[SamuelDev]

Originally Posted by MuseChaser

Thanks for posting your back story, SamuelDev, and sticking around despite the good-natured (yes, it WAS good-natured) foolishness by myself and others.

Congratulations on working hard and making a financially-successful life for yourself; there's nothing quite like being behind the wheel of something you've earned for yourself. Having said that, as a father with a missing son, AND as the son of someone who did pretty much what you've described (working your way out of poverty and your family's difficulties), I'd like to say two things, meant ONLY in a kind, helpful way. I have NO way of knowing exactly what your family situation was/is, but, in their own way, I'm sure your family loves you. Severing ties with them probably hurts them more than you know. Is that a necessary part, in your mind, of doing well financially and having a successful life? Who knows.. maybe more good may come of maintaining family ties and learning from each other.

The other is, and this may put me solidly in the minority, but when I see "Fuck" in the title of a thread or used prodigiously, my initial reaction is, "Here's another classless idiot." I'm far from a prude, but that's just something kind of jarring to deal with as a first impression. Maybe I'm just too old to be here... I dunno. I'm not saying you ARE a classless idiot.. you've already showed a great deal of class by the way you've dealt with the teasing and ribbing. I'm just saying that that WORD gives me an initial impression that's difficult to overcome at first.

As a guy who's been through the wringer a couple times myself, I'm just trying to help.

All my best, friend.

Barry

Thanks for your feedback Barry! I'll spare you any further details RE the family stuff as this is a car forum, though! Rest assured that severing ties was the best thing I could do for me!