An Observation from Hudson

[Patrick J. Martin]

I returned home from Hudson late last night, after being one of the people who spent the whole week there. First off, I also offer my sincere thanks and congratulations to the Ohio team that put this meet together! Unlike some, I do not attend every PCS meet, as much as I would like to in a perfect world, but on average I'd say I attend about every third one.

The observation I came away with is how similar we are despite occasional flare-ups and differences of opinion. Based solely on what I read on this board, I was a typical human being and had some opinions about people I had never actually met. Then there were people I did meet in Hudson, whose manner of dress, hair, and/or body decoration was at odds with what I personally find acceptable. There was the board meeting, where a couple differences of opinion were expressed that resulted in argument and slightly raised voices.

But out in the parking lot, it was about the cars, and on that we all agreed. We were all having a great meet, looking over great cars, having a great time on vacation. Out in the parking lot, opinions and personal choices ceased to matter. Help was offered, refreshments were shared, knowledge was learned. I came to think that on here, we only see one aspect of a person, their opinions. And like any opinion, we are bound to have some different ones flying around. But out in the parking lot, we were an entire person, we saw that in each other, and a love of the cars was at its root that brought us all there.

There really is no point to this post. I was thinking about this much of the way driving home yesterday, and just felt the desire to share it. I sincerely look forward to seeing you all again at the next meet I attend!

 

[Bill Marcy]

Patrick, it has been my opinion that we are very similar in many, many ways. But, it seems that although we are similar, we all have different ways of expressing ourselves. Some people are loud and outspoken. Others prefer to speak softly, or not at all. Some people are always laughing, others seem to be sad, or uneasy. Even our body language can get us into trouble. I always like to use the cat and the dog, as an example. When a dog is happy, he wags his tail, the cat holds his tail still, when he is happy. Is there any wonder why they don't trust each other? After all, they speak different languages.

This year, I have attended two funeral services for people I knew, but not very well and honestly, I was never close to. But, in both instances, I was struck by the things people said about the deceased. I wished that I had taken the time to really get to know these people. I realized that I had seen them in sort of a one dimensional way, not really seeing the whole person and who they really were in life. Oddly enough, I knew one of these men over forty years, but I did not know him. It really opened my eyes and made me realize that everyone is special and I should take the time to appreciate everyone. Like Patrick said, I am sure this did not need to be said, but maybe it did.

The PCS is a wonderful group of people, always generous with information, helpful and encouraging to others, or to lend a hand. It is the reason I fell in love with this organization. We should all consider ourselves fortunate to be members.

 

[Russell Street]

The two posts above are exactly the reason that I defended these forums in their current form as vigorously as I did, i.e. the fire engines, police cars, Poor Richard's Lizard Lounge, and especially the off-topic areas. More than on e person came up to me at Hudson and thanked me for that.

It is a fact...we are all different, we have many diverging interests, yet the pro-cars are what bring us together. I can assure you from our experience at two PCS events that pro-cars are not the only things that got discussed. We have talked about fire trucks, trains, automobile manufacturing companies, trucking, farming, politics (YES, EVEN POLITICS), religion (THAT ONE TOO), told raunchy jokes, enjoyed adult beverages, exchanged "war stories", and visited many other subjects of interest to sombody or another. As long as we keep it mostly civil, we've never had a problem.

As someone posted in the "other" thread about this where all the heated exchanges were made, being able to read the "off subject" threads gives one a picture of the people we really are. It's almost like being there at these events with us. Living vicariously through this medium, if you will.

I seriously doubt that we will ever convert some of the "purists" to our point of view. We will however keep defending these forums in their current state so that those of you unable to be with us can continue to enjoy the "experience" of the event. Fire away!!

Barb and I consider ourselves lucky to have found this group and enjoy being with them, a more giving, caring, openly receptive bunch doesn't exist. Thank you all for making us feel so welcome!!!

(He kicks the soap box aside, and prepares to go for a ride in the "big truck")