“He was Voted Most Likely To Not Make It”
Good looks he had plenty, but his penchant for trouble out weighed them. Ever see a new born puppy fighting to get in line to be fed. That would be him, trouble was his meal and bad behavior his dessert. “Voted Him Most Likely To Not Make It” could easily be the consensus if his family were forced to vote.
Early forays found him breaking windows, smoking cigarettes and other acts of civil disobedience. And this was while he was only Nine. The free spirit in him gave his mother much concern and anguish. Once in a town where they recently move, his mother while driving home from the store saw a boy walking who was obliviously displaying an advance case of Cerebral Palsy stumbling with involuntary arm and leg movements. Her heart just ached for him that is until she came up along side and saw that he was her son. History has no record of what happened that day, but I knew the Mother and she made it clear to me her displeasure.
Life happens and in accordance with fifty percent of the population his parents divorced. For whatever reasons his bad behavior accelerated, so much so that he was taken from his Mother and placed in a Foster Home. Took awhile but his Mother with help from family was able to go to court and get him back. His Mother took him and his brothers and sister to a home close to her parents hoping for some family support. No luck there, his behavior, perhaps I should say Misbehavior, developed to even grander scales.
But this time his Mother had assets to assist her in tracking his movements. His downfall was his likability factor. Everybody liked him. You know the “Charming Rouge Factor“. But now in this new close knit neighborhood whenever he did something wrong the neighbors reported to his Mother. He especially enjoyed running away in the summer. With the aid of his many friends he would camp out on the porches of his buddies homes and would appropriate (steal) food from the Milk Man and others who delivered to the homes. Reports of these excursions filtered over to his Mother almost as a daily routine. ” Don’t worry he slept on our porch last night and is okay.“ was the usual message.
Attendance to school was almost none existence. His best friends were Catholic and went to a Catholic school so he just went with them whenever he felt like. Then came another move. This time a family consolidation with Grandparents and his family under the same roof. By this time he is nearing seventeen and is enrolled in High School. The only thing that kept him from taking off to his usual habits was the sport of Basketball. I’m not entirely sure if he ever played any organized ball, but we do know this, he was a natural. Hope certainly was peeking over the horizon and he did just enough school work to be kept on the team.
The basketball coach saw in the him adhesive for binding together a team of pretty good players. There were better scorers, a there were better ball handlers, but what he contributed was the oil to make it all run like well oiled clock. The boy began to show promise, that is until the Phone Call.
It was at night, three am to be exact, when the call from the Police arrived. Seems that he took a Grocery Market truck from the store where he worked part time to go joy riding. Might have worked out if he hadn’t rolled it over. It becomes a little murky as to the process of the next events. Not sure if it was a voluntary or involuntary enlistment, but in any case he was now the Navy’s problem and no longer his Mothers.
By now those of you who follow me are by now are wondering where’s the story going? This rendition is an appreciation of somebody who overcame a lot of family negative vibes. So let’s see how this guy ends up. After four years in the Navy he comes back home and first finds work delivering milk for a large dairy. Eventually he hires on as an apprentice for an Electrical contractor. Grueling work, but he is mentored by the owners who would later become huge supporters of his going back to school and earning his High School Diploma.
His sweetheart from High School before he enlisted became his bride and life long friend. Four children later, all boys, who would give any parent a challenge, he and his wife raised with love, discipline and class. His wife would occasionally remark that their home was not unlike a boys locker room. But life isn’t always fair and after forty four years of marriage he is left alone without her.
Now remarried to another wonderful woman, he continues on baffling all naysayers by mentoring and assisting in the care of his Step-Son who has been severely handicapped from an Automobile accident for over twenty odd years. To list his accomplishments would stagger those of us with an ordinary life. The quote: “We all are born unique, but most will die Copies” does not apply to him. He is unique from his beginning unto this Day.
This guy I’m talking about is my Brother Clayton who turns Eighty this August. And this post is for you Bro. I want you to know I Love you and appreciate you and your life as an inspiration to me and others. You proved them wrong by becoming
“The Most Likely to Succeed.”
