GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => Back Room => Topic started by: avator on April 01, 2021, 07:44:43 AM
-
When Betty Lou and I took over this place back in 2014 our closest neighbor "Killer" was about 1/4 mile down the dirt road. He earned the name due to his size and stature. Well over 7' and upwards of 500lbs. And southern backwoods as all get out. The man was a beast.... on outwards appearance. We got to know the inner man he was. That huge frame held a really huge heart as well... and he took a shine to us and referred to me as the most redneck Yankee he ever met.
Killer has been sliding downhill for the past couple years and ultimately landed in a hospital bed in his living room. He's had various people staying with him and taking care of him... the most recent being a pretty sketchy couple. Well, that situation finally came to a head over the last couple of days with both those folks ending up in jail and Betty Lou smack dab in the middle of it. With that, and some encouragement from myself and his sister, Killer decided it was time to go to the nursing home where he can get the care he needed. It's a bittersweet thing, so much so that He, Betty Lou and I shared some tears over it.
With the help of the local authorities, the problem people are being moved out and sent packing.
In the meantime, Killer chose me to be the receiver of some of his belongings. One being a 2001 GMC Sierra 4X4. The rest of it is a huge collection of guns, knives and ammo.... no, not airguns. It was all delivered to our house yesterday while I was at work. I haven't even looked at it yet... I've been more concerned about Killer's well being. It's all packed in the front and back seat of the truck and Betty Lou says there is a boatload of it.
I spoke to Killer several times on the phone yesterday during his move to the hospital where he'll be while they prepare his bed at the nursing home and he was in surprisingly good spirits. I think he finally realized what was best. I understand his fight to not want to 'give up' the figure he always was. His sister came in last night and began cleaning and closing up his place. I'll take on the duty of watching and taking care of it until it is decided what is to be done with it.
Killer has been in the hospital a few times in the past and would NEVER allow anyone to visit. Betty Lou asked him yesterday if we would be permitted to visit. His response was... Y'all dam well better visit !
Killer is not coming back out of that nursing home and that's a hard pill for all of us to swallow.
-
True story....
Killer once walked into the middle of a redneck biker type barfight... He grabbed the slate pool table and with one jerk flipped it completely over on it's top. The fight instantly stopped and Killer strolled up to the bar and ordered a drink.. the fight was over.
There are many stories like that about Killer. Most of the time all he had to do was look at someone or stand up... situation resolved.
He once told me... Yankee, we don't call the law around here, we are the law. I know the High Sheriff from the past 29 years here in Crenshaw County. We've shared many meals and pulls from the same jug. He agrees with what Killer said. "We don't feel the need to visit Runway Rd. unless it's to participate in the turkey shoot and bbq".
There's gonna be a huge hole left here that used to be filled by Killer's boots.
-
Sorry to hear about your friend.
I have never had to deal with someone close to me fading, all mine were fast (heart attacks, accidents). I can not begin to know how you feel, but I can imagine some of the heart ache.
I hope he is comfortable. I would imagine he feels some pleasure knowing his stuff will be appreciated, and he will be fondly remembered, and made a difference in some lives.
-
Thanks Bill..
Unfortunately I have dealt with several fading in my lifetime... many being family members. You don't get used to it. I think Killer will hang on for quite some time but, he'll be bed ridden. His legs just can't support the heavy load. Even if the weight comes off, he's been down too long and has lung issues.
-
Sorry to hear that. Hopefully he will be better taken care of in all regards (health, eating, Dr. care, etc.) Better than some "riff raff",... which most often are only looking to scam and steal what they can,... just like a bunch of low down buzzards circling.
Sounds like you did well,... though not asked for. It will be like a treasure hunt for you.
-
:( Sorry to hear about Killer from the times, you have mentioned him. He always sounded like the kind of person I would have liked to get to know.
-
Just had a peek inside that truck.. there are many "things" I didn't even know the guy had. We'll get it all out of there after work and get it inside the house where it will be safe.
-
Bill, it's too bad that your friend can't get around any more. He sounds like a good guy. If someone ghost writes a book, I'd like to read that book.
You say he is 7 foot tall, Is he a true giant like Andre the giant?
Hunter
-
:( Sorry to hear about Killer from the times, you have mentioned him. He always sounded like the kind of person I would have liked to get to know.
Cut from the same cloth as you and I Don.
