tacreload
Member
Been wanting to share this story for sometime.I have been managing auto parts stores for the better part of20 years now.In 1990 I had a young guy delivering parts for me.Well I had a guy on the counter who couldn't stay sober long enough to show up on a regular basis and after trying to get him some help for over a year he just vanished on me.I asked my young delivery guy if he would like to learn the counter.He was very intelligent and jumped on the chance and did very well for me for a couple years.We became very close and being 15 years older than him I felt like I had a little brother.Well he told me one day that he had enrolled in the police academy and would probably be leaving as soon as he graduated and got a job.I understood.He always talked about owning a gun shop and wanted me to work for him.The day came and he got on with a local PD.We kinda lost touch for a few years only talking two or three times a year.Every time saying we needed to stay in touch more.We started doing that in 2003 by doing the first week of deer season together and every year since.In 2004 he called me and said he had been approved for an ffl.I helped him build a small shop on his property and he was open for business.In the last 6yrs I have worked with and for him 2-3nights a week.He can't pay me because he is not big enough and I really don't care because I enjoy being able to be around guns and gun people.He has given several boxes of ammo and some other items always saying he wishes it could be more.Christmas morning 2009 he called me to say he had to stop to see me.I said what for?He said Cindy(his wife)had baked some cookies and wanted to drop them off.Minutes later in the front door he came with a box and an envelope,in a big hurry saying he had to go,wife and kids are in the car we're headed out for our Christmas visiting.In the card with my wife's name on it was a restaurant gift card and a note apologizing for taking me away 2-3 nights a week.I opened the box and inside was a brand new M&P40c that I had laid away plus the 200.00 dollars that I had given him.Well I'm not ashamed to say,but the tears started.I immediately called him saying he couldn't afford to do this and that I don't expect pay,I just want to see him do well because he is like a brother to me.He told me it wasn't open for debate and not to ruin his Christmas present because over the last six years this was small compensation for all the help I had given him.I guess this story has gone on long enough but I wanted express how fortunate I have been and how in this day and age people should count their blessings.I feel I am truly blessed.Thanks for listening.
Bruce
Bruce
