If you get sad easily, dont read! (My Life So Far)

Life's not always easy, and life has been tougher for some of us than others, but looking back on it now, my life hasn't been as tough as others. I guess that makes me a lucky guy, in my view. I lost my father to a farming accident when I was 10, and we lost pretty much everything, including the farm. We all went to live with cousins and grandparents for a few months until Mom could scrape together enough money to buy us a small place to live, and we grew up with mostly nothing and had to do much for ourselves and the rest of our family while most of our friends had mostly everything given to them. We grew up straight, many of my friends grew up not to amount to much or have respect for much... most was given to them. The person that had the toughest life that I know? My Mom. She faught and pulled us all back together and nearly cracked a time or two under the pressure, but she's survived so far. I work in Illinois during the week, own a place back home here in Bristol that I make it to on most weekends, and my retired Mom and one of my sisters have to themselves during the week. All that I ask of them, take care of my dog, Lou when I'm gone, do whatever they want to the house, even paint it purple if they want (I don't care, but kinda glad they probably never will paint it purple), do whatever they want within its few surrounding acres, but stay off of the bigger tractors and out of the fields so they don't get hurt. Oh yeah, don't leave any guns loaded and don't shoot the dogs. My Mom's 70 and practices shooting off of the deck by her bedroom from time to time. What the heck, it's legal and she's earned it. She's by far the best mother and mostly the best father that I've ever had. May God always bless her and may she never have to go without again as long as I'm alive and can provide. She did for me, us, and she's pretty deserving as far as I'm concerned.

Hang in there Frank, you'll survive although at times it may seem as though you won't. And don't hate your father...something went terribly wrong, something massive, and I'm sure that he'd never willingly turn his back on his family, and he made a decision that he can never take back...never ever. If not now, I'm sure that someday when you get older and have to fend for yourself, you'll see and realize that. Young man, never forget the good times that he was there for you, and learn from his mistakes, and those that you will make as well. Life isn't perfect. Take care of your Mom and family as best you can.

Mark

Right now your going to grow up a little sooner than most kids your age. Now is the time to focus on school and keep your nose in the books so your grades are up. Now is not the time to let things go. You have to keep it together. You need to get a good education now. Don't worry about the future too hard too it will all come together as it happens when you get older. Put your faith in God and everything will turn out ok. Godbless

I'm well over twice your age, and I knowm for the most part, what you are going through. I lost my father back in April, and even as an adult, I'm having a hard time "moving on" without him. He and I were best friends, and he was the one that got me interested in antique tractors. Every time I step out my front door to go somewhere, the first thing I see is the shed across the yard, and his Case 12-20 Crossmotor. I've tried a couple of times to fire her up and take her for a spin around the yard, but I just can't bring myself to do it. YET. But I know that a day will come where I'll be able to, and move on with my life. As will you... It may take some time, but wounds DO heal, just hang in there, and surround yourself with good friends and family that care about you.

As for the girlfriend... Dude, I've been through tons of girlfriends and a divorce before finding my lovely bride of 10 years. Keeping fishing brother... There's a never ending supply of women out there. People are making them every day. You find one that will suit you for the rest of your days.

If you aren't ready to move, like where you're living, and going to school, and the option is there for you to live with your Grandparents, then why not? Do what's best for YOU. Everything else will work itself out...

Go find a tractor to wrench on... Tends to be therapeutic. Maybe Allen in Nebraska will let ya work on his Farmalls... :)

ef

WOW! Hang in there as life will get better over time.

Prayers from our family to yours.

T_Bone

Focus on the good.....don't worry about the bad.....

Read the book of Jobe..... ...

There are forces in your life of which you have no control.

Only through the pain do we learn tenderness.

In the summer, the trees grow leaves and the flowers bloom. In the winter, while the tops look dead, the roots grow. While things look bad for you now, your roots are growing just waiting to spring forth when the sun finally warms the ground (your heart).

When the light lives in your heart the summers arn't near as hot, nor the winters near as cold.

I'm sorry my young friend, some times lifes lessons come a little early.....but to all people the lessons of life must come..... ..It's your time to learn.

Look up to the light for never will god leave you, never will he forsake you.