I Had my winter's mod list all figured out. I knew what I wanted and in what order I wanted it done in. I then found out here about 8 weeks ago I am finally going to be a Grandpa. Well, yesterday my Son and his G/F went to the Doctor and were told there is some kind of problem, I can't remember the big name for it but they both only make about 8 or 10 bucks an hour and there is no insurance. I have to forgo all of the mods I wanted done this winter so that I am in a better position to help them out, financially and of course it is my Grand baby. I am not the kind of person who could do all that to my bike and then watch them struggle and sink under the weight of all the costs that are already piling up. I am even moving them back into the house so they can stay here and it's that much less, financially that they have to worry about, ridding them of the rent and utility bill's. They are both good hard working kids and if they were not trying to do this right and on their own I would not help them out but they are trying. I have already been told that "I wouldn't be doing that for them", that it's my time in life to be having some fun, by 1 person. I could not be having fun with anything if I sat back and watched them sink. The kid's Mother passed away last year so I am all they have left. So, my bike might be rolling out of the garage next spring the same way it rolled in. I am a little bummed about that but it is what it is and He is my Son, I love her like she was my own and it is my 1st Grand baby so I do not do any of what I am about to do with a heavy heart. PRIORITIES !!!! I know this has little or nothing to do with bikes, I guess I am just venting and getting it out of my system. I guess I might get a few little odds and end's done here and there but I think all my major project's are off of the table.

 

Hope everything works out for you and your family. I have 6 grandkids myself and am very close to one little 2 year old who was born premature. She (as well as my other grandkids) is a very big part of my life and there isn't anything I wouldn't do or sacrifice to ensure there well being.

 

Good for you, Grandpa. Congratulations; it'll come back to you and that first ride out of the garage will be that much sweeter.

 

Nothing wrong with that at all. Congrats!

 

Tony, your not venting at all. Your doing what any loving dad would do in the same situation. I am sure your son and his girl friend are very thankful about what you did. Yes, it is all about family. I myself would do the same thing that you are. In a heartbeat. Ok, now that is out of the way, lets talk about your bike. He, He, He. I am the same guy who sends you e-mails about the inspiration you give other riders on this forum. Also I told you about loving to read your long posts. For now, your other baby (bike) will just have to wait for her upgrades and all the goodies you plan on doing with her. She will understand. LOL... Believe me Tony, I respect what your doing and others will agree to this that your putting your family first and families should come first. I know you will get to your bike later on but I am sure you will come up with some more mods for her. On a brighter note, take care my friend and keep your posts coming no matter what it's about. I'll read it anyway and probably comment on it...Again, take care GRANDPA and congrats to you...Ray...

 

There are, after all, priorities. When it comes to my children and their families, I would move mountains to help them. It's just what parents do, or should I say supposed to do. It takes a village to raise a child. If more people had these types of values and sense of responsibility, we might not be mourning the loss of the souls in Conneticut. Cherrish the moments that you have with the youngsters, love them unconditionally and give them your every support. You never know when your last hug might be your last hug.

 

Congrats on becoming a Grandpa. Hope things go well with the pregnancy and all turns out well. I very much respect your decision of putting family before the bike.

 

First allow me to say that I think your ride looks incredible!!! You may be bummed about having to put the mods on hold, but the upside is you do have a bike to wheel out this spring...and it will look stunning.

Now for the part that will get me ran out of here. I am in no way condemning or chastising you for the choice you made to help out your son and his wife. I don't know of any decent parent that could turn their backs on their children in their hour of most need. When I read your post I couldn't help but think about the state of our country, our economy, and our way of life in general. It is my belief that what your son and his wife are going through will likely be the norm in the years to come and not the exception.

I have two sons myself, one high-school age and the other middle-school age. My wife also has a daughter in her mid 20's. I was one of the ones who thought I knew it all and decided to pursue the working mans world over college when I graduated high school. Fifeteen years later I found myself sitting in a college desk because I wanted a better life for my boys and I knew higher education was the only way to achieving it. I wanted to set the example for them to follow. I drill it into them every day that education is their only option. It is the only way to enable them to live a life in which they will be able to stand on their own two feet, capable and able of supporting the lifestyle they choose; instead of adopting the one they can afford.

Now, my wife's daughter who left home at 18 to conquer the big bad world will ask to borrow $60 to get a tire fixed on the car that she has had since high school. Then months later proceeds to show off the brand new car daddy bought her as if she has accomplished something. When I hear of kids running off into the world making $8 - $10 bucks an hour it really worries me. This world that we live in is rapidly changing, and it isn't for the better. On the drive home from work the other day I was thinking to myself how in a matter of 5 or 10 years...folks who have managed to just get by will not be able to make it.

For those of you who are parents, take this mans story to heart and do any and everything in your power to prepare your kids to truly make it in this **** bag world we are leaving them; instead of just barely getting by.

 

It'll be worth it overall.. Its a good thing to help Our Children when they need it if we can. We've done it several times for both our Sons.

I know some can't and some don't, but for those who are are Blessed enough and want to help, then its well worth it.

After the Grand-baby is born, it won't bother U that Ur forgoing the Mods till later.




..

 

I very much sympathize with your situation. I had my first child 5 months ago, healthy thankfully, but it did put a huge strain on my husband and I. My grandfather sold me his 1989 883 (which does not run), and I was so looking forward to fixing it up and riding into the sunset on the same bike we rode so many times together. About a month into fixing the bike, I found out that I was expecting a baby. Engine work got put on hold for doctor bills and wedding plans. We kept saying it will be fixed before winter. Now, a year later in the middle of December, it still sits in the living room in pieces just as it did. I will get it running one day and go on rides and be able to show my daughter that there are priorities, and when you do what you need to do first, then what you want to do later, it is much more rewarding. I hope all goes well with the pregnancy and you have a healthy beautiful first grandbaby!! I bet it will be spoiled rotten. I also bet that when this child reaches the age of riding, Grandpa will be his/her favorite riding partner, as mine was.


P.S. We said that we would fix the bike before she started crawling that way she could not get hurt or mess with the parts........ well, you guessed it last night she crawled about two feet and blew that timeline out of the water as well...