-
Bill, it's too bad that your friend can't get around any more. He sounds like a good guy. If someone ghost writes a book, I'd like to read that book.
You say he is 7 foot tall, Is he a true giant like Andre the giant?
Hunter
Yessir, he's a biggin'.
I'm 6' and 240 but I'll have to do some work to the driver's seat in that truck... I kinda sink down in it. :o
-
Yessir, he's a biggin'.
I'm 6' and 240 but I'll have to do some work to the driver's seat in that truck... I kinda sink down in it. :o
Sorry to hear about Killer, neighbors like that are family, it really hurts when you know the end is near.
The comment about the front seat of his truck brought back great memories of when I was growing up. I used to work for the neighbor across the street during the summer. He would visit the local bottle making company, pick up their scrap plastic and haul it the recyclers. He was an older gentleman of rather large stature as well. Health issue prevented him from diving into the dumpsters to retrieve the plastic, that was my job. When I turned 16 and got my learners permit, he would let me drive his truck sometimes. We ended up having to put the Orlando phone book on the driver's seat so I could see over the dash! So, I can relate! He was also a good man with a large heart, and I lived for our conversations while riding in his truck making our runs to and from the recyclers!
-
Sorry to hear you’re losing Killer as a neighbor, Bill. Glad to hear he’ll have constant care and he’ll let you & Betty Lou visit. No matter how much or little time he will have, visits will be good.
-
Killer sounds like the kind of guy who would be on my fave people list! Thanks for the story, and give him my best wishes....and blessings to you and Betty Lou for the friendships you offer.
-
Thank you all.
-
Very sorry to hear it... At least it sounds like Killer has made his peace with the situation; and I wish him well. I hope you get to spend many visits with him; and that he lives in comfort for as long as possible-he has some true friends to share his days with.
Peace; and prayers,
Jesse
-
Hearing this just breaks my heart.
-
Killer knows all about my airgun addiction and my involvement here at GTA. He'll be happy to hear all the well wishes from you folks.... that's if he don't break my arm for sharing this... :o
Over the years I have hooked him up with a pellet gun or two... I noticed they were among the stuff he sent my way. Those are among the guns that will have special meaning.
-
My biggest nightmare is ending up in a nursing home. Bill, you make sure you visit him as much as possible. My wife was a wound care nurse for 15 years. Every time I go by to take her to lunch or something I'd see the people sitting in their wheel chairs just looking miserable. It's like they had just given up hope.
-
So very sorry to hear of your friend's health misfortunes, Sir Bill. Here's hoping the rest of the time you have together can still be among the best of times. :D
-
Bill that's sad to hear but I'm glad he had a good heart instead of using his strength to hurt people for kicks like a lot of people do. I can't imagine having such size and strength as he did. I can't imagine how different my life would have been if I'd been his size. Seems it would stop a lot of trouble being that size but bring a lot of trouble too. I know Tyrus constantly complains about all the trouble being that big has been in his life with no clothes, shoes, beds, ceilings or cars being big enough for him. Glad he left you some of his things to remember him by.
-
I knew you said Killer wasn't doing so well in the past and how hard headed he is. I'm glad he will be in better care and lord help those nurses and STNA's if he is even a 10th as ornery as you have clamed him to be with them. Im sure he will over look his misery and do everything to embarrass them make them laugh and get them to love him.
-
Bill, most of us could probably share stories about someone in our lives that are in a similar situation. But this is about you and 'Killer'. I have not met the giant-of-a-man, but feel like his friend just from what you said/wrote about him in the past. Let him know that his friend, Mike, is praying for him.
-
Bill, what a blessing to be trusted by Killer so much that you get to bring joy to him in the future.
-
Dang Bill, this is tough to read.
I have never met you or Killer, but yet I feel like I know him from your past posts.
I remember when a towel was left on the stove... that alone would have rattled me for sure.
For him to have you and Betty Lou as friends was a blessing on both sides I am sure.
-
Sorry to hear about Killer, you and Betty Lou hang in there. Been there many times in the past, the hardest part is the belongings given to me, it told me how much that person felt about me to pass on their prized possessions. I wish Killer a happy and safe journey.
-
I'm just now seeing this Bill, I'm sorry to hear about Killer. I can tell it's hard on you and Betty Lou. I've been there before in the past, and like Kris said the hardest part is theie belongings, their prized possessions being given to me. I'll be praying for him and you two.
-
Thanks again y'all. Been in contact with Killer. He is in surprisingly good spirits. I think it's because he got away from some of the 'crazy'.
He asked me to bring a few more things to our house. His sister came yesterday and got a few things.
He claims he is going to get up and walk out of there in a month. I'm praying he does.
We had to say goodbye to his American Bulldog, Rambo's sidekick for the past several years "Bossie Girl". Killer sister took her to stay with her.
She has a trip planned in the near future and asked if Betty Lou and I would dog sit during that trip... You bet we will.
-
Bill, I’m happy to hear Killer is getting the care and attention he needs. Tough way to have to come to it but he is still here and is alive in your hearts as well. Bittersweet times.... enjoy them as best as you can and give Killer a hug, handshake or slap on the back, whatever it takes and wish him the best from me and our other GTA clan. 👊🏼
-
Update...
As I said earlier...
Killer's sister took his American Bulldog "Bossie Girl" to her house. Apparently Boss wasn't happy there and ran off the first day. As with most dogs around here, she rode there in the back of the pickup so we thought there might be a chance she would find her way back here... 8+ miles.
After a couple days someone called the number on her tag.... she was found. She was heading in the wrong direction.
Solution...
Boss will come live with Betty Lou and I... her and Rambo can live happily ever after. If she ever comes up missing we will know where she is... down the road laying on her daddy's front porch. However, she is just as happy staying at our house as she is at his. We usually had to tell Rambo to take her home after a couple days.... and he would.
-
You are definitely working your points with the man in charge. I knew there was a reason that I like you and Betty Lou even if you are a BA Biker guy ;) ;D
-
Well done Bill!!!! First and foremost,... glad the dog was recovered. Your a saint.
-
Well done Bill!!!! First and foremost,... glad the dog was recovered. Your a saint.
No he just likes animals more ;)
-
To be honest... I was outnumbered 3 to 1.... :o
Boss, Rambo and Betty Lou... must have been the sad eyes and floppy.... ears. yeah, ears.
-
To be honest... I was outnumbered 3 to 1.... :o
UH Huh that's what all us tough guys say when that soft spot takes over . ;D ;D
-
Bill,
We need a pic of your new critter! Maybe one of Rambo and Boss just hanging out or something.
M/F,... fixed?,... just askin'. You could be REALLY outnumbered in no time! ;)
-
Well, here is the only one I have on hand.. this is from back a few years ago. I'll get some newer pics.
-
Nice! They were made for each other! ;) Looking forwards to more as time moves on. Thanks!
-
That’s awesome, Bill! Great for everyone, Rambo too, bet he’s one happy dog! I bet it’s hard on Boss without Killer, but having you all & Rambo should be great for her too. ;)
-
And, I am sure your friend feels good about her new home with friends she knows. He probably wanted that but thought he would be burdening you with that responsibility.
-
The kids had a slumber party.
-
Bill,
We need a pic of your new critter! Maybe one of Rambo and Boss just hanging out or something.
M/F,... fixed?,... just askin'. You could be REALLY outnumbered in no time! ;)
Boss is F and Rambo is M... both fixed.
Their relationship is purely plutonic.
Besides, that would almost be incest.
-
;) ;D My Guess is the monthly dog food use is about to double. They are both big pups from that picture
-
The food in a non issue.. We had bought Bossie/Killer the last 2 50# bags anyways.
The problem is... It was already tight in the RV on our weekend adventures.... :o
-
Betty Lou says you can't put a price on love but I remember back in the day....
oh wait, this is a family forum... nevermind.
-
Bovine and equine breeders sure do!
-
The kids had a slumber party.
That’s fantastic, Bill! Priceless! (We love dogs!)
-
John, I hadn't had a dog since I was a kid... my lifestyle left no room for one. Betty Lou has always had them until we paired up and moved south. I worked the night shift and Betty Lou stayed home alone in the woods. We enjoyed the freedom to wander as we wished. But, when it came time to rescue Rambo from the woods around my work place it just seemed to be the right thing to do. Rambo got a home, Betty Lou got companionship during the long nights alone and I got a great pal.
That sacrifice was an adjustment but I don't regret one minute of it. And, as much as I hate to admit it, taking Boss is just the right thing to do and the reward will be priceless.
-
Guys... here is the downside...
Boss is fearless. To the point of stupidity... She has been snake bit several times and has paid the price dearly. I saw her get bit in the face no less than ten times before we could get her and the copperhead separated and the snake dispatched. A rattler bit her once and she swelled to the point where she struggled to breathe.
Rambo points out the snakes and lets us know they are there... Boss, on the other hand, takes matters into her own paws.
.... and snake season is now upon us.
-
Prayers sent. I don’t seem to come across many real people these days. All we hear about is the bad, but there are so many good people out there.
Cherish him while you can and keep the stuff as memories. You are a good man.
-
Dang, Don is right... I am getting soft in my old age.
-
Betty Lou spoke to Killer on the phone. She said she could hear the relief in his voice when she told him Boss was here and safe.
Meanwhile... Boss has slept since she got here only getting up to eat and do the doo.
-
We noticed lights on at Killer's that shouldn't have been on. Seems the evicted people have been back possibly to retrieve things left behind. Either way, I'm going to the hardware store first thing this morning for padlocks to further secure the place. I think they still have some keys.
I don't want to send anyone to jail but I do want them to know they are not welcome to come and go as they please. If it continues I'll install a camera system like we have here.
-
;) I'll send my buddy Greg down to do security for Killer's place. He was Special Forces Special OPs during the mid to late 60's and 6'4" 260 lbs
PS he is looking to move south
-
Not for nothing but I'm pretty sure nobody wants to live there in it's current state. The plan is to clean it out and bomb the snot out of it a couple times. Betty Lou and Killer's sister is on that. If it turns out Killer can return home we want to make it as clean and sanitary as possibly.
-
Hope they didnt take anything that wanst there's.
-
Betty Lou says you can't put a price on love but I remember back in the day....
oh wait, this is a family forum... nevermind.
Bill! That's NOT love.
-
Betty Lou says you can't put a price on love but I remember back in the day....
oh wait, this is a family forum... nevermind.
Bill! That's NOT love.
You're right... what was I thinkin' :o
-
Bill,
We need a pic of your new critter! Maybe one of Rambo and Boss just hanging out or something.
M/F,... fixed?,... just askin'. You could be REALLY outnumbered in no time! ;)
Boss is F and Rambo is M... both fixed.
Their relationship is purely plutonic.
Besides, that would almost be incest.
Well good. Maybe you mentioned before?,.. but what is the relationship of Rambo and Boss? Nice match on size/body type by the way.
-
Bill,
We need a pic of your new critter! Maybe one of Rambo and Boss just hanging out or something.
M/F,... fixed?,... just askin'. You could be REALLY outnumbered in no time! ;)
Boss is F and Rambo is M... both fixed.
Their relationship is purely plutonic.
Besides, that would almost be incest.
Well good. Maybe you mentioned before?,.. but what is the relationship of Rambo and Boss? Nice match on size/body type by the way.
When Boss was just a little pup and Rambo was like 2 yrs. old they met. Rambo went to Killer's and brought her here to meet us. Boss jumped the rock wall and landed smack in the fish pond. Rambo reached in and pulled her out by her collar. They have been Fric and Frac ever since.
Boss is full American Bulldog and Rambo is Pit and Lab mix.... More Lab than Pit.
-
Bill,
We need a pic of your new critter! Maybe one of Rambo and Boss just hanging out or something.
M/F,... fixed?,... just askin'. You could be REALLY outnumbered in no time! ;)
Boss is F and Rambo is M... both fixed.
Their relationship is purely plutonic.
Besides, that would almost be incest.
Well good. Maybe you mentioned before?,.. but what is the relationship of Rambo and Boss? Nice match on size/body type by the way.
When Boss was just a little pup and Rambo was like 2 yrs. old they met. Rambo went to Killer's and brought her here to meet us. Boss jumped the rock wall and landed smack in the fish pond. Rambo reached in and pulled her out by her collar. They have been Fric and Frac ever since.
Boss is full American Bulldog and Rambo is Pit and Lab mix.... More Lab than Pit.
Awesome story!!!!! :)
-
Darnedest thing I ever seen... that was 6+ years ago. Rambo won't go near water other than to drink from a mud hole.. :o
Boss will lay in the mud hole up to her neck when it's hot out.
