friends I have here, Period! Thank you to ALL of you.
