We form opinions of people we interact with on a daily basis and most of the time they are pretty accurate, after interacting with the same people for a few years. A little background on a co-worker and I that have worked together 7 years. When I went to work in 2005 the dealership was in turmoil over the position I was hired for. Before me all new cars were delivered and dispatched the pre-delivery inspection's to any tech in the shop. Didn't work so well because service writers would give more to thier favorite and not so many to others and create hard feelings between guys in the shop and since the shop already operated on each person specialized in something they decided to have one outsider come in and do all inspections (That would be me). When I interviewed I was told they needed someone with thick skin because I was taking away from some but others would be happy since they were left out anyway and I may not make friends. I needed a job in a bad way and told them I was there to make a living not friends but if I happen to make a friend that is a bonus. As you all know I made plenty of friends at my job and those I didn't make friends with I developed a decent working relationship with after a couple run ins. One inparticular is a 70 something retired police who I just have had a working relationship with for the past 7 years. Have nothing against each other we are just diffrent people and my opinion has been he is a nice guy but looks out for himself and has never done anything to disprove this to me until NOW. He bought a 2004 Chrysler crossfire awhile back that needed a few cosmetic and some tires etc. You could tell when he needed you to do something on it because he was really nice to you. He has been buying a tire every couple weeks for it, has one left to do and it is ready for long trips. Found out when he puts the last tire on it he is taking it to his grandson in Tennessee who has MS and giving it to him. His grandson is 22 and not expected to live past 30 according to his grandfather. Needless to say I look at him a little diffrent and have changed my opinion of him.
Sometimes people will surprise you and prove they really are a nice person. In to days time that is a great plus.
Found out today the guy used to race a '57 chevy wagon. He asked what I was doing building a sbc at work. I told him it was for my wagon project and that is when he told me about how he used to own and race a wagon. I believe it is the start of a friendship not just a working relationship.
The gift of friendship that we bestow on each other is something that needs to be nurtered and treasured. It sounds as though you have been given such a gift. Actually, it sounds as though you earned it through your actions and how you have treated him and your peers at work. Good for you.
I have not met any of the station wagon forum members. But would be proud to call most a friend on the things I have learned this past year while being a member. But it takes actually meeting and time to really know another person is a friend. If I ever get a chance to meet any of you I'd be happy to sit and visit, drink some coffee, beer, or other liquid refreshments and get to know you better. We won't all become friends but I'm sure we'll all get along.