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What a beautiful post Nelson. You truly are an amazing man and brother. I love your story of what he went through. Learning from so many great people I notice that the people who really make something of there life are the ones who go through the challenging time and grow through them. tell your brother happy 80th when it comes up. Love ya
Julie Elliott´s last [type] ..Happy 4th of July
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Nelson Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Thank you Julie for your inspiring comments. The road to success is paved with the stepping stones of our failures.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“He was Voted Most Likely To Not Make It”
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Nelson, Great post, and you are right, sometimes we don’t let people know how much they mean to us. Thanks for the reminder!! May have to make a few phone calls!!
This also shows people can change so don’t give up on anyone!!
Have a Great Day!!
Chester
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Nelson Reply:
July 5th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Good for you Chester, go make those calls.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“He was Voted Most Likely To Not Make It”
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Hi Nelson,
You did a great job with this post. I wanted to check out your blog and
introduce myself. I am new to the TSA and really glad I came across this
information.
Have a great night
Tommy D.
MLM Prospecting Hero
Tommy DiPietro | MLM Prospecting Hero´s last [type] ..Home Based Internet Business Strategy How To Avoid Allowing Your Business To Kick Your Butt
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washouse Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:19 am
Glad you stopped by Tommy. Welcome to TSA. It is one great outfit that will benefit from your membership.
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Nelson,
You wonderful man, you! I am so glad you have chosen to share your life’s stories with us. Every post speaks from your heart and lends humor to difficult situations. You are definitely a huge benefit to everyone who stops by to hear your stories.
Wish your brother the best from me. You always energize my day!
Val
Val Wilcox´s last [type] ..Renew Your Mindset With Faith
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washouse Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Val, will you marry me! I’m sure my wife won’t mind. As always you boost us up with your presence. Thanks Val.
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Oh Nelson, How I love your stories. This one brought a tear to my eye because I too have a brother with a similar behavior. He is my favorite because he is what he is. Nothing more nothing less. Although we have different lifestyles, we still learn from one another.
Keep on writing your posts because I look forward to reading them all the time. You bring emotion with your stories. I always find myself cracking up laughing or touched with a tear in the eye.
Thank you Nelson for being YOU!
Donna Merrill´s last [type] ..MARK HOVERSON’S Q-A WEBINAR BLEW MY MIND-
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Nelson Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Donna, our families are our families with all the warts and wrinkles. I would trade them for anything. Thanks for stopping by, you always brighten my day.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“He was Voted Most Likely To Not Make It”
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Hi Nelson,
Wow, that’s quite a story and a very sweet ending. It makes you think, too, which is always a good thing. Families and dear friends are so important!
This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes, which is…
“A friend is someone who sees through you and still enjoys the view.”
You seem to hold true to that!
Happy Blogging!
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washouse Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
That is a great quote Deb. I’ll have to remember it. Thanks for commenting. I’m pleased that you stopped in. Please come back anytime.
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“Our main purpose here is to celebrate life.”
What a wonderful sentiment! And what a delightful, moving video, not to mention a heart-felt post about your brother Clayton. He has clearly inspired you throughout your life despite the emotional distance between you.
I love stories that show the power of the human spirit to overcome big obstacles. Clayton was clearly challenged in his younger years yet has enjoyed a marvelous life with plenty of love and people around him.
Keep making videos, Nelson! You are a natural. I love this!
Mary Lou
Mary Lou Kayser´s last [type] ..Why I Recommend the Association of Better Networkers to All Network Marketers
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washouse Reply:
July 6th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Glad you liked the video Mary. I’m not comfortable doing them. I always look like I need a good Body and Fender man to putty over the wrinkles and creases. You always leave such kind comments. Don’t stop. lol
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I just loved your video…thanks for sharing I celebrate with you and your brother!
