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Board Generosity on Another Level (ThunderDan, CardCountry, BPorter26, 70ToppsFanatic)

In the past I might not make this post for fear or ridicule, but its been a very tough year for me to date, yet one in which I have learned a ton about myself, moreover how to be a better man, father, brother, son, friend and colleague. In particular I have learned not to waste a day not saying what you feel, expressing appreciation for everything that life has given, and certainly not taking anything for granted, no matter how big or small someone else might feel it to be. See, this year is one in which I have seen my wife and I separate from each other. Its been a year in which my three beautiful kids through no fault of their own now get to experience what transitioning back and forth between their mother and father homes feels like. I lost what I love the most in this world! See I took life for granted......I took my wife for granted, and I took the love of my wife and children for granted. I put superficial monetary things in front of the MOST important things in my life. I allowed my impulsiveness to make decisions that were out of character for me, yet I made them anyway. I tell the community for a couple reason. First I hope that I can be a cautionary tale to someone out there. Don't allow worldly riches distort what's really important in life. If you have a wife and kids, be thankful for everything you got. If they are healthy and you are healthy, you are living a life that so many out there would love to live! Secondly, I bring to light the above to acknowledge so many board members that have gone out of there way to do what they can do to try and cheer me up.

Bobby(Bporter26)-Thanks for calling me everyday for the last 5 months to check on me and cheer me up. I can't thank you enough for the texts and trips to see me during all of this. We've been friends since we were kids, but you've been over the top in seeing me through this. I know we were the best men in each others wedding, but you're truly the best man!

Dan(ThunderDan)-We have had many of candid conversation, and I appreciate your candor, its helped more than you will ever know. Your gift waiting for me today was absolutely over the top. (Dan works for my favorite outdoor retailer. I am about to embark on a three day solo Appalachian Trail hike so I asked Dan to send me a flag for a photo opp when I reach the summit of my hike. On top of the flag, Dan sent me a care package that included a JetBoil that I needed to purchase still to prepare my food while on my hike).

Jeff (CardCountry)-Jeff, I hardly know you aside from buying cards from you over the last couple years. Yet you have been on my phone and text non-stop. Additionally the 87 Topps vending boxes continue to bring a smile to my face. You had zero reason to be the friend to me that you have, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it.

Dave (70ToppsFanatic)-You've taken me into your home, you and your entire family treated me instantly like I was a member of the family (including a trip to the ice cream parlor after steaks for dinner ). I appreciate your unconditional love you've shown me and sage advice.

Kirk, Eric and Dustin (MrMint, ThoseBackPages and Doublestriker)-You've kept me on the text chains for the last 5 months, even when I could barely eat, let alone think about cards. Through it all, you three have kept it light, yet offered up your unconditional support to me. I thank you very much.

We have a great community of people on these boards. Nearly everyday there is an example of someone going out of there way to help out another collector. I think it takes really special people to continually go out of there way to be there for you, when your going through the toughest of times. I would encourage everyone to be thankful for everything they have. Remember the little things. I have never heard a man on his death bed say " I wished I would have worked harder, or I wish I made more money". There have been plenty that said "I wished I would have been a better father, I wished I would have shown my wife how much I really loved her and I wouldn't have gotten divorced". I would give up everything today to live in a box as long as I had my wife and kids beside me everyday.

Thank you all, Matt

Matt
I collect: 80’s Rookies and 86 Fleer Basketball

Comments

  • StingrayStingray Posts: 8,843 ✭✭✭
    Oh, there is another Kirk on here??

    PS - hope that all works out and that this can help others some day!!


    Kirk
  • lawnmowermanlawnmowerman Posts: 19,477 ✭✭✭✭
    Nice, heartfelt post. Thanks for sharing.
  • DanBessetteDanBessette Posts: 6,421 ✭✭✭
    Man that's rough. I'm sorry to hear what you've been through, but am glad that things seem to be going better. I, too, have not always been the husband I should have been, so I understand your regrets. I wish you and your children nothing but the best. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help. What section of the AT are you hiking? Any chance it's a Vermont or New Hampshire segment?
  • cardcountrycardcountry Posts: 571 ✭✭✭
    Thanks buddy- I really appreciate your nice words. Wish you were gonna be in Cleveland.

