I remember the ol' cardboard in the shoes routine very well. I spent half my childhood with them. One time I was given a pair of bowling shoes that I dyed black and wore to high school. Kids all made fun of me because the bottoms were a reddish brick color. I always wore my older brother's hand-me-downs, as well. But; like your brother-in-law, I wouldn't have changed a thing. I was a "traffic boy" (school crossing guard) back in the 50's at our elementary school; which allowed me to get into the Saturday matinee for free each week. A buddy and I made shoeshine kits and stood in front of the liquor store and shined shoes. Made enough money to buy some candy and more polish. At about 10 years old I mowed lawns and had a newspaper route for awhile. I went though a father and three stepfathers before I was 10 years old. I was on my own at 14 milking cows and living in a 12' trailer that I shared with yellow jackets in the walls. At 15 to 17 I was driving a tractor with an auger drilling holes for fruit and nut tree planting. I later did my hitch in the army during the Vietnam war. Came home and worked as an electrician while going to college. Had an opportunity to hire out on the Southern Pacific railroad as a brakeman, and did. Retired as a conductor and am living on a decent pension.
Machinist
01/25/2017
21:40:55
Much respect for that man. So many these days take so much for granted. Even as a humble person it sure makes your realize how good life is when you listen to how hard others lives were but they always continued on like they were on cloud nine. Good people for sure.
Hillbilly
01/04/2016
03:23:58
I miss Tennessee I grew up in Blount co. My family is still there love going home and talking story
DanoPCola
12/31/2015
01:52:17
Can't do no better then that. Thanks for sharing.
CountryBoy
12/28/2015
20:17:37
Don you were slow sipping that drink :). I'd like to drink a few with you all listening to your brother-in-law's stories of his younger days.
stantastic
12/21/2015
18:07:41
what a guy man salt of the earth RESPECT man
Aurevoir Gopher
12/19/2015
15:25:49
Very nice family photo!!
Rupe
12/19/2015
11:48:11
Cool video, what a great guy and great stories. Wish him well! Rupe
Darin79
12/17/2015
23:03:45
Great video Don!
luke
12/17/2015
21:22:32
Wished I was having a drink right there with ya Don!
NAM SREETRODDER
03/06/2017
10:27:57
I remember the ol' cardboard in the shoes routine very well. I spent half my childhood with them. One time I was given a pair of bowling shoes that I dyed black and wore to high school. Kids all made fun of me because the bottoms were a reddish brick color. I always wore my older brother's hand-me-downs, as well. But; like your brother-in-law, I wouldn't have changed a thing. I was a "traffic boy" (school crossing guard) back in the 50's at our elementary school; which allowed me to get into the Saturday matinee for free each week. A buddy and I made shoeshine kits and stood in front of the liquor store and shined shoes. Made enough money to buy some candy and more polish. At about 10 years old I mowed lawns and had a newspaper route for awhile. I went though a father and three stepfathers before I was 10 years old. I was on my own at 14 milking cows and living in a 12' trailer that I shared with yellow jackets in the walls. At 15 to 17 I was driving a tractor with an auger drilling holes for fruit and nut tree planting. I later did my hitch in the army during the Vietnam war. Came home and worked as an electrician while going to college. Had an opportunity to hire out on the Southern Pacific railroad as a brakeman, and did. Retired as a conductor and am living on a decent pension.
Machinist
01/25/2017
21:40:55
Much respect for that man. So many these days take so much for granted. Even as a humble person it sure makes your realize how good life is when you listen to how hard others lives were but they always continued on like they were on cloud nine. Good people for sure.
Hillbilly
01/04/2016
03:23:58
I miss Tennessee I grew up in Blount co. My family is still there love going home and talking story
DanoPCola
12/31/2015
01:52:17
Can't do no better then that. Thanks for sharing.
CountryBoy
12/28/2015
20:17:37
Don you were slow sipping that drink :). I'd like to drink a few with you all listening to your brother-in-law's stories of his younger days.
stantastic
12/21/2015
18:07:41
what a guy man salt of the earth RESPECT man
Aurevoir Gopher
12/19/2015
15:25:49
Very nice family photo!!
Rupe
12/19/2015
11:48:11
Cool video, what a great guy and great stories.
Wish him well!
Rupe
Darin79
12/17/2015
23:03:45
Great video Don!
luke
12/17/2015
21:22:32
Wished I was having a drink right there with ya Don!