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We were very poor growing up as my father left when I was about 7 years old and my mother had little skills other than being an artist. She was in college studying to be a teacher (which she has been now for 15 years) and we were living on welfare, and some waitress part time pay. I remember one Christmas when I was in 4th grade my mom, sister and myself went over to my grandfathers house for Christmas eve and morning. On Christmas morning we woke up, and as most kids do, were excited to see what we had under the tree. My cousins were there as well and their parents were much better off than we were. They opened up their gifts and had received many many nice things including a scooter (one of them skateboard/scooter things back when they first came out). My gift was a junior sized soccer ball that had no air and no pump. See my mom only had less than $10 to spend on each of her kids, and while I know now I should have been grateful for whatever I got it was very hard to not burst out in tears when everyone around you was getting nice things and you sat there with a flat soccer ball (I didn't even like soccer).

My grandfather saw the disappointment in our faces and while I was sitting on the porch watching my cousins play with their new gifts he slipped away. I didn't know that he had until years later, but he somehow, someway found a place on Christmas day and bought me a scooter just like my cousins. He came back and said that he saw that Santa had dropped something off his sleigh and it was around the back side of the house. Well I was beyond believing in the big guy by that time, but anything to brighten my spirits at the time was welcome. I raced around to the back of the house and beheld my new red scooter with a cool checkered flag artwork on it. It quickly went from being one of the worst Christmas days ever to a great one. My grandfather had seen my pain, and loved me enough to do whatever it took to make it go away.

This Christmas you all are my grandfather. I've never have been one to wear my heart on my sleeve when it came to problems, or ask for help with things. Guess I'm stubborn, or too proud, or whatever. Shane suspected that I was in need and he asked me. I told him what was up but not to do anything because that's just my personality. However he went forth and started this all, and many others joined in with their own stuff, or rallying others to help. I've never seen such an outpouring of love and concern for myself. Never.

I know many people are sensitive of contributions and such so I'll not give figures, but suffice to say that my monthly payment to the hospital is payed for the next year. Yes, that's right, the next year! In addition to that we were even able to buy the kids each an extra present. They were only getting one small gift due to finances, and now they get a small one and a bit nicer one thanks to you all. I've really got no words to fully express the gratitude that we feel. We are baffled that this many people care. In a rather bleak point in our lives you all have managed to brighten it, and we love and thank you all for your kindness, and giving spirits.

Thanks for making our Christmas, and our entire next year brighter,

John, Jennifer, Faith, Sawyer & Felicity Mayes

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

Your story is enough for me man!! I am smiling already thinking about your kids and the fun they will have in less than two days!

Merry Christmas John, stay healthy and hug that family of yours!

And thanks to ALL on the OLF for their help and their kind thoughts!

Shane, Val, Malcolm and Leith!

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Canada

Its hard to put into words how each of us feels John, suffice to say it jerks at the heartstrings.

Like the old saying... its better to give than receive ...

Here's to some smiling faces Christmas morning ... most of all yours.

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Tony Karol
www.karol-guitars.com
"let my passion .. fulfill yours"

John,
This is truly a heart warming expierience. You have many friends and are truly blessed.
Merry Christmas to you and yours,
Mike R.

You may not know it John but you have helped many of us just through your DVDs. Its nice to know that a community of many that you my not ever meet, would help turn a bad situation into a better situation. Just keep getting well and hope your family has a bright holiday!

Hey John, we're guitar builders. Whadja expect?

Glad we could help make your holidays brighter.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Most of us have had help at bleak moments in our lives and this is one of the things that is the best about humanity.

Merry Christmas!

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

John,

Being able to truly help made this a much more important present for the season than anything that was happening at home.

And it points out the power of a forum such as ours, where the incremental help of many can mount up to a really sizeable contribution. Heh, isn't that what we do every day?

At any rate, Merry Christmas again! and a big thanks for your own contributions to the community.

Jim

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

Man I love a happy ending! Way to go Shane for getting the ball rolling.

Merry Christmas To All,
The Vincents

good luck to you and your Family John .

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

After reading this, I know that whatever Santa brings me this year - the best gift has already happened. Thanks for getting this rolling, Shane.

Merry Christmas to you and your family, John!

Christian

Merry Xmas to the Mayes family and everyone that helped make this possible.

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- Ben Pak
North Wales, Pa.

Wow,this sure made my Christmas great.Thanks to all the wonderful people on this forum.
James

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

Merry Christmas to you and your family. It is the least we can do.
I am so grateful that this OLF family can come together and help others in a bit of need. No one wants to ever ask for help, but this is a great group!!

All of us here at the OLF are like one big second family connected by a bond of the love of guitars and music.

As said earlier, it is always better to give then receive.

Happy Holidays to all of you.

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

Merry Christmas, John!

Mike Franks

John, the blessing is ours.
It's great to know just how well this turned out, and we're all delighted your family is enjoying a better Christmas.

God bless, bro!

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Merry Christmas to you and your family, John!

And another thanks to Shane for getting this started. Merry Christmas to all in this family of guitar builders here at OLF.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

wishing you and yours a very merry and healthy new year.
I have your dvds and wish to thank you for all the guidance they have provided

Once again: Merry christmas and all the best to you and the family.

Merry Christmas to the Mayes Family. Bless you all this Christmas season!

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

I'm glad it turned out to be a nice Christmas for you and the family John.
A very MERRY CHRISTMAS to all !

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Happy holidays John

After watching your videos several times I feel I know you even though we have never met, I hope you and you family have a great Christmas this year and hope your health and life is better in 2010 than the last year.

Good luck in the new year.
Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

Merry Christmas. Glad my family could offer some help to you and yours.

I'm still getting in donations from you all and I'm very appreciative. Thanks so much everyone for all the support. it means a lot to us!

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com