    Jeff
    Jeff Foy/Dave Foy
    Card Country
    Graded stars 1950's-1980
  • DboneesqDboneesq Posts: 18,219 ✭✭
    Matt ... sorry to hear what you are going thru. Hopefully your children will adjust and all of you will be able to get thru the tough times. No doubt it takes friends to help you get thru these times .... and luckily it seems like you have them. BEST OF LUCK!
    STAY HEALTHY!

    Doug

    Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
  • EchoCanyonEchoCanyon Posts: 2,288 ✭✭✭
    Virtual hug from NY
  • SeattleSlammerSeattleSlammer Posts: 10,032 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thank you for sharing and good luck!
    image
    image
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,438 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I wish you the best Matt.

    I do agree - we have a very compassionate and generous group here.
    Mike
  • Rule 6) This forum is about collecting trading cards and/or memorabilia. If your post is not directly related to trading cards and/or memorabilia, then this is the wrong forum. Do not post it or your posting privileges may be removed.
  • lawnmowermanlawnmowerman Posts: 19,477 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Rule 6) This forum is about collecting trading cards and/or memorabilia. If your post is not directly related to trading cards and/or memorabilia, then this is the wrong forum. Do not post it or your posting privileges may be removed. >>




    Seriously?? It really takes a man to make a post like this behind an alt two years old. Congratulations on being a tool!
  • TNP777TNP777 Posts: 5,710 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Rule 6) This forum is about collecting trading cards and/or memorabilia. If your post is not directly related to trading cards and/or memorabilia, then this is the wrong forum. Do not post it or your posting privileges may be removed. >>




    Seriously?? It really takes a man to make a post like this behind an alt two years old. Congratulations on being a tool! >>

    image

    edit: directed at the tool, not lawnmowerboy
  • pdub1819pdub1819 Posts: 1,988 ✭✭✭✭
    Matt,

    Though we've only met once at last years national. I've always held you in high regard on these boards for your knowledge and your positive and supportive posts. I wish you the best and if you're ever in So Cal and need a place to stay or just someone to go have a drink with, don't hesitate to ask.

    Paul
  • belzbelz Posts: 1,217 ✭✭✭
    Hi Matt,

    It's never ever too late to do the right things and to be honest with yourself and those you love and care for. Sounds like you're heading in the right direction by being real and opening up. Best wishes to you.
    Steven
    "Wots Uh The Deal" by Pink Floyd
  • Matt thanks for the kind words. You are a great guy!
  • MantleFan23MantleFan23 Posts: 702 ✭✭✭✭
    I'm sorry to hear about what has happened, but so encouraged about all the people that have come up beside you to support you through these times. I think we all can be better fathers, husbands, and friends.

    Also, I hope that you enjoy your hiking trip!

    Jeremy image
  • ldfergldferg Posts: 6,744 ✭✭✭
    Thanks for sharing. I wish you the best of luck in the days/years ahead. You've latched on to a good group of guys.


    Thanks,

    David (LD_Ferg)



    1985 Topps Football (starting in psa 8) - #9 - started 05/21/06
  • vintagefunvintagefun Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭
    Best of luck and thanks for sharing. I think we all need to be reminded sometimes not to take things or people for granted.



    52-90 All Sports, Mostly Topps, Mostly HOF, and some assorted wax.
  • Stone193Stone193 Posts: 24,438 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Rule 6) This forum is about collecting trading cards and/or memorabilia. If your post is not directly related to trading cards and/or memorabilia, then this is the wrong forum. Do not post it or your posting privileges may be removed. >>

    Hiya Mr K

    #6 has both the written word - the letter of the law and the implied word - the spirit of the law (the reason the law was made).

    and the rule says "may" as an action.

    While Matt may have violated the letter, in no way did he violate the "spirit" which was that "other than" collectibles discussion might cause disruption, disharmony, discontent...

