The phrase “designer firewood “

[Crossroads]

I first heard this phrase from my cousin Ron aka Borp. It's with great grief that I share that he has passed away. I share this with you because of the profound impact he had on my life. When Borp was 17 he wrecked his car and broke his neck. He was paralyzed from the waist down and left with about half use of his hands. He went through a rigorous 3 month rehab to teach him how to live from a wheelchair and live he did. He was told he would only live about 20 years, but he made it 45 in that chair. He cut meet in a local meat market for for 22 years before retiring. He was an avid woodworker and built many dressers, book cases, kitchen cabinets, jewelry boxes and gun cases. He loved hunting and harvested some impressive mule deer over the years. When I started showing interest in milling, he loaned me an old mobile dimension that him and his dad picked up and pieced together. How did Borp impact my life? He was about 15 years older than me, so he was always someone I looked up to. As I grew older and started to live with the struggles of life, I reflect on the struggles that Borp forged through on a daily basis. I never heard him complain, he never blamed anyone. He just figured out a way to overcome the task at hand and made it happen. After seeing his accomplishments from that chair, I have realized that I have no excuses to hold me back. Borp will be truly missed as will the days spent working with him in the shop heated with "designer firewood....

[doc henderson]

sorry to hear that @Crossroads and thanks for sharing with us the inspiration that he provided for you.  

[Hilltop366]

Sounds like a great mentor and friend, enjoy the memories.

[Nebraska]

Sorry to hear about his passing. Someone that meant so much to you... Sounds like most of us could learn a bunch from his attitude. I have no reason not to refer to my stash of designer firewood  as "Borp" in his honor as I am burning some now as I type this. 

[Crossroads]

Thank you for the kind words! They're greatly appreciated 

[mike_belben]

Rest in peace Ron, youll be sorely missed

[WV Sawmiller]

Crossy,

  Sorry for the loss of your cousin. It sounds like he left some huge shoes to fill. Actually, I am envious of you for the time spent with him. We should all be so lucky to have someone like him in our lives.

[Jim_Rogers]

Sorry for your loss.

[terrifictimbersllc]

Sorry to hear you'll be missing your friend Kevin. But many happy memories. 

[hacknchop]

Rhonda and I extend our condolences.

[Crossroads]

Thank you!

[barbender]

Rest in peace, Borp😥 I'm sorry for your loss, Crossroads. I've ran into folks like him in life, and they are an inspiration. I mean, if they got through each day and were mean and bitter over it, I'd still be inspired. But the fact that they do it with a smile and no complaints is amazing! I'm glad you had him to look up to.

[doc henderson]

reading the comments, I bet having you look up to him may have been a part of the light in his heart that kept him going.  It just struck me.  God Bless.

[samandothers]

Sorry for your loss.  Sounds like you and Ron were more like brothers than cousins.  He will always be with you in the memories and when you hear the phrase 'designer firewood'.

[Crossroads]

Thank you Doc , I certainly hope that was the case.