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Mon Dec 20, 2004 5:54 pm

Its a shame but I posted a story.....True story..about a couple passing through our town of Clovis New Mexico but due some some very immature and hateful people it was pulled. Before it was pulled, I got some of the nicest comments..one being from an editor of Hot VW magazine. I own and operate a small VW repair/resto shop and have been fortunate to have a very good year, not getting rich but payingthe bills and have all I need. The short version of this story is a couple had their car blow up on I-40 heading west, ended up pushing all their belongings in a cart and happened to walk past my shop. Hard to ignore so drove after them and offered to help. Broke, cold, tired and hungry..no one deserves that, plus they had rescued two small dogs..okay in my book. I'm far from a saint and have had wonderful people helping me so now they have a 30ft. Prowler camper...a pal sold it to me cheap, they as of 4pm mst have water, heat and electricity.A great guy two blks from my shop is building a new R/V park and offered them free lot rent and all utilities for the male half to help out as needed in the park.. We've gotten them a couple of bikes, have a car fixed up(not a VW..they needed heat:>) Got Matt:25, a local Christian group on board helping and they now have a chance at a couple of jobs. Sometimes all you need is a little helping hand and people that don't want anything back. When a local recycler told him he could have all the broken and unwanted bicycles that were lying around and he hauled numerous to his site...I asked him what he was going to do with them. His response?? He said maybe someone at the local shelter could use some free transportation. I'm a grow man, Viet-nam vet and 20 year military veteran..I'm not ashamed that when he said that I had to turn and walk away for a bit, didn't want to see that it brought tears to my eyes. Scammers...don't think so, just common folks down on their luck...but no more. Jack Quaif. Jack's Bug Hut Clovis New Mexico 505-763-6967(shop)

Tue Dec 21, 2004 1:50 am

that is really cool of you to help a couple of strangers out, it will come back to you ten fold one day. and that is really cool that they have a place to crash and stuff for free. are they gunna live there? or just use it till they get enough money to go back to wherever they came?? thats really cool man.

Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:31 am

Josh, they plan on staying. The weather here is moderate, people are nice...not much water but lots of beach. Apparently about ten years ago this lady was married to a crack head and one nite he flipped out. Stabbed her 21 times and when she refused to die, shot her. She survived but lost a lung and has a pretty bad limp, luckily she was moving when he fired and the shot took out here knee-cap. These people were living in a 7x9 tent, working odd jobs to survive and bothering no one. They've told me that although the local police of towns they've passed through have been nice to them, alot of other folks throw stuff at them, yell at them etc. I've lived all over the country and the world, been to some real nasty places...but when you see or hear of complete idiots, people who have no regard for life, treat other human beings like animals...you just have to draw the line. Before the original post was pulled, all but one or two of the replies were positive...and then as in this post, a jerk or two will crawl out frm under their nice sunny rock and say immature things. I was taught growing up..if you don't have anything good to say, keep your mouth shut. No one is immune to trouble, and maybe someday the people who run off at the mouth will need a hand...think they'll have something cute to say then?? Take care Josh.

Tue Dec 21, 2004 12:57 pm

yeah, i love new mexico, that is why im either gunna move there, and open up my vw restoration shop, or move into the old EZ camper of america company. there are a lot of "homeless" people here in atlanta, but 99% of the time, it is just druggies who want your money to get high, and have a good home to go to if they only kicked their habbits. now, when i see a family on the side of the road, thats a different story, ill help out in any way i can, no innocent person should have to live like that. where are you at in new mexico?? i wanna move to the deserty part (lol). i LOVE the desert!

Wed Dec 22, 2004 12:46 am

Jack,

i just have to tell you how great it was to read your story, i read it the first time it was up and told my wife about it but than saw it was gone.
not to sound stupid but it is the perfect christmas miracle story, maybe not all fairytale but def great and if more people were like you this country would be a utopia.