    Everyone here realizes that we are "not" just collectors. We're individuals, spouses, parents, friends, employees, employers, and as you may know pretty much represent a nice cross section of America and its workforce.

    Thus, in no way, other than yourself, is anyone concerned with his post. And, BTW, he does reference collecting in his post - so I vote that his post is relevant.

    After all, if you were feeling low and people here extended their hearts to you... Wouldn't you want to thank them?

    I'm sure you would. But, thanx for sharing.
    Mike
  • kgibsonkgibson Posts: 264 ✭✭✭
    You are in my prayers.
    "You know we just don't recognize the most significant moments of our lives while they're happening. Back then I thought, well, there'll be other days. I didn't realize that that was the only day."
  • aconteaconte Posts: 2,053 ✭✭✭
    Hang in there. I'm sure there will be brighter days ahead.

    aconte
  • MULLINS5MULLINS5 Posts: 4,517 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Rule 6) This forum is about collecting trading cards and/or memorabilia. If your post is not directly related to trading cards and/or memorabilia, then this is the wrong forum. Do not post it or your posting privileges may be removed. >>



    "Additionally the 87 Topps vending boxes continue to bring a smile to my face."

    Looks like the right forum to me image
  • 1980scollector1980scollector Posts: 2,036 ✭✭✭
    It was good talking last week. If you need me for anything, you have my number.

    1987 topps are awesome!
    ** Working on the following sets-2013 Spectra Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary Autograph set, 2015 Spectra Football Illustrious Legends Autograph set, 2014-15 Hall of Fame Heroes autograph set. **
  • cpamikecpamike Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭
    Matt, thanks for sharing your story. I hope you continue to make progress and things get easier for your kids especially.

    You know where I'm at if you ever need anything.

    Btw, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but Bobby heard you had a Gem Mint Stargell RC and has been searching for it the past 5 months. image
    "The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
    But I have promises to keep,
    And miles to go before I sleep,
    And miles to go before I sleep."

    "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

    Collecting:
    Any unopened Baseball cello and rack packs and boxes from the 1970's and early 1980s.
  • heritageheritage Posts: 2,662 ✭✭✭
    Best wishes Matt, thinking of you in these hard times.
  • airjoedanairjoedan Posts: 776 ✭✭✭
    Very nice post - best wishes to you.
  • baseballfanbaseballfan Posts: 5,464 ✭✭✭
    hang in and best wishes.

    I hope it works out for you.
    Fred

    collecting RAW Topps baseball cards 1952 Highs to 1972. looking for collector grade (somewhere between psa 4-7 condition). let me know what you have, I'll take it, I want to finish sets, I must have something you can use for trade.

    looking for Topps 71-72 hi's-62-53-54-55-59, I have these sets started

  • Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement. CS Lewis
    If you can count your money, you don't have a billion dollars. J Paul Getty
  • jay0791jay0791 Posts: 3,549 ✭✭✭✭
    Matt

    My heart goes out to you and your family.

    Hang in there. After reading your story for the first time...I think things can only go up.

    Way to go for Bobby et al.......Good friends are also hard to find. Looks like you have more than a few.
    Collecting PSA... FB,BK,HK,and BB HOF RC sets
    1948-76 Topps FB Sets
    FB & BB HOF Player sets
    1948-1993 NY Yankee Team Sets
  • Baez578Baez578 Posts: 967 ✭✭✭
    Wishing you the best...and I agree with you about the people here. Almost everyone I've spoken with on this board are class acts image
  • lahmejoonlahmejoon Posts: 1,758 ✭✭✭✭
    Hang in there! It's nice to know that this forum is about more than cardboard.
  • galaxy27galaxy27 Posts: 8,282 ✭✭✭✭✭
    A very noble, selfless act this was, Matt. That you would publicly take time to offer up words of wisdom while returning to your feet really speaks volumes. Try not to place undue pressure on yourself for past mistakes -- absolutely no one reading or replying to this is batting 1.000 in life. Lord knows I'm probably hovering around the Mendoza line.

    All the best moving forward, brother.

    you'll never be able to outrun a bad diet

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