Mk1 VW LT 35 Tipper Truck 'Lucky Lloyd'

Hi Norman, as always, I really appreciate your compliments 👍

Well....as you can see, there's no chance of me getting bored anytime soon 😅. But..... if I do, I be sure to give you a call 👍 ( genuinely )

What a pleasure being able to just get on with the job, and your ducting guys getting it right.

It sure was! I'm so used to having problems, it totally took me by surprise 😁

Well......it's been a while.

Unfortunately....for me....I've just had the worst 5 weeks of my life so far.....and that's one hell of a statement considering that I caught covid back in January/February only and pulled through that by the skin of teeth....( sorry..... I don't mean to go on about it )

Like many people, I was lucky enough to have a dad that was like a best mate to me. Not really the kind of mate that you tell all of your problems to....but the only mate that I've constantly looked up to, constantly tried to impress and ultimately.....constantly tried to be like. It's because of dad and his influences that I have my fascination with old plant machinery and builders trucks etc.

All the trouble started about 5 weeks ago when mum and dad started to feel unwell. I'll cut a long story short....they ended up both testing positive for covid! Mum struggled for a week and slowly recovered, but dad was taken to hospital and remained ill for 2 weeks. Dad was 81 and had other underlying health issues. Despite being double vaccinated and putting up a bloody good fight against this god forsaken virus, he unfortunately passed away on Saturday afternoon a few weeks ago.

Now.... I know that my problems aren't really of any interest to many people.....and I'm not posting all this simply for sympathy.
I'm posting this because he really was a big part of my life in so many ways. I'm 100 percent sure that this thread wouldn't exist if it wasn't for him and his influences on me. Plus, no one I know in my day to day life is really interested in what I'm doing with this truck. Dad was the only one that ever asked me about the project with genuine interest. He was then was prepared to sit there and listen while I'd waffle on for goodness knows how long.

The other reason is because while reading other threads here on Retro Rides.....especially in recent months, I've been aware of other members having gone through the loss of a loved one. One in particular, was a fairly recent post buy mrbounce in which he announced the sad loss of his mum. I remember reading it and thinking how awful it must be to lose someone so close.....and here I am six months later.....completely devastated by my own loss.
To keep my mind off things.....like the pending funeral.... I've been chipping away at the truck. Thing is.... I'm constantly having to fight off the ' why am I bothering ' attitude. I have no energy....and very little enthusiasm. The loss of dad has hit me harder than I ever could of thought possible. As a consequence, everything is taking twice as long to achieve, as mistakes keep happening through lack of concentration and will power.
However, I'm not at the point of jacking the whole thing in......yet. I've done a lot of standing around and thinking about stuff. To jack it in wouldn't solve anything.....but at the moment, I can't even face the challenge of updating the thread......there's about 4 months worth of photos etc. Plus, of course I'm having to look after mum through these difficult times......she really is suffering a badly after losing her soul mate of 50 years.

So.....the upshot is, I will continue with Lloyd and the thread once I'm in a better place. Of course, naturally, I've decided to dedicate the build to dad. Doing that will hopefully give me the ' mental tool ' I need to complete this nightmare.

Thats all for now.....updates to follow soon I hope.

Dan.

Dan,

So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad - there really is no good time or good age for this to happen. I know how it feels and wish you nothing but the best.

Your build thread is certainly one that stands out on a forum filled with many great builds. Take your time and when/if you're ready again we'll all be waiting. It's a lovely idea to dedicate it to your dad but, don't force yourself - you'll be ready when you're ready.

Best wishes mate,

Alan

Well that's pretty sh1t Dan. I'm so sorry you've lost him.
Take your time and don't rush things. You go one day at a time for a while. You never forget these things but it will get better, that much I know.

The truck will still be there when you are ready for it, I doubt if it'll go far at the moment. And we'll still be here waiting patiently.
I'm no councillor but if you need to talk you are welcome to PM me. And I'm damn sure I'm not the only one here that would extend you the offer.

Take care, take your time, keep in touch, and shout if you want anything.

James

Mate, I’m so sorry to hear your news.

Lots of us have had to go through this recently; I lost my mum last year.

Take all the time you need, and know that we’re here if you need us.

Probate, and all the associated stuff can be daunting when you face it for the first time, if you are having to do it and get stuck, drop me a message and I’ll do my best to talk you through it.

So sorry to see this report mate.

But you have friends and adopted family on here.

You have done a sensible, brave thing to share your pain, together we will carry it with you.

We all suffer loss at times, all sorts, not just family or pets, but many other things, speaking of it will help you vent, process your thoughts and grief.

And in all of this, Lloyd will be patiently wait for you to come back.

When you do, your activities and attention to detail will pay you back with peace of mind and heart.

We are here for you.

Sorry to hear your sad news - be kind to yourself and pick it up when you are ready. I have been there myself and today would have been my Dad's birthday and all time does is make it easier to remember the good times and not the rawness of the more recent ones.