New Year Disasters and Deliverances

[sparrowhawk]

There's no way of getting around it; 2018 was The Year in Hell for me. From last January until now and continuing, I've been plagued by medical issues that have drained my pocket book and will continue to pay for years from now. But despite all this, I discovered I wasn't alone: bnicoles23 helped me out in a tremendous way that I wish I could discuss here, and only asked that I "pay it forward." I did, by forwarding about six nice corn cobs to a small pipe seller who was also a great guy who sent his wares out with a grab bag of goodies. Then, I swallowed up my pride, and asked shaintiques if he had any spare tobacco laying around that he could spare. Dave came back like a flash with the following, when I was only hoping for perhaps a small bag of tobacco:

He had sent me several dozen ounces of tobacco, one bag of Barbados Plantation alone at least 15 ounces, enough to fill an empty tub I had, and much, much, more. There's enough baccy here to last for three-four months at the least, which is a huge aid into my medical expenses.

Pipe people really are different. Too bad it doesn't run off into others.

 

[Chasing Embers]

You'll find good and bad everywhere. You really notice the good when you aren't looking for it. Glad you found a bright spot in all of that darkness.

 

[mikethompson]

Bill is definitely one of the good ones. I have the pleasure of knowing him as well. Its good to see such acts of kindness on this forum.
I hope 2019 is much better to you.

 

[haparnold]

Pipe people really are different.

Couldn't agree more. It's one of the reasons I'm glad y'all let me hang out here. According to Mike McNiel, generosity has been a staple of the tobacco world on the producer side for many years too.

 

[thedbs999]

Great act of kindness. I'm hoping the year gets better for you.
Dan

 

[spartacus]

I have been the recipient of kindness from members here as well. Pipe people are different. Hoping for a better year for you and yours.

 

[npod]

Thank you for posting this story sparrow. It warms my heart. Sorry to hear about your medical issues. Be well.

 

[judcasper]

I can only echo what others have said about the generosity of pipe smokers. I'd been here less than a week when a member recognised I was struggling financially to get this hobby up and running, and sent me several and generous bags of tobacco to try.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

These stories always remind me of the story about the painter, Norman Rockwell's studio outside his home burning down. It turns out a stray ember of some such sparked a fire. Rockwell also kept his pipes in the studio. And of course, they burned along with his paintings and everything else. Several of his neighbors and friends gifted him new pipes to replace those he lost.
So, when stories like this pop up here, whether because of illness, finances, I seem to recall there was actually a forum member who had a fire.... it always reminds me of the Rockwell story, and the generosity of fellow pipe smokers. And I think it's because most of us understand the comfort that comes with a pipe and tobacco. And it's a fine example and reminder that there are indeed still fine people who care about their fellow man in this world.
I hope 2019 is a much better year for you, Fred.

 

[mso489]

Forums members' generosity has "knocked me for a loop" more than once, more than ten times. A shared interest is a strong bond.

 

[piper64]

Hope this year is a happy and healthy one for you.

 

[sparrowhawk]

Thanks everyone for your good wishes for this coming year. Hope it turns out to be a cheerful one.

 

[leafsmoker]

Sorry to hear about 2018. It was a horrible year for me also. Hang in there. We have a great group to cheer you up! :puffpipe: