[Jerry H.]

I received a call Sunday that an old family friend had passed away. His wife of over 50 years had passed away just a few years ago, I I knew he wasn't doing too well so the call didn't surprise me. But it, along with what has been going on in my life in the past couple of years, got me to thinking. He owned two or three really nice older cars. No children, only a niece and nephew that he thought a lot of to pass stuff on to. Cars are one thing, but he had a basement full of desirable Chevy parts. He had worked at a Chevy dealership owned by his cousin from the late 50's to the early 90's. He probably did every job in the 'back of the house', from sweeping the floor on up to service writer and then parts manager. How he obtained some of these parts is story for another thread.

I don't know he niece or nephew. They may be car nuts, but chances are they are not. In my case, my wife is disabled. Both of my children live away and have no interest in my car or what little parts or tools I have. To those of you who have children who help you with your cars and/or have interest in the hobby, then you have no problem. You simply will your stuff to them. But how many of you are in the same shape I'm in??

And for me it's getting closer and closer. I live out in a rural area, so there are only a few events I can drive to. My 'friend' that has been helping me has suddenly abandoned me. I haven't heard from him at all since early October, right after my accident. Without help I can't load a trailer or unload, etc. so attending an out of town event is out of the question. Also if I want to attend something like Norwalk, or a National Convention, I have to get someone to come in and stay with my wife. Not an easy task when we have no family in our area.

So, do you have an exit strategy?? I'm seriously considering putting my car up for sale and just giving up the hobby altogether. It would be hard because I've been fooling with cars for almost 50 years. But I guess there comes a time in your life you have to realize you just can't do it anymore.