I've been lifted by this community twice and that means a lot to me. First when Mom passed away 3 years ago and only a couple of months ago when Ludwig, my dog passed away. The words of comfort and understanding on both terrible times for me still resonate deep inside of my soul. Its a mystery to me how total strangers can get together around their passion and be there when someone is down. I can totally relate with your post drummerjohn333. I wish for you to keep growing to a better place in your life through the passion we all share: VINTAGE DRUMS!!!!

I think your gift of positivity [the red squiggly line tells me that's not a word but I like it] in the face of a traumatic event is something to behold. The outlook for your recovery really takes the edge off a scary story - I'm really glad to hear it. Actually relieved! And again, as you say, we don't even know each other. I think people find meaning in each other and that's it. Everything else is a theory. Unless you don't mind living alone with your theory on a rock...:)

Mitch

So wonderful to read your post.

I picked up the drum hobby after a breakup (in October 2011) that sent me into the blackest depression, one that at least took me to the lobby of the local mental hospital, not quite inside.

About a year later I rescued several pieces of a CB700 drum set that a neighbor was about to dumpster (it also included a Rogers Supreme Big R hi hat stand!), Craig's Listed enough other pieces to make a playable kit, and was hooked hard.

Learning to play and collect and refurbish drums has been a crucial part of my recovery.

Participation in this forum has always been a pleasure.

I appreciate your post and agree that VDF is a special place. Funny but i too took up drumming mid life after a horrifically painful divorce. I've learned a huge amount about vintage drums I even scare myself. But I think the moderator Tommyp is a hug part of what makes this the friendliest forum there is. People here are positive and fun.

Stay healthy and get better fast 😀

Great thread! Amazing that an online community can really truly be such a positive force in so many lives... my own certainly included. Special place out here in inter webs. :)

"THANK YOU to all of you who have ever made a contribution, financial, or otherwise, to this community."

Buddy, thank you for that post. That made my day. I'm sorry that you had to go through all of that- especially the accident. I'll pray for you.

Your post reminded me of what I often forget- and it's what my 5th grade teacher used to tell us in class. 'Be thankful for today and be thankful for what you have because it could be gone tomorrow'. She also said, 'Life is too short to be mean to people.'

And you're right- this is a great forum. The friendly, helpful members like you are the reason why. Rawk on, DrummerJohn.

Hi John. Man sorry to hear about the horrible accident. Hope recovery continues to improve. I can't imagine the pain you've endured. You've been through a lot. Sounds like we all have a lot in common. I was married at 19 and divorced and a single Dad at 20. I had full custody of my son. The divorce really messed my head up too. I moved to a new place where I could play my drums and had good schools for my son. Great therapy for me. Met my current wife 7 years later. Best thing to happen to me. Hang in there man. Things WILL get better. Blessings!

I'm touched to read your post.

Wishing you that full recovery.

And yes I really enjoy this forum and have learn't so much from it.

In the face of adversity or personal anguish, many may not have the strength to carry on their daily lives, or even life itself.. With the entire world in turmoil, and very little hope in many aspects of our current world, it's very easy to lose faith in almost everything one has believed to be positive, prosperous, or physically and spiritually fulfilling in one's life..

I too have gone through some tumultuous times in my life with depression, drug abuse, violent, explosive and careless behavior, having a mentally ill sister who has attempted suicide more than once and almost succeeded 5 years ago, fly by night and promiscuous relationships, and a general feeling of uselessness.. This type of outlook on life can very easily and quickly take a wrong turn, as it did for me one night, having nearly overdosed on cocaine, amphetamines, and binge drinking. This lasted for 5 years, until i met my wife. Since then, my life has changed for the better..

I quit smoking, cut down o the alcohol, exercise 4 times a week, and have been writing material for the past 2 years for an album i will begin recording in earnest next week..

Although i wasn't a part of VDF at the time of my "rock n roll" lifestyle, for lack of a better term, in the past 2 years since i've joined, i found myself a lot more positive, a lot more experienced regarding my vintage drum knowledge thanks to helpful fellow forum members, and always look forward to reading posts and viewing pics almost everyday.. In short, it's a place where i can come to when the world gets annoying, tiresome, troubling, depressing, unsettling, and down right boring ;)..

I'm really glad to hear that you're on the way to a full recovery and wish you nothing but health,luck and prosperity in the future days ahead..;);)