Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Never shared this with anyone before.
Sometimes you all are more connected than my actual friends I see regularly . I suspect a lot are my own age I guess

When I first moved to Dayton oh for work 22 years ago ,
I was in a bar , new in town , honestly seeing what the opposite sex was up to .
Sat down next to a guy. Bout my age. We started shooting the bull.
He owned a local tool shop business and I was an engineer / welder.
He said. Hey, I have an opportunity to buy a design for a excercise bike deal exclusively for use in parapalegic patients.
Well we looked at phone pics and decided , yes , I can reverse engineer the design easy enough and could help him tool up.
He ended up buying the rights and hit technical help with controls from another buddy.
No idea what he paid. But he bought the tube fab equipment and welder and farmed out the other components.
We spent a couple days a week in his shop after hours , drinking beer , making components , teaching me to throw darts and welding prototypes.
Unit number 3 went to actor Christopher Reeves
Well Christopher was so impressed with his excercize unit, he gave an astounding endorsement of my friends product.
Months later my friend built a small metal building to produce the order demand. Tool shop shrank and started making excercise machine tooling . He bought another press and added a robot welder. Which I helped him program.
I’d stop and see him and drink a beer every now and then.
We were both busy.
He got diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer.
Before he died, he bought me a magnum of Johnny Walker Blue.
Appreciation he said.
I’ve kept that bottle in my basement ever since.
I have a shot every year on anniversary of his death .
I also have a shot anytime I have a harrowing experience in my life. Death of a family member , someone getting killed in a helicopter crash because of a part my department made.
Proving my business partner stole 1.26 M from our business and accepting a check in lieu of pressing charges. That kinda harrowing experience that when it’s over , I’m physically and mentally drained.
My wife knows when I’m gonna hit the blue, leave me alone.
I pour the shot, light a cigarette, sip half , reflect on what the hell just happened and allow myself to cry for five minutes. No more no less. Then slam the rest .
Then I’m done with that particular drama.
I put it away and move on .

My last work incident caused me to hit the blue last night .

I realized I only have maybe three shots left.

I’m sad because of that.
This is a delima I need to ponder on .

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

I'm sorry Ben, wish I had magic words to make it better for you. This was an unfortunate accident that hit you hard. You will move on but it may take a bit. Get yourself a new bottle of Johnny Walker Blue.

Slimshady Loc: Central Pennsylvania

Wish I could do or say something that could change it Ben. Just take it one day at a time brother and know that we are here for you

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Unfortunately Ben, bad things happen to good people all the time. Lots of folks out there just waiting to screw someone over. Sorry about your friend, but nice of you to honor his memory as you have.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

The name of the bike is FES
Functional Electrical Stimulation
Google it. Interesting technology that helps folk suffering paralysis

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Hey Ben,
I just want to tell you how sorry I am for the difficulties you’ve been going through. I’ve been praying for you since your eye accident when you asked for prayers and told us all you “needed them”.
The FS has been awesome giving support and prayers to help you try to get through all of this, and I’m sure you are feeling this support from all of us. Sometimes things happen that leave a person wondering if they will ever get through a particular incident like you’re facing, even with the help of friends, family, or a support group. It’s in these times, I believe there is only one who can “fix” or at least help you get through the difficulties. His name is God and He actually really wants to help us. I don’t know where you are in your faith, and I’m not trying to preach to you; I’m just responding to you because you reached out to us in your time of need, and I truly care about you.
There are a couple things I’m going to post here that have helped me get past some really dark times in my life, like cancer, divorce, and deaths of loved ones. I’m sure you have seen or heard them before, but sometimes just a reminder can help ease our minds.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:13-14‬ ‭NLT‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/116/php.4.13-14.NLT

If you need to talk, please PM me or even call anytime. I’m always available.

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

There's always somebody with a bigger problem is how I deal with my aging process. Waking up is a good thing. 👍

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

Dang, what a story. Sounds like maybe a REFILL is in order.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Was feelin a little down when I wrote that.
Your responses have cheered me back up.
Good to know people actually care.
A person can’t not care after using the words you all have.
Thanks.

Topwaterfanatic Loc: Houma,La.

Buy another bottle, seems to work for you. many people don't know what works for them.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Just know that God actually cares, too and there are some things that only He can fix…. 🙏🏻

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

Really nice Randy. 😎👍

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

never forgot 🙏🙏🙏 hang in there friend. B💪

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Best of luck with the eye, and enjoy that boat, too!

Mauwehu Loc: Norwalk Ct

Hard to respond to that Ben.
Life is tough and can throw a lot of curve balls. We all get our share. I had a partner who dealt dirty with me. He did own up to it. I forgave him and am still “friendly” but never dealt with him again. I sold Christopher Reece something too—a new kitchen. Pre handicap.
As John Lennon said—-Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. Look what happened to Superman—Chris Reeves