Kirk Fitzgerald":3tkzlrnh said:
You know what Kyle, until I became a member here and on SF I figured the entire World was populated with cold hearted and viciously cruel people, I had all but buried my head in the sand counting the days to the big journey. I became friends with Jim (Jimbo on SF) and he kind of took me under his wing so to speak as I knew naff all about pipes as such, he even sent me a few sample of baccies he thought I might like, first time he did so I was shocked so much I didn't know quite what to make of it. When I came here and started making some friends I found myself in a situation I had never found myself in before, I found myself in the company of some folk who were genuinely very warm and caring toward me, then I got bombed with some baccy here and I have to tell you mate I found myself in tears when that happened. I'm more accustomed to folk who would sooner punch me in the face as smile at me, the kindness and friendship I have found here has changed me in more ways than I can say mate, I am actually starting to believe (aye, believe) that there really are good people in the World, BoB aint a website on the internet to me my friend, BoB is a place I can come to where I have some friends, that means more to me than words can ever tell.
Well, you already know I believe we came from the same "social womb," I mean, with what we've seen and been through, why trust anyone? Why bother with the rest of 'em just because they're our species? :lol:
Pipes in general have opened a world I never knew existed. Yak often mentions how pipes were commonplace--it's a very rough comparison, but with pipes went a bit more decency over time, as I see it. Since they are coming back, not a bad crowd representing them, eh? Not bad at all. I can't say pipes are the gauge of humanity, but with those that would rather make them go away, the spirit of that notion right there sets the stage.
My moment came when I was bombed about a year ago. I was the first target, actually. Not sure how or why I was chosen, but there I was, having days of packages roll in, one after the other, with personal messages, unique gifts and glimpses into lives of people I never met. Treasure, pure treasure. I got more care and love put into an event from a bunch of random people than my own family had really done for me ever on any occasion. Stunning. The next level was achieved during my fundraising a few months back, as you recall.
Locally, a small group of us at the Tinder Box pipe and cigar store here in Reno get together, we go out to eat, we sit, we smoke, we trade pipes, we give pipes (same for tobacco), and it's good.
I've been counting the small things in life lately, since the universe is sh*tting in my lap again, and I'm not sure how much more work I'm gonna get out of this latest venture. I'm a bit worried. Quite down in the dumps, actually. I don't like whining and bitching about my plight (I know you get me on that...) but sometimes the cards just don't come up. That's the way it is. Fortunately, I'm constantly reminded of the great distraction and set of folks here (locally and on BoB/Fellowship). I have real people to talk to, folks to console me, celebrate with me, laugh, cry whatever. I love reading folks being good to each other and doing nice things. Gives me hope, real hope.
It's very real.