I got one today, when I responded to a Craigslist ad for an upholstery shop that was closing.
The upholsterer had died recently, and now his son was selling everything off. It was the first time he had been in the shop since his father passed.
There was a panel half-sewn in his machine. Stripped-down furniture waiting to be covered with un-opened rolls of fabric. The air hose stretched over to the cutting table, where two pieces of foam had been glued together. Measurements were jotted down on a notepad that was weighted down by his scissors.
A new work bench was half-finished in an attempt to "get organized".
I can't help but wonder when MY kids will be doing the same thing that young man was doing today.
> Never worry about death; it will find you when it's ready and you will not be consulted before hand.You will not get to discuss it. So forget about it.
> That said; live every day like it's your last while working towards a long and health life.
Wow. I'm sure that was difficult for the son also.
An upholsterer died last year in my town, but he was at home. Died in his sleep. Only early 40's.
I recently told my wife that when I die I want my body scattered over a nearby park from an airplane. Not my ashes. Just have my body chopped up in little pieces and scattered over the park. She did not laugh!
Gene
My kids and wife are right now re-watching Marley and Me. The 8yo was whining "He diiieeesss at the end. It's sad." I told her to look at how happy Marley had been all his life. He was loved, got to do his thing, was always around his people. He had a full, happy, truly doggie life. So his dying was just the next step.
I've said I'll probably die at the sewing machine. Sounds like this upholsterer did just that. While death is always sad because of the loss, I can't help but smile thinking that the guy had it right. Working right up to the end, and if you're an upholsterer, you're loving what you do. How cool is that?
that was a great movie russ,
i also feel for the kid
hey Mike you're back on .
Nice to see you around bud, it's just not the same in here without you .
hows the rehab going ?
Sorry to hijack the thread.
Rich
Another really good movie in the same vein is, "My Dog Skip". I think kids are way too coddled about the reality of death these days. You don't have to be too intense about it, but being frank discussing it is a good thing. I like your take on it, Stitcher..
Quote from: stitcher_guy on October 28, 2010, 08:52:12 pm
I've said I'll probably die at the sewing machine.
Not me. I've already told my wife that I plan to die while making love at the age of 116. But not with her (she'll be 114......YUCK!).
When I told her this, she threw some bedcovers at me, pointed to the living room, and said "There's the sofa.....doc!" :D
I took my kids to see" My Dog Skip" when it first came out. There were grown men crying in the theatre. It's funny how those movies can get to you even though you know what's comming.
I really feel for the kid. My dad has a very rare type of cancer and isn't doing well at all. He's on his 3rd special type of chemo treatment and nothing is making any change in his cancer.
My dad is a ham radio nut and a computer freak. One day, in the not so distant future, I too will have to make that journey to help get rid of all my dad's stuff. Really make one wonder why we work so hard all our lives to only collect "stuff" when it's stuff that really isn't all that important.....it's people.
I can only imagine how much "stuff" is in our local landfills from people's relative that have passed away and the survivors didn't want to deal with selling it....so they dump it and get the real stuff.....the real estate.
One day, my family will get to get rid of all my woodworking tools, collection of lumber, and my upholstery tools, machine, and items. Maybe one of the kids will want to keep one of my bass guitars, but I doubt it.
I'm just glad that I can step from this life and into the next for all of eternity.
Woe is me!
I just had my little dog put down about an hour ago. Bawling my eyes out!
CKKC, I'm so sorry. The little guy in your ID picture?
Won't change the outcome but maybe if you tell us a little bit about him and how he came to live with you, you'd feel a teeny-weeny bit better.
maybe?
i had too put my dog " pepper" down a few years ago I had to walk out crying it was one of the hardest things ive done
Yes the one in the pic. She was 14 years old and had liver cancer that had spread all over.
14 years ago my other dog had a siezure and a stroke and couldn't respond anymore. She
died in my arms on the way to the vet. I get awfully emotional about my pets and I cried
for a solid month before my husband said "PLEASE go find another dog" so I found the one
in the avatar. She was one of the best dogs I've ever had. She would even say "no" if she
didn't want something and nod her head yes if she did! Wonderful dog!
Thank you all for caring!! It means a lot to me.
Quote from: bobbin on October 30, 2010, 12:40:22 pm
CKKC, I'm so sorry. The little guy in your ID picture?
Won't change the outcome but maybe if you tell us a little bit about him and how he came to live with you, you'd feel a teeny-weeny bit better.
maybe?
A little bit. Thank you
Quote from: Mike8560 on October 30, 2010, 02:07:01 pm
i had too put my dog " pepper" down a few years ago I had to walk out crying it was one of the hardest things ive done
Believe me, I know exactly how you felt.
Dogs, and cats, can really capture our hearts.
I like the prayer, "God, help me to be the kind of person that my dog thinks I am."
I got home awhile ago and my wife came downstairs. She asked me what I was doing. I said that I was trying to sneak the dogs some treats before she caught me. He looked at the treats in my hand and then started to say something to me. I said, "Hey, you asked me what I was doing. If you don't want to know, then don't ask." LOL
Gene
For all of us "one-man" shops, the pooch is the most valuable employee we have.
