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I know we are supposed to always write something upbeat that lets you know how much fun customizing is and to inspire you to do more to your ride.....The truth of the matter is that I don't feel very upbeat right now. I just got off the phone with one of my dearest friends and I didn't really realize just how much I cared about him until a month or so ago when he called to tell us he was joining the Army. He leaves tomorrow morning for BASIC training. I have spent a good deal of time thinking about all the things that could happen to him and a good deal of time wondering exactly how a fat vegetarian gets in good enough shape to join the service. I really don't know whether to be sad that he's joining in on something that is so dangerous or to be proud that he's man enough to fight for the freedoms that we believe in and take for granted every day. Let me tell you a little about him. James "Pancake" "Shorty" Shortway came into my life at NOPI one year. He happened to be staying in the same hotel as we were and I thought for sure he was one twisted person. From the NO HICK RACING banner on the front of the Mazda to the flooded (and I mean out the door flooded) toilets, he just seemed to fit right in with the rest of us weirdoes. From that very weekend, I knew that he would become one of those friends that no matter how little you get to see them, it's like they never left when you are together. We spent one Halloween weekend shaving his truck out. We didn't have the cash to go to Booger Bash but hey, the welder worked just fine and we always have a steady supply of Bondo. We've spent several weekends at his shore house for Garden State Nationals. He's spent several weeks (or was it months?) at our house when he just needed a break from the North. I think he meant to look for a job but mostly he just cruised the trailer parks looking for a wife. LOL For some reason, he really believes that a southern girl is going to leave her momma and move back up North with him. We get to see him from time to time at shows. He shoots freelance for Tailgate. We shoot freelance for Minitruckin'. He and my hubby Russell are the only ones who understand when I say one word........door handles.......We usually make sure to get together whenever we are in the same town but it doesn't always happen. I can say though, that he has always done whatever it takes to help us out. I hope he feels the same way about us. He is the one person that, no matter what decisions we make, he stands behind us because he knows that we are doing what we think is right.
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I'm guessing that within the next few weeks, he'll have some new friends. He will be explaining the minitruckin' way of life to people who may or may not end up taking part in our favorite pass time. I know that whether he's in BASIC training or somewhere over seas, he'll be knowing that he is doing the right, honorable, and patriotic thing to do. He will be one of the small pieces that make the big picture come together to kick Osama's ass. Maybe he won't have to go over there this time, but he's standing in line to go next time. I know I'm rambling but I think that I finally figured out that I'm both sad that he's going and proud of him for going. I can only imagine how hard it is for families to let the people they love fight for our country. I'm not unpatriotic. I applaud everyone that fights the fight. I just can't imagine that I wouldn't go crazy if it were my son telling me he was joining the armed forces. I asked James why he decided to join. The answer was long but mainly it had to do with family and Sept. 11. I know that since all of that crap happened that many people have been called up to report. People from our family are involved. People from our clubs are involved. There's hardly anyone who doesn't know someone who is in the military. My favor to ask of you is this: While you are out enjoying the freedoms that you have, take a moment each day to say "Thank you" for the people who do risk their lives to preserve ours. If you see someone in uniform, tell him or her you are proud of what they are doing. Yes, even the cop that stops you for dragging! Without all of these people, we would be one big worthless nation waiting on someone to pick on us. I, for one, am glad that we are not! Happy New Year! God Bless America. And good luck in Basic, Shorty.........BrandiP.S. Was that cookies or nookies you wanted me to bring to your graduation?????
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