My love of woodworking goes back as far as my memory. I have made many satisfying things. I have made fishing plugs that caught monster striped bass. My kids and grandchildren all have many toys that I have made. My house is full of furniture I have made. I have made and sold many items. I am not telling you this to impress anyone. I am simply trying to relate how much satisfaction woodworking has given me. Satisfaction is the engine that drives most of us. Presently, I am being treated for cancer at Mass General Hospital with radiation. My fellow patients range from grumpy old men like me to pathetic young children, who could melt anyone’s heart. I always have a supply of simple finger tops, that are made on my lathe, hanging around to give to neighborhood tots. You should see the smiles I get from some of these poor sick kids at the hospital when I give them a top. I take a pocketful of tops with me every time I go. Sometimes I think I get more enjoyment out of this than the kids do. The thought struck me that these tops are the most valueable, satisfying project I have ever made.
-- Mike, Massachusetts
12 comments so far
RobS
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1244 posts in 1206 days
posted 651 days ago
Nicely done and keep up the good work. I always felt the best part of woodworking is the gifting process. Thanks for the story and may yours have the happiest of endings.
-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX
Todd A. Clippinger
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5655 posts in 999 days
posted 651 days ago
That is a great story. It is neat to see how a hobby and bring joy to somebody else’s day. I hope that it brings healing to you as well.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
gene
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2165 posts in 784 days
posted 651 days ago
May God bless you and all of the recipients that you touch with your kindness.
God bless
-- Gene, a Christian in Virginia
againstthegrain
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72 posts in 652 days
posted 651 days ago
And everyone said . . . Amen! Know that you are in my prayers!
-- Anchul - Warrensburg, MO: As a Pastor, I am just trying to get closer to Jesus. He was a woodworker too.
mrtrim
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1698 posts in 780 days
posted 651 days ago
wishing you the best , its a great thing you are doing
Scott Bryan
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20828 posts in 722 days
posted 651 days ago
Mike, I too am wishing you the best. God sometimes seems to lay heavy burdens on us but it is true that He gives us no more that we can bear. You are in my prayers as well.
Thanks for the story. I am sure that you have touched and influenced many lives through your unselfish gifts. There is no greater gift than simply giving of ourselves and our time. These small gifts that you present to the children appear to have brightened their difficult days immeasurably. Your are truly blessed to be able to share like this.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Les Hastings
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953 posts in 673 days
posted 650 days ago
Well done my friend, well done. I admire what your doing with the kids. I wish you the best!!!
-- Les, Wichita, Ks. (I'd rather be covered in saw dust!)
oscar roth
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19 posts in 675 days
posted 650 days ago
Mike you are a true trooper, I admire your ability to find true happiness in making others happy during your troubled times. God Bless and good luck!
-- Oscar in Missouri
ihmserv
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11 posts in 670 days
posted 650 days ago
Mike, good for you, I think its great that you are doing this for the kids. I also wish you luck with your own treatment. If you ever run out of tops and need a hand turning some more let me know.
IAN, Acushnet ma.
-- woodturners keep things spinning.
Teri
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87 posts in 662 days
posted 650 days ago
How beautiful … you are fighting a battle, but you worry more about those around you. What a kind and generous man you must be. God bless you.
-- Teri, Kokomo, IN
mike02719
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20 posts in 686 days
posted 648 days ago
Thanks to all for your responses and prayers. Mine is a win/win situation. I am being treated and I am enjoying the fruits of my labor with my tops.
-- Mike, Massachusetts
lazyfiremaninTN
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528 posts in 853 days
posted 648 days ago
Mike,
I think that God put you in to position you’re in for a purpose and I think it is to bring small but VERY important rays of happiness into others lives. You are proving yourself to be one of God’s angels on earth. Thank you for what you do for those kids.
-- Adrian ..... The 11th Commandment...."Thou Shalt Not Buy A Wobble Dado"