A wagging tail can soften the heart of even the most crotchety customer (I've tried wagging mine, it's just not the same).
Not every customer remembers MY name, but EVERYONE knows "George" when they walk in to my shop.
From reading these threads, it almost seems as though we can deal with our own human mortality more than that of our 4-legged friends.
CKKC: Please try to find some comfort in the fact that your dog lived a full, happy life. The vast majority of dogs die from euthanasia, disease, or starvation. You can honor your pooch's memory by making sure that at least ONE MORE dog doesn't die that way.
The worst part, but still an important part, of being a pet owner is knowing when to help our pet end their pain and suffering. A dog and a cat can't tell you how they feel. But you know just by being with them. You know how they respond to your petting and attention. CKKC, you showed your pooch how much you care and love her by being with her at the end and helping to make her feel better. I"m sure there was nothing but thanks and love coming from her.
I had to do that to two cats very close in time to each other. Rocki had cancer and tumors. He was my big chunk of love. But the day we went, I think he was relieved. He knew it was time, and so did I. He'd been happy and cared for, and we said our goodbyes.
I lost Tex to a heart attack while we were walking a few years ago. He was my buddy, and the official greeter to the shop. It was a shock. I laid in the yard crying my eyes out several nights thinking about what had happened. And now Tucker is here. He's a young pup, and he is all set to be my buddy and to show me the same love that Tex had. I am always grabbing him and wrestling with him and telling him he's no Tex. But he knows I"m lying.
Thoughts and prayers are with you CKKC.
CKKC,
So sorry you lost your sweet little dog. I lost a very nice cat a few years ago, a sick one we had taken in (just to help her get better, then she was supposed to find a real home --- sure!!). She had some illnesses and all we could do was maintain her health as best as we could. She lived 7 years with us! The sweetest animal ever! They do wrap themselves around your heart.
Take care CKKC!
I'm sorry to hear of your loss CKKC. Buddy has been with me for 15 years (or 16 ??) and I know how close we get to pets. Just remember; you HAD to do this. it was the kindest gift you could give.
QuoteMy dad has a very rare type of cancer and isn't doing well at all. He's on his 3rd special type of chemo treatment and nothing is making any change in his cancer.
I am so sorry to hear that. I sincerely hope he gets a break and a speedy recovery.
QuoteOne day, in the not so distant future, I too will have to make that journey to help get rid of all my dad's stuff.
What burns my arse like a 30" candle are the bottom feeders that capitalize on the situation. "you're upset,knee deep in dealing with these assets/bills/etc... and want to get home for work in a short period of time" "I'll give you 25 cents on the dollar to help you out ,or you're stuck . He He".
I was almost that slug once but got my eyes opened real quick. I was working on the lake and a guy from Winnipeg had a little speed boat tied up and for sale at the wharf we always used. I wanted the boat , but not at that price. one night we came in and because he had tied it up incorrectly the storm had sunk it and the wharf had eaten a hole in the hull. I said something to the effect that I should call the guy now and get it my price. the guy I was working for went postal. After he came up for air he said "how would you feel if that was your boat?" We phoned him and my buddy Gerry and I helped him get it out that night. They were a young couple and not too deep in the pocket so we worked for 4 man hours with our dive gear,Gerry's boat ,come-a-longs etc for the $40 to refill our tanks and a couple of rums to thaw out. To this day it shames me that I could have been that morally bankrupt. If he were still alive I'd thank Gus again for putting things in perspective for me.
Quote from: Darren Henry on October 31, 2010, 07:23:59 am
What burns my arse like a 30" candle are the bottom feeders that capitalize on the situation. "you're upset,knee deep in dealing with these assets/bills/etc... and want to get home for work in a short period of time" "I'll give you 25 cents on the dollar to help you out ,or you're stuck . He He".
Darren: I hope you don't think of me as a "bottom feeder".
In the thread about foam saws, I stated that I "swoop in like a vulture and offer pennies on the dollar". I was really kidding, but I have acquired a lot of supplies and tools over the years at well under face value.
When shops that are closing call me and offer to sell me their supplies, I tell them up front that I don't really need any of their stuff, and will only consider buying it if I can get it at a bargain.
Right now, I have about a 2 year over-supply on many supply items, just from buying up stuff that I don't need.
In the case of the dead owner's son, I paid him the price he asked for with no haggling. The son had no desperate situation, other than to dispense with his father's possessions as soon as possible, so he could sell the property. I bought a few things, and passed on a LOT of things.
In fact, I've never been one to haggle. I either pay them the price they ask, or I turn and walk away. I've walked away more often than not.
Quote from: sofadoc on October 31, 2010, 11:42:57 am
Right now, I have about a 2 year over-supply on many supply items, just from buying up stuff that I don't need.
I am in need of some supplies actually. I would be interested in buying your excess, but then I want an amazing bargain. Pennies on the dollar of course. :)
Just Kidding ya. You left the door open on that one and I just had to step in before Darren did. :)
8)
Chris
Quote from: Mojo on October 31, 2010, 01:32:38 pm
Just Kidding ya. You left the door open on that one and I just had to step in before Darren did. :)
That occured to me when I was writing it! ;D
Sawduster: I watched my mother wither away from liver cancer. She continued to work in the family upholstery business right up to the final 3 weeks of her life.
