Heart Breaking

[Jason]

The news no parent ever wants to get. So sad to hear and sorry for your loss Fred.

[mburrows]

Unimaginable. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[jstone]

So sorry for your loss.!!
Prayers to your family

[jackelope]

So sorry, Fred. I cant imagine what you and your family are going through.

[Yakirack]

Sorry for your loss. Terrible to have to go through.

[Machias]

A little story to share.  My Son Alex expressed an interest a few years ago about archery, so I bought him a recurve for Christmas in the hopes it would help us become closer.  We never had a great relationship in his late teens and was never able to become closer, no matter how many times I tried.  Earlier this year he moved in with us for about 5 months due to a fire at his apartment complex.  It didn't start in his apartment, but he lost almost all of the few things he had.  I had also given him a shotgun that had belonged to my Father and a small handgun.  Fortunately, the bow, the shotgun and the handgun were at our house.  My oldest Son was in visiting from Thailand a couple of weeks ago.  In fact he flew in the night we were notified that Alex had passed away.  I talked it over with the wife and we both agreed to give the bow to my Oldest Son.  It was a take down recurve so I broke it down and gave it to him.  For some reason he decided to put it in his carry on bag.  Not a good choice as the TSA (and rightly so) would not let him bring the bow riser on the plane.  I don't blame them at all.  For some reason he did not call me as I was only a few minutes away from the Airport and would have returned and picked it up from him.  He still had a 2 hour wait for his plane so time was not an issue.  So he voluntarily relinquished the bow riser.  He called me right before boarding and felt horrible.  I was mad, sad, heartbroken all rolled into one.  I called the Spokane TSA and they informed me anything voluntarily turned over to them went into a bin and there was no way to retrieve it.  I decided to send a message to the Main TSA.  I made it very clear in my opening statement that this was NOT a complaint and that I understood why it was not allowed on the plane.  But if there was anyway, when they emptied the bin, I could be there and possibly get the bow riser back.  I got a standard canned response.  Then a second email that once an item was turned in there was no way to get it back.  Pretty bummed.  Fast forward to this past Monday and a guy from the TSA called me and wanted to help.  Promised to look and see if it was still in TSA's possession and possibly work out a way to return it.  I meant that gentleman today and he returned the bow riser.  I am so grateful that someone I do not know went so far out of his way to help me.  Awesome Person!!!

[pianoman9701]

Amazing with the TSA. Good to find someone with consideration. During Covid, at the TSA scanner I had to take off my mask and with it came my $5K hearing aids. Didn't realize it until I got off the plane. Went to TSA. No help, little response. I'm glad you got it back, Fred. 

[Sandberm]

That gives you some faith in humanity Machias. 

Seems like I remember you saying that your son was a fighter in Thailand?

[Machias]

That gives you some faith in humanity Machias. 

Seems like I remember you saying that your son was a fighter in Thailand?

My Oldest boy was a Muay Thai fighter, he still lives over there.

[Alchase]

Not sure How I missed this?

You and your family are in my prayers Fred.

[Jpmiller]

That TSA story is pretty special, so glad you got that back. So sorry to hear of your loss and the grief your family is going through. I will be praying for you all. If there are any other stories you want to share about your boh please post them. I can’t imagine your pain.

[sooperfly]

Dang not sure how I missed this, so sorry to hear of the loss of your son!  Thank you for taking the time and sharing with us. 

[C-Money]

So sorry for your loss...

[Angry Perch]

Just seeing this post for the first time. So sorry for your loss Fred. I just can't imagine.

[Machias]

Thanks everyone, it really means a lot to me.