I am also sad to say that it is hard for me to do such a thing because of the drinking, drugs, and poor decisions that some of these people make (they would rather smoke or drink than eat) on the other hand when i was up north in the city going to clubs i would always have change, singles, or more often then not i just run in the corner store or deli and get some food and drinks for the guys that way i know the money is going to something good.

anyway enough about that, thank you for the story and i can say with all honesty that you story made my holidays and there is nothing wrong with getting teary eyed at what the guy did, hell it hot my chest hard just reading what you did and then what he did.

dan

Wed Dec 22, 2004 7:33 am

Appreciate the kind words guys, I'm just sorry I posted it the first time in rants, that must be where all the people with attitides hang out. Wrote Everett and he was cool, said it probaly got dumped because of some of the nasty replies. Josh...we're located in Clovis New Mexico seven miles from the Texas Panhadle border town of Farwell Tx. We're about 95 miles from both Lubbock(to the southeast) and Amarillo(about 95 miles northeast) of us. We're at 4214' in the high plains..or high desert. When it gets hot in the summer, we pile in our Pace Arrow r/v and head for Red River, Taos, Santa Fe, Ruidoso or anyplace cool. We usually tow the wifes 78 bug vert or my old 70 porsche 911e on a dolly. Going to Red River is an experience, you have to climb up to Bobcat Pass....elevation 9990 ft....quita a ride up..and down. Come visit, we'll give you the tour. Jack. btw...where are you located??

Thu Dec 23, 2004 9:21 pm

Jack, you're a good man. Sometimes, you just have take action. I'm glad you did, buddy. Inspiration to the rest of us!
Doin' something like that makes is a LOT easier to look at yerself in the mirror!
Next time I'm road trippin' in your area, I'll stop by. How far from El Paso is CLovis?

Fri Dec 24, 2004 8:56 am

We're 230 from Alamogordo...and El Paso is about 80 from there...but I think its shorter going the more direst route. Stop by and visit our nightmare...restoring a few as we speak, and more coming. Jack

Fri Dec 24, 2004 11:57 am

That's a great story...definitely spreads the Christmas spirit...
I've been to NM a couple times, driving through in a bus, and love it. I had some friends north of Santa Fe, and it's the most beautiful scenery out there... I can't wait to get back out that way again...thanks for the good story and bringing back good memories...

Sat Dec 25, 2004 7:34 am

[email protected] wrote: Appreciate the kind words guys, I'm just sorry I posted it the first time in rants, that must be where all the people with attitides hang out.

No just the heartless assholes.

Cool story. I have travelled through that area many times and its not a good place to be stranded. Thankfully you were there to give these folks some help.

Sat Dec 25, 2004 10:51 am

[email protected] wrote: Appreciate the kind words guys, I'm just sorry I posted it the first time in rants, that must be where all the people with attitides hang out. Wrote Everett and he was cool, said it probaly got dumped because of some of the nasty replies. Josh...we're located in Clovis New Mexico seven miles from the Texas Panhadle border town of Farwell Tx. We're about 95 miles from both Lubbock(to the southeast) and Amarillo(about 95 miles northeast) of us. We're at 4214' in the high plains..or high desert. When it gets hot in the summer, we pile in our Pace Arrow r/v and head for Red River, Taos, Santa Fe, Ruidoso or anyplace cool. We usually tow the wifes 78 bug vert or my old 70 porsche 911e on a dolly. Going to Red River is an experience, you have to climb up to Bobcat Pass....elevation 9990 ft....quita a ride up..and down. Come visit, we'll give you the tour. Jack. btw...where are you located??

Ya you took some flak in there but also got alot of praise for what you did from some of us. That sure was a wonderful thing you did for that couple! It's nice to hear there are still good people out there!

