A special Christmas for me

Like a few others, I’ve been around here for a very long time. Was more of a lurker on FTR, with just contributing a little. As I grew to know more of you, my respect for the quality of people here also grew. Made me want to give back and contribute as I could. Personally I felt I had a lot I could teach and providing reports, answering questions, and the multitude of phone calls were all means to give back. That may be interpreted as arrogance and I can only hope not. I’ve tried to always remain positive and take a high road in not to be disrespectful and inspire – never demeaning.

The friendships I have developed with many here have grown to be so vital in my stressful daily life. Some know I shut down life to take care of my father. A year ago, we didn’t think he would be around for Christmas. Then it was he wouldn’t see the snow melt….then July 4th…then his birthday in Aug…then the leaves change….and now Christmas again. I’m not seeking a pat on the back or any notaries for taking care of him. I’m blessed. Many never have to opportunity to take care of their parents this way through the end.

Reflecting back on this year regarding IDO, I’ve fired some uncalled for nasty responses to a few, and posted a few that 100% should have been private or just simply let go. Dutch and a few others called me out on that, i I appreciate and respect them for it. For those I did this to, I am sorry. It doesn’t reflect me and I’ve been embarrassed by it.

To the many friends I have grown to have, THANK YOU!!! As I sit here with my Father at my side and my family all here, my phones been blowing up with well wishes as well as so many PMs. It’s a little overwhelming when realizing that people I have contributed a little to, are so willing to give so much of themselves. I’m so blessed for what I have and I appreciate you all.

Merry Christmas and I hope you all find the things in life that is the most meaningful

Randy, we probably will never meet other than through IDO. Your vast knowledge and posts I’ve learned from them, and I don’t feel you really had many of those so called” nasty responses”.

You speak your mind and that’s to be respected, I for one appreciate that.

I know where your coming from with respect to your dad, I did the same with mine when he had that asbestos cancer. Glad you get to spend quality time with your family today, and have a great holiday.

I will always look forward to reading your posts!👍

Merry Christmas Randy. 2022 will be the 50th anniversary of my Fathers’ passing, so please enjoy every moment you can with yours.

HRG

Merry Christmas Randy. Tell dad Merry Christmas from us also.

Everybody has a off day from time to time. Your true character has shown through here many times. Keep bringing the knowledge.

It was nice meeting you this year Randy to bad it was so short and under not the best of circumstances.
IDO has been an amazing place for me as well, met a lot of quality people that turned into very good friends. I’ve been going through some challenging times lately and IDO has helped me get through, you guys keep me smiling. I to am Thankful.

Merry Christmas and Happy new Years!

Randy, You’re a good man and appreciated by many, myself included. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Merry Christmas Randy, to you and your family. I have the utmost respect for people who take care of a parent as they near the end. You, as well as other members, have a vast amount of experience behind the reasons for your responses. It’s provided other members with very good information to help them with their situation/task at hand/question.

I must of missed the “nasty responses” Randy. I find all your posts informative, insightful, and from the heart.
You and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. God bless.

I have always looked up to you, and enjoy reading your posts. Very informative, especially for a guy like my self. I didnt grow up in a outdoor family all I have learned has been read in magazines and the internet. So I always will thank you and others on this forum.
We all get grumpy and say things we do or do not mean, even when we shouldn’t. We’re all human.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Merry Christmas Randy! Enjoy your posts and stories!

Posts like this is why I keep coming Back.
Wishing you a very Merry and Special Christmas Randy & too everyone else also!!!
May we all find peace on this Earth.

I love reading your posts with insight into the construction world. You’re a wealth of knowledge. Your only fault is that I wish you would share even more!

Merry Christmas to your family and the rest of the IDO world.

Hey Randy you’re singing to the choir here! Just reached 65 and Dad is 89. Our weekly lunches are like Grumpy Old Men every time. Thanks for your insight.

Merry Christmas Randy to you and the family.
We all have bad days don’t sweat it.I just want you to keep posting your wisdom and knowledge.I also like your honesty and you always know where you stand with you.

Merry Christmas to you and your father. I lurk more then post but truly enjoy what you share.

MX1825 wrote:

I must of missed the “nasty responses”.

Good! They should have never been posted publicly and I had them deleted.

To everyone, thank you all for the kind words. Had an extraordinary day with my Dad. Unlike the last couple months, he was up and alert most of the day. Ate well, and shared many great (and embarrassing) stories with the family. I know these moments are limited and I cherish each one.

I shared many of the texts and messages I received with him. It’s almost overwhelming to know the support I have received from so many. It’s hard to explain other than visualize the times when my patience is running low and miraculously a text pops up to simply say “ hey Randy, this is xxxxxx, from IDO. Saw your Dad isn’t doing well. Just went through that…. Call me if you need to talk….. “ amazing how strength comes from just knowing people care.

James, the IDO team (new and old) and everyone here on this forum is what makes this a special place. God Bless you all

God Bless you and your family. Caregiving is for all ages. You and your father deserve every bit of this time together.

Merry Christmas Randy. As hard as it is to take care of a loved one, take great pride in it and be proud that you are able to do it. Well done and keep enjoying each day with your father.

There are a few very aggressive people on here that I’ve done the knee “jerk back at you” reply to as well. After reading it back I don’t feel good about it either, and have taken a couple down. There’s other posts that seem so simple it make me shake my head but we were all beginners at one time I think many of them are very young also. I too was the older brother that took care of my Dad the last couple years and it was tough, he’s gone now and I’m very proud of myself for doing it. You’re one of those I respect and read your posts all the time, keep it up! Merry Christmas everyone. Words of wisdom for 2022- “Jigs sink, bobbers float.” It’s not that complicated😊

The nice thing about this place is that while many sit on the opposite sides of the fence politically, at the end of the day, we’re all primarily here to bond over our outdoor passions. Take all of the other stuff away and men just want to bond with others over this stuff. And it can be hard to find these kind of men anymore in real life. And even when there are heated discussions, we all respect each other and are mature about it. And that’s cool with me.

Merry Christmas everyone.

An indicator of that is the difference between Gen Discussion and Ice Fishing, controversy and attacks are on the GD side. The actual fishing side stays pretty civil for the most part, with a few exceptions.

Randy, like the others have said and like I have said before. You are one of the reasons I joined IDO, I respect you more than you could know. You are going through something really tough but very rewarding. I lost my mom this year, wish I could have spent more time with her at the end. God speed my friend.

Randy there’s a few regular IDO members whose posts I always try and read and understand as I know it’s coming from a wealth of knowledge and experience and you are definitely one of them. Thanks for all you do on IDO and offline as well to make the world a better place. I also must have missed your negative messages, but sometimes that’s needed too, either to let someone know or to vent for your own mental health. I try and remember none of us are as simple as it may seem online and there’s real life struggles we are all going thru that may come thru on a random comment.

Randy you have been very honest with me and that means everything to me. This year my father in law is going down hill fast. Cherishing the memories we have now. Blessings to you and your family.

Happy and Safe New Year Randy!