To Sally and Papa

My mother has always been there for my sister Kristin and I. She was only working part time when she divorced my father so it was real hard to make ends meet. But, anything was better then living with an alcoholic. She really busted her behind to get a better job and she succeeded. As they say "good things happen to good people".

Mom landed a job with a transit company & drove public bus in Orange County and L.A. We had just moved from Minnesota to Anaheim California so the job was tough. A small town to a huge one. OC & LA was a whole new ballgame!! She always said "I felt like someone dropped me from another PLANET and said - go find your way." And she did.

My father told my mom when they split that she would fall flat on her face. He was soooo wrong! Soon we had it real good. New shoes and they were Vans, new clothes, bikes, skateboards, new furniture and a new (used) car. And all because of her strength and positive attitude that she could do it.

My papa Drew and my mom met at work. He didn't drink or do drugs and that was important to her. He has always been there to help her out and has always been there for us, even through my addiction. Papa is a quiet and gentle guy and brings great peace and reasoning to our family. Papa was the one who paid to put me through rehab the second time.

My project with the truck was a great surprise to them. My mom was especially surprised when I lifted the truck 21", was getting a new paint job and going full force with my truck. I think she was a little freaked out I was changing the Avalanche so extremely. But then she came to see the truck at the Antioch, CA Truck Show. When she saw the truck finished and standing so tall and bold and saw the slogan "Project Clean and Sober" I could tell she was very proud of me. A lot of the trucks in the show have a theme and mine was about sobriety and that put a smile on her face.

Of course things aren't always smooth with this project. One night in Scotts Valley while I was sleeping some vandals struck. They proceeded to throw beer bottles and food all over my truck. It looked like they also gave it some swift hard kicks as there were many dents. Did they do it for kicks, did they do it because of the slogan or was it just out of meanness. I do not know. Needless to say, when I saw it my heart sank. To the rescue, Sally & papa. They helped get the Avy back to tip top condition. Yes, they are ALWAYS THERE for me.

I know Sally and papa will read this chapter soon. All I can say is - thank you both so much for everything you two have done for me, even the "tough love". You are my best friends and I know I can count on you to be in my corner. I love you more then anything.

They will be retiring to Baja Mexico soon and I wish them the best in their years to come. By, the way - can I go with. ONLY KIDDING.!!!!!! I can fly on my own now thanks to you two.