Some of you who stay here and follow the forum posts like a religion will know that for the last 8 weeks I have been fighting a battle with prostate cancer.
A quick surgery,then 2 solid months of M-F 7:15 a.m. 30 miles away every day for chemo. Then back to work and home.Do it over the next day.
Not throwing a pity party here just want you to know the background first before I tell you all my 2 cents about the Busses Dan and Patti. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I've had a bad couple of months. Every spare dime has gone to Doctors. I will owe still for years. as we are self employed. Sick? I have never felt worse,scared? You bet. Mom,Dad,Brother, Sister all have had "C". Sister had a radical mastectomy and has been "C" free for 12 years now! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

I pray the same and more for myself. But all in all I have been down. Lost 2 computers in our home for the last month so I was unable to talk to my Yard family and keep my spirits up. No money for new Computers need to pay to live right now. Choices we make! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Last week when we finally got our 1st of the month customer checks in we fixed my brides computer. Then I found out about the "Challenge Coins".
Heartbroken to say the least. I was around 580 posts and new I'd never make it with my schedule.
I felt lost, and left out. Kind of what I didn't need any more of in my life right then.
On Thursday I received a package from Chris aka Cold One. It was a Scrap Yard hat and T-shirt!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
I jumped with joy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
It made me so grateful to be back on line and in the Yard again. Chris and his new bride Levene are good ones. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
You meet so few as you pass through life. You must note when you do so you remember it when you get really old.

This brings me to Fridays package. It was from Scrap Yard as well.
Inside was a Challenge Coin....and a letter on company stationary. I quote now"
David:
Patti and I would like you to have the next challenge coin following the JYD's as you go through your medical therapy. It may help to keep your mind on better things. The entire Yard is behind you with their prayers.
Your faith and strength will serve you well as you regain your health. You have touched Patti and I with your posts,P.M.'s and prayers. Please accept this as a small token of appreciation. We will keep you and your family in our prayers."

Daniel and Patti Busse.

I cried again just now as I typed it word for word to share with you. Personal as it is... I feel Dan and Patti won't mind. You should all know what kind of people own and run the Yard.
These are the ones who pay for our website so we can post and chat, and carry on our shared passion of steel.
They pour their hearts and souls into the production of knives that sell out at such LOW prices so fast that they never are allowed to have on hand inventory! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />
They sell so low to us that they are always sold on the secondary market at a profit as soon as they are delivered.
They LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE SO WE CAN AFFORD TO OWN THEIR BLADES!!
Money they could pay bills with! Change the family car, buy better cans of corn or who knows what else!
They do it for US.
I hope we all get it.
I mean really get it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

They are the kind of people that are very rare in life. Please remember them in your daily prayers as well. Just a quick mention for health, prosperity,and long life is nice. They deserve it.

Buy the way, I made it a personal goal and point to achieve JYD status as Number 44 even though I already had the coin. I posted over the last few days with my brothers late at night and hit it this morning near 12}30 or so. I am now a Junk Yard Dog and can prove it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Dan and Patti Busse: Thanks for your faith in me. Thanks for your precious gift, and for your prayers.
Most of all thank you for being who you are.
I mean that from my heart. Thank you for who you are. For you are good, decent ,sharing,loving,compassionate people who constantly give of yourselves for others.
God Bless you.

And now the proof...






Peace.

Well put PoP. If anyone truley deserved a coin, it was you. I knew that would work itself out given this is the Yard and all. Dan and Patti are good people as are the folks on this board. There may tend to be back and forths about stupid stuff, but in the end, it's about repsect for good people. Glad I can be a part of it.

Nice pics and nice SS4 by the way.

PoP - to answer your question - Dan and Patti are the wonderful couple I met at the Blade Show. Although it was the first time we had met in person, they treated me like a Brother and made me feel like I had known them forever!

They are the same folks who provide this forum for all of us Dogs to meet and share thoughts, ideas, experiences, etc., as well as discussing their wonderful product line. They have made it possible for all of us to discuss practically anything with anyone on the internet, around the world.

They are the wonderful folks who share our happiness, sadness, hopes and prayers. They are truly concerned for and about us, as we are them and their family. They have made us into one big extended family.

I really hope that you get the chance to meet Dan and Patti in person, and find out for yourself just what wonderful people they are! I believe you already have a pretty good idea! Tom

Thanks for sharing that Dave, it is really special. It was so nice to see you make JYD, for me to be a part of that is so wonderful and something I'll remember for a long time. My prayers are always with you bro.
May the sweet, good things in life be yours and your families.

I agree, Dan and Patti are the best, I'm proud to be a part of this forum and the great folks here. Long live the Yard! and you too my friend...

Well said Dan - here-here!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Tom

DONT WORRY P0P...

YOU ARENT THE ONLY ONE THAT CRIED

Thanks Vance,Tom,Dan,Ron.

Thanks for understanding and thanks for loving the Busses too!


Peace.

That's TWO things I can GUARANTEE PoP!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Tom

Got to turn in now, but catch you all tomorrow. Sleep well and happy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />Tom

POP,
It was a great pleasure and my honor to be there when you made JYD. It truely made my night!.. I can't say it any better than Dan here but you and yours will continually be in my prayers and thoughts.

Kirk

POP may God be with you during this tough test in life. I pray for a healthy recovery. The #44 coin was the one I wanted, so may it bring you luck and watch over you! God bless you, your family, and the yard!!

Well said POP. Good luck to you!

Thanks again to Dan and Patti who have made this much an awesome place.

PoP it's good to see you looking so well
Dan and Patti PoP is quite right you are rare people your kindness has touched all of us