Sun Dec 26, 2004 12:59 pm

Yesterday my sister and husband invited them over to their place for dinner and gifts. I think they're in shock...today my brother-in-law is driving them around ...ldoing laundry, picking up some food, showing them around town. My sister is 64, her husband is 67 and they are raising a almost 3 year old great grandson...and her grandaughter from Fl. just moved here to live with them. again..someone who dosen't have alot, but more then others, is willing to step up and help out. My sister helped out back in 63 when my Dad ided at 49 and Mom was left with 3 kids at home to support. Jean helped with us and I guess over the years you take people for granted. This year I gave her something she always wanted...while out shopping on the 23rd, I snuck a beautiful little MG Midget to her house. Taped a huge bow on the windsheild and left. She came home and freaked...called my shop crying...wanting to know what was going on. Told her it was for years of never saying thank you.. Its said its better to give than to receive...I beleive that, I sleep real good at night. Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and have the chance to maybe help someone less fortunate out. Jack Quaif

Tue Dec 28, 2004 1:19 am

jack, im in woodstock, georgia...about 30 or 40 miles northwest of atlanta. i have been through NM bunches of times from when we lived out in california.

Tue Dec 28, 2004 8:05 am

Thx Josh...may try to look you up before too long, my son and I both have 911 Porsches and are planning on upgrading to larger engines. Theres a big Porsche place down there we've been talking to and are trying to make a deal on a cuople of engines...not VWs but still air cooled..

Tue Dec 28, 2004 3:41 pm

Jack, by now I hope you have received an envelope from me, I am sorry, it wasn't much, and I would prefer that the people have no clue where it came from. I've been there- down on my luck, hungry, and cold. I was NOT an alchoholic, I was NOT on drugs, I was just damned unlucky. I managed, through hard work, perseverance, and THE HELP OF OTHERS, to get where I am today. I hope my small contribution will help those people. After they get back on their feet (and from your recounting of their story, I am fairly certain they will), They'll probably help someone else out, that has hit a bad bump in the Road of Life.

Wed Dec 29, 2004 7:49 am

Got it yesterday Dave...and we thank you very much...and as for it not being much...its alot when you don't have anything. They asked where it came from and I said it was from one of the great people in our VW community. Yesterday, a man from the local Matt: 25...a non-profit Christian group, came by and offered to have the two pups they take care of taken to my vet. and get the required shots and a check-up. Today the couple has volunteered to help drag my 23 window deluxe into my shop and start the total tear down for the restoration. They aren't lazy and want to pay people back. Again...thanks for support, and I think it takes someone that has been in a bad place, to be able to understand and help another person out. Jack.

Wed Dec 29, 2004 8:59 am

Excellent. You may be right, Jack- unless you've been there, it's hard to understand. I know that a lot of "homeless" or "underpriveledged" folks are in their particular predicament, because they have chosen that lifestyle, through drugs, alchohol, or just making bad choices. But I also know, first-hand, that sometimes, through no fault of their own, **** happens, and that **** rolls downhill, until it gets to them, and it just starts to pile up, faster than one has the ability to shovel it away. And sometimes, all it takes is an extra shovel or two, and you can start to dig out on your own.
Yes, I guess I could be considered to be sitting on top of the world, I have a job a lot of folks would kill for, I have a wonderful, beautiful wife, I have a home, and (up until recently) a small collection of VWs, that were in demand by collectors and enthusiasts. But I can recall, and it doesn't seem like all that long ago (The scars never really go away, I guess) when I wasn't that far from where those people were when you saw them rollin' by with ther shopping cart. Thank You for helping them out, Sir.

edit: Tell them they have ALREADY paid me back, please. 8)

Wed Dec 29, 2004 1:52 pm

That is a heartfelt story. It is great to see people like you, especially the times we live in. You will have good Karma.
Thanks for reposting it, I missed it the first time.
Mark

Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:14 am

I just found this story. It brought a tear to my eye.

I consider myself jaded after years of working in sales, and being lied to all the time. This story touched a nerve. I was just sitting here thinking how I'm going to afford paint, and my new motor for my Beetle. Plus, my third car needs brakes....and then....it dawned on me. Good folks needs help and I'm worrying about material things. :oops: I feel almost ashamed of myself.

Jack, God bless you. I'll be sending a package soon.

Wed Apr 20, 2005 8:34 am

Clovis, NM. I have been there. Quaint little town. Love northern NM. Hope to be back soon. Dave. :2gunfire: