A Message for Ryan and the HAMB

I haven't been on the forum very long, but have to say I have gotten a lot out of it. While I didn't know Steve Hendrickson, I took note of his 5+ years on the HAMB and 234 posts. It's the reliable folks in our community, like Steve, that hold the rodding culture together. I took a quick glance at his profile today to make sure I was thinking of the right person when reading all the messages surrounding his struggle and was taken aback by the simple message I saw there. I'll admit that there is something emotional about the news of his p***ing, even for those of us who never had the privilege of meeting him. I was aware of the dire situation he was facing in recent weeks when Ryan's post on the Jalopy Journal breaking the news hit me out of left field. Seeing that message really let the wind out of me, as I'm sure it did others. It took me a little time to consider why news of someone I did not know would touch me so deeply.
I realized that even in my short time on the HAMB that I had become part of a family. One that shares grief, like that for Steve and Ermie Immerso as well as the joy of a few new born HAMBers. Together we congratulate new Dads and GrandDads like Fidget and HarmsWay. We also share concern for our defenders oversees and buddies stranded down the road. While we even see a little bickering in the cl***ifieds, I don't believe it detracts from the Family experience at all. It just reinforces my thoughts here.
Even though I came into this community unknown, like may that will subscribe today, I was welcomed openly by local HAMBers (Like DW and Reggie), and distant HAMBers, alike. I want to express my gra***ude to those that have been so kind. I also send my condolences to those families that have faced loss recently. Most of all, I want to say something to Ryan and his fellow moderators.

It is a tremendous thing you do here on the Jalopy Journal and the HAMB. You bring people together in so many ways. It must be demanding to deliver such a fine forum for us to build this community on. NEVER doubt that your efforts are appreciated and very much worth it. You have crossed continents to touch so many and allow them to share in this with you. Thank You!

I hope that if someone decides to take a set of lake pipes to Steve's send off Saturday that they know those pipes speak for all of us on the HAMB. God Bless.

 

Well written and nicely said.

 

Very well said.

 

you got it

 

I think it's pretty safe to say I'd still be looking for a car if i didn't find one here not to mention the knowledge i picked up in the mean time.

 

Exactly...it is a great community...we'll miss Steve...and all others that contributed to this board that have gone on ahead.

R-

 

Nicely put...

 

Well said.
I think you speak for most, if not all of us.

 

Well said.

 

a heartfelt "AMEN" bro
R.R.

 

wow

 

Very well said. I had a guy that was my online guidance counselor on turbo cars (Gus Mahon -- gusmahon.org) and we shot the breeze and did a lot of bench racing between emails and message boards. He got killed in 2002 in a motorcycle wreck -- hit me and a lot of others in the gut. Its weird to meet up and know people online or in real life, but the name with a face becomes all too real when a tragedy or something beyond our comprehension happens.

God speed Steve.

 

scottybaccus,

Very well put. This place is awesome and the wealth of info is invaluable to say the least. The ideas that flow in this place, sharing each task done on a project, sharing your shop/garage, etc is what this place is all about. Where else can you get a sneak preview footage of Von Franco's "Lighting Bug" T to debut at the LA Roadster show, happenings around the world, and pics to go along with em'. The list goes on and on..... Just wonder what the future holds.

Ken

 

I couldn't have said it better.

 

i agree. and well said.

 

I Agree 100 % I Lurk More Than I Contribute But Hamb Is The Main Thing I Use My Computer For. The Information And Comradary On Here Is Amazing.

 

Well said, sir.

My sentiments exactly.

Thanks for expressing them so eloquently.

 

Very well put!! I have been on the receiving end of the stick when my dad(WEEKENDER) took the big cruise as did Steve. The support the HAMB gave me and my family made me take note that besides gettin your balls busted on INTRO this is a great second family, as it was to dad who went here in the last months when he couldn't get out and go CRUISINNNN! Thank all who came to attention when we needed it. My DAD would always do the same,HAMB or otherwise,I think thats part of the magic of this place.

TIIMMMMMMYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Well said..

God Speed Steve

 

Very well said!!

 

I think I teared up

WoW

 

Very nicely written, made my eyes water.
My condolences to Steve's family, and a big thank you to Ryan and all HAMBERS, I completely agree with everything you wrote.
What a great place the HAMB is !!

 

me too....
pisses me off i'll never get to meet him...

 

Ya, What they said.

 

Your words are right on the mark. Nice tribute to Steve and his family.

 

You younger guys are just learning what makes this place tick.
Unbelievable friendships, respect and love is what this place is all about.
You hit it brother hamber!

 

Nicely done.

 

The HAMB is a rare place to find in the world as it is today...even though I never had the pleasure of meeting Steve I know that he helped to make this forum what it is. God bless, I'm sure Steve is still lurkin'...

 

All of the above. God speed Steve.

Frank