Keep talking to us with Vids…it’s such a create way to connect! (-:
Warm Regards
Debby Beachy
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Nelson Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Hi Debby, what’s cooking! Sorry just had to say that. Thanks for stopping in and commenting. I appreciate you.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“He was Voted Most Likely To Not Make It”
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Non-conformists make the world a more colourful place. But it’s tough not to fit in with the rest. Non-conformists come in many shapes, sizes and guises but all have something to say, a reason for being. They know what people say about them, they know how hard life can be..is. More often than not they have the biggest hearts and rise to challenges that none would expect them to recognise.
You’re a wonderful writer, Nelson, and a good brother.
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Nelson Reply:
July 7th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Joanna, your comments are most appreciated. Thanks for dropping by.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“He was Voted Most Likely To Not Make It”
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Great post and if your brother is like anyone in my family he might not ever see this post, but at least it is out there and you’ve expressed what you felt about him. His story reminds me of some of my husband’s brothers. What a crazy lot and already two of them have passed away. And now there are three. Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
Nicole Rushin´s last [type] ..Releasing Butterflies to Manifest Your Dreams
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washouse Reply:
July 8th, 2010 at 4:51 am
I can sometimes get my brother to read my blog. I’m fairly sure he’ll get to this one in between Golf games and the Philly Baseball games. Nicole I really appreciate you and your faithfulness in commenting here. Thank you very much.
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Nelson,
What an amazing story! Just because someone doesn’t “fit in” like people think they should, doesn’t mean they don’t have much to contribute to the world. In fact, most times it is the ones that don’t conform that have the most to contribute. Your brother sounds like an amazing person, who has most definitely exemplified “the one most likely to succeed”. Thanks so much for sharing who he is with all of us.
~ Pat and Lorna
Pat and Lorna Shanks´s last [type] ..Are They Looking at Me Its All About What Your Prospects Want
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washouse Reply:
July 9th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Yes he us an interesting man. Highly respected by his peers and children. Something not all of us can achieve in a lifetime. Thanks for dropping in. And thanks Pat for not bringing your bear with you. I just cleaned the carpet.
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Very inspirational story Nelson!
Kevin M.´s last [type] ..Favourite Links Friday 7-9-10
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washouse Reply:
July 9th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Much appreciated Kevin. Your always welcome to come by.
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Nelson – This is such an awesome post – but aren’t they all:) The video adds an even greater element to your story telling. Just when I thought you couldn’t get any better – you stepped it up a notch! Great job and I would imagine your brother is just as proud of you as you are him!
Glyna humm´s last [type] ..Take The Social Networking Zombie Out For A Walk
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Nelson Reply:
July 9th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Don’t set the bar to high Glyna, I’m an old man and I may fall off the ladder trying to get over it. Missed you this week. Vacation?
Nelson´s last [type] ..“He was Voted Most Likely To Not Make It”
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What an amazing story about an amazing man and brother.Thanks for sharing and God Bless you both.This was very touching.
Beverly Monical´s last [type] ..The Power Of Teamwork
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Nelson Reply:
July 10th, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Beverly, your comments are much appreciated. We never see ourselves as amazing because if everybody looked into themselves they probably would see many stories worthy of remembrance. Again thanks for stopping by.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“He was Voted Most Likely To Not Make It”
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Nelson,
You made me laugh and you made me cry. This is a beautiful, loving tribute to your brother, both in written and video forms. You have a true gift of sharing what is in your heart. Unfortunately, we do pay tribute to someone after they’re gone. You’ve given your brother the best birthday gift he could have in this post.
Thanks so much for sharing. You made my day:)
Darlene Davis´s last [type] ..Shall We Dance
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Nelson Reply:
July 10th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I thank you Darlene because it always an appreciated gift to receive comments from you. I do believe in celebrating life while there is still life to celebrate.
Nelson´s last [type] ..“He was Voted Most Likely To Not Make It”
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What a beautiful story and and even more beautiful birthday gift for your brother. High class!!
Wendy Hewlett
Wendy Hewlett´s last [type] ..Napoleon Hill Wants To Be Your Mentor
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God bless you and your brother. Your story really moved me, thanks for sharing.
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