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Trouble Tree

The Carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farm house had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric saw quit and now his ancient pickup truck refused to start.

While I drove him home,he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.

When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his to small children and gave his wife a kiss

Afterward, he walked me to the car. we passed the tree and my curiosity got the best of me, I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

Oh, thats my trouble tree, he replied. I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing for sure,trouble's don't belong in the house with my family so I just hang them in the tree every night when I come. Then in the morning I pick them up again.

Funny thing is , he smiled, when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging the night before.

Everybody needs a trouble tree...
(Author Unknown)

The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: Trouble Tree

Reply #1 –
I like that one Bill. Thanks for posting it.

Mark
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Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Re: Trouble Tree

Reply #2 –
Bill,
What a great story ... lesson ... just put some tears in my eyes and a smile.
Thank you,
AL
2003 GV U295 (6230)
2006 Jeep Unlimited TJ
2018 Ram 2500 4x4 Cummins
Former 94 GV U225

Re: Trouble Tree

Reply #3 –
Bill real good story.
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: Trouble Tree

Reply #4 –
BIll, a paradigm shift! ^.^d  Life's what you make of it!

I'm reminded of a story where a man and his two children were riding a crowded bus. His children were being a bit unruly and bouncing around.

 There was a man reading a paper who was outwardly annoyed by their behavior and in his mind I'm sure was wondering why the father was not making his children behave. This went on for a while and the children were bumping other people and then the little boy fell into the man's paper and ripped it in half. The 5 yr old said he was sorry.. and went over to his dad and held him.

The father went over to the gentleman and apologized for what happened.. the gentleman, obviously disgruntled wasn't receptive to the apology. The father said their Mother had just died and they were on the way to the funeral. He said it was his fault for letting them laugh and play for a while.. with such a sad future ahead of them..
The selected media item is not currently available.
My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: Trouble Tree

Reply #5 –
Bill, John,
Most all of us could learn from these stories.  I know I can.
Thanks.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Trouble Tree

Reply #6 –
I wish it were that easy.... running a company I find it follows where ever you go... makes a nice story though. That same man gets 15 or more employees and a cell phone then let me know how that tree works for him.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Trouble Tree

Reply #7 –
Not trying to hammer on your post Bill... I've just had a busy couple weeks with trucks on the road and cell phone ringing all hours wanting me to answer the impossible..
Dub McBride 1996 270
 

Re: Trouble Tree

Reply #9 –
  It is true that we can't always help with what we are faced with.. all we can change is the way we let it effect us.. I'm working toward the mindset of the wise Monk.. Still a work in sometimes limited progress with no resemblance to a wise Monk..
Dub McBride 1996 270