-
Spoke to Killer today... sensed a bit of depression in his voice. I pressed him for information. The nursing home administration paid him a visit and the conversation was more along the lines of long term. It's a complicated thing when you're on SSI and medicare. He spoke having to sell his place. He is trying to come to terms with it but, I think he is beginning to accept it. He is a big man with big man's pride.
He will be out of quarantine on Wednesday. His sister and Betty Lou plan to take Boss and visit. The place is only like 4 miles down the road from us. He is in the front of the building on the ground floor.. we can wave to him when we drive by just like we did when he was home.
-
Woke up to another slumber party in the living room...
This time there is a new participant.
-
If the extra body is Betty Lou you had better not let her see that post
-
Too late.
-
Too late.
LOL! Been good knowing ya Bill!
-
Bill,
Well,... we can (clearly) see who is running this show now. The head count may be even now but they have you outnumbered in legs. ::) Glad Rambo has a new bud.
-
Bossie is BEAUTIFUL!
You are a good man Bill and a true friend of Killer's..
-
He is trying to come to terms with it but, I think he is beginning to accept it. He is a big man with big man's pride.
Mighty hard thing to overcome for sure. I've seen my uncle struggle with that as well. Strong capable independent man all his life but now he's having a good day if he can make it to his mower to cut grass. At least he's back home after being in health rehab for 2 months which was emotionally brutal on him thanks to no visitors allowed due to covid but it's just a matter of when he'll need to go to the nursing home. It's not just them that suffer it's the loved ones that remember who they used to be and see how they suffer in old age which takes a toll. Can't stay young forever. This ain't heaven yet.
-
Yes, watching loved ones get old is at times difficult.
-
Update..
Killer is in surprisingly good spirits. We talk to him at least once a day on the phone. Betty Lou and his sister had planned to visit him today but, they want him to be able to visit folks in the 'day room' and he isn't quite up to going from bed to wheel chair yet. Remember, the man is 400# or better. It'll be a couple more weeks before we can get him up to it.
So Betty Lou went down to his place and gathered up a bunch of t shirts, sweats and other clothing to wash up and take to him. They will drop it off and someone will make sure he gets it.
Looks like Betty Lou is going to end up with his truck. It's a 2000 GMC 'Off Road" 4x4 with a ton of miles on it but Killer loved it and took great care of it.
Arrangements are being made for his sister's 2 boys to buy his property. The nursing home will make him sell it and this way, at least it can stay in the family.
As much as I hate to admit it, Bossie is making her way into our little family. All of our daily routines include her now. Both her and Rambo will join us this weekend in our RV trip to the ATV park. Rambo continues to school her as to the do's and don'ts of our life style. They take turns at the food and water bowl... one patiently waits for the other to finish.. first come, first serve. Rambo has made it very clear that his place is on the bed and hers is on the floor. When bedtime is announced they both make their way to their designated sleeping spots.
Betty Lou has been walking Boss on a leash because she tends to enter the fence and chase the cows. She is getting better and soon she'll be broken of it. Rambo is happy to walk beside her unleashed. The farmer that owns the cows continues to say "Leave her be, she ain't gonna hurt them cows". But Betty Lou insists on coddling her. One kick from a cow and she'll stop chasing them. Rambo knows better, he's been bit on the nose by an electric fence and won't go near it.
-
That is great. It sounds like people, property and critters are all getting settled in, with overall improvement on all fronts.
-
Update..
Killer is in surprisingly good spirits. We talk to him at least once a day on the phone. Betty Lou and his sister had planned to visit him today but, they want him to be able to visit folks in the 'day room' and he isn't quite up to going from bed to wheel chair yet. Remember, the man is 400# or better. It'll be a couple more weeks before we can get him up to it.
That is good news! If he is gaining strength/losing weight to where he might begin to move around again; he may very well walk out of there someday.... There is nothing worse for a body than losing the ability to move; and to lose hope... Killer sounds like he is keeping and gaining back both. :D
Continued best wishes for all;
Jesse
-
Can you sneak him in some Creek Water?
-
Can you sneak him in some Creek Water?
LOL... more like sneak some out of there.
-
Nice!
My kinda health care facility!
-
Boss had her visit to the vet today...
She got 2 shots in the butt and a pill. She's not a happy girl.
She weighs 83.5 lbs. and she's not at all fat. Solid dog.