Someday, it will be one of us, and the world will keep right on turning. I've heard that in heaven, the sewing machine oil tastes just like mayonnaise. :D
It's real good that you guy's are so happy with your chosen occupation that your happy to kark it on the job. Personally I have had 4 heart attacks, the first 3 whilst surfing and the 4th. one was while sitting at my sewing machine. My only thought was when I realized what was going on was "oh no, not here doing this". But in the end I don't suppose it really matters, once your gone your not really going to be feeling anything.
scottymc: Is "kark it on the job" an Aussie term for getting summoned to the "great workroom in the sky" while the motor is still running on the machine?
Take care of yourself.
Quote from: sofadoc on October 31, 2010, 03:55:22 pm
scottymc: Is "kark it on the job" an Aussie term for getting summoned to the "great workroom in the sky" while the motor is still running on the machine?
Take care of yourself.
Yes it does mean to die, but it could be British slang. If there is anything going on after I stop breathing, I hope it's a bit more than a work room. That could get a bit boring if it's for eternity.
My intention here is not to defend sofadoc, but rather to just share my point of view.
I did not think that sofadoc was being a bottom feeder by buying a tool worth $500 for $50.
If I see a $10.00 bill on the ground, and no one is around, and if I pick it up, then I am taking advantage of a situation, not another person.
If I see a person drop a $10.00 bill on the ground, and I wait for that person to leave, and then I pick it up, then I am taking advantage of another person, and not a situation.
I think a bottom feeder is someone who takes advantage of another person.
Someone who takes advantage of a situation is creative, lucky, fortunate, at the right place at the right time, a good business person, etc. How many religious people "thank God!" when they come out ahead on a transaction, or when they get a really good deal?
Sometimes it can be a very fine line.
It is possible that if sofadoc did not buy that tool for $50, the son may have thrown it away as a reaction to his grief. We don't know. And I think this is an important point. If I don't know what's going on with you, then how can I take advantage of you? Also, and even more important, I am not responsible for you, your decisions, your life situations, etc.
If sofadoc knew that the son was going to sell the tool for $450 and he waited until the son was in the shop for the first time so he could pounce on the son and take advantage of his emotional state, then yes, sofadoc took advantage of the person, not the situation.
Good things happen. Sometimes good things happen to me. And sometimes good things happen to sofadoc.
Gene
After reading some of the replies, I realize that some of you may have assumed too much in thinking that the young man I dealt with was not only grief stricken, but financially desperate as well. Believe me, he was neither. He was simply trying to clear out his father's shop ASAP.
I knew that EZ makes a foam cutter in the $150 price range. I also knew that the Bosch brand was more expensive, but I didn't know how much more until I got back to the shop and looked up the price in a supply catalog.
In the past, I have bought the remaining inventory from shops that went belly-up.
I told them up front that I wasn't interested, unless I could get a REAL bargain. Some of them took me up on it, some didn't.
I just wanted to thank bobbin, mike8560, gene, lilsuz, stitcher_guy, Darren and sofadoc for their kind
words. I think this is the kindest group I've ever been associated with.
QuotePlease try to find some comfort in the fact that your dog lived a full, happy life. The vast majority of dogs die from euthanasia, disease, or starvation. You can honor your pooch's memory by making sure that at least ONE MORE dog doesn't die that way.
We are going to do just that in a couple months. Thanks!
Ther comes a time to us all when we have more dead friends than live friends..l feel that is my situation after just loosing my Mother last Sept.
Funny thing about it is that the fewer Friends we have the more we appreciate them.
To all my Friends ..four and two legged...in the present and the past....thanks.
Dave
QuoteDarren: I hope you don't think of me as a "bottom feeder".
I was talking in the general sense 'Doc. I didn't have enough information to make a decision like that about your deal ,but your comment about swooping in did strike a nerve. I apologize if you felt my outburst was aimed at you personally. Be assured; if i ever did have that kind of issue ,with any member, it would be addressed on the QT through PM's. I might be running out of teeth , but I still have some class :)
Darren: Glad you understand. :) Going back and reading my own posts, I realize that I DID paint myself as an "ambulance chaser". The "swooping in" comment WAS a poor choice of words on my part. Sometimes we all fail to think about how our comments might be percieved by others.
We all may be losing some teeth, but by and large, this discussion board is a pretty classy bunch.
Speaking of running out of teeth, I was standing outside the other day, minding my own business, and a tooth just fell out of my mouth for no #!!@ good reason!
Which brings us back even closer to the original topic. ;)
:-* We're all good. Like I said we were never bad personally.
Quoteand a tooth just fell out of my mouth for no #!!@ good reason!
I wish these 3-4 achy ones would do that . I already look like a hockey player. It would be nice to gum my biscuit upside my soup instead of in it. Our health care program isn't "all that" like you think. If you knock my tooth out I'm covered 24/7. If it falls out I can eat soup and pain killers until I have the $275 and the appointment to get two of them pulled.