A Very Special Christmas Gift ---DWBOD

vinniebabarooch

vinniebabarooch

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I will begin by saying that 2011 hasn't been a great year for me. Actually one of my worst. But then again many more people have it way worse than me. I am grateful, even though lately it has been a struggle. As most of you know, myself and all that knew him, recently lost a good friend in Doug Baltrip. Doug, like myself, had a passion for pool cues and watches. It is nice to think of the times we spent talking about them. We had a lot of fun and I wish we can go back in time.

I haven't been in the Christmas spirit much this year, even though we are only three days away. But today my spirit was changed in a big way. I got a surprise gift from a pair of friends that I will never forget.

Chris Sebastian (Sebas) and I talk everyday about how it would be nice to have something of Doug's to remember him by. Well Chris took it upon himself to ask Joel Hercek to build me a set of joint protectors for a Christmas gift and a remembrance of our friend Doug. Today when he gave me the wrapped up box I thought it was a joke. I opened it, and was immediately was lost for words. I really didn't know what to say, I was in shock. I couldn't thank him and Joel enough. Words can't describe how I feel about this but I thank you both for being great friends and thinking of me in down times. This was the nicest gift I have ever received from any friend and they will be treasured forever. It's amazing how generous some can be. For this I am so grateful.

I hope this brightens someones day, like it did mine. :)
Merry Christmas!

The caps are made to look like the Panerai watch in the picture.
Each shaft cap symbolize a part of Doug's birthday.
03-27-68

Cap #1 is set at 3 o'clock
Cap #2 is set at 2 o'clock
Cap #3 is set at 7 o'clock
And in each date window is #68.

They are ivory with gold, silver and copper inlays.
They are absolutely perfect in every way.
It was very hard to photograph these and do them justice.

PS.
Joel as much as I know you like making joint caps, you knocked these out of the park!



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Troy,,,That is Just awesome,,Happy Holidays,,all the best to you and your family my friend,,



Little Kenny
 
Cool gift made by a cool cue maker. I am a fan of the big watch...great ideal. You are blessed to have such kind friends! I hope the new year will bring you and yours greater joy...
 
2011 has been a stressful and tragic year for a lot of people, and this thread
really hit home with me.
The J/p's were something to see, and as tragic as losing a friend like DWBOD is, another friend
gave you a gift to remember him with, that you will have for the rest of your life.
I am a little jealous in that all I have received so far is a tip shaper key chain.

Very appropriate and well written thread
Merry Christmas and happy new year
 
Troy...I'am at a loss for words, but let me try..!! Through the love that God gives each and everyone of us, it is very apparant that you have been blessed. True Friendship is always earned...Never Given...!!! To lose someone that is near and dear is never easy. God has seen fit to surround you with True Friends, for each to lean on when things sometimes become trying..!!! For you to have a friendship such as with Doug....you have been enriched. All I can say is WOW, What a wonderful thought for a Christmas gift...I have been touched. I hope that the light in your Christmas shines bright...!!! And for you Joel Hercek...1000 props. Absoluetly A Great thought and Superb work....I LOVE THEM.....WELL DONE !!! " Merry Christmas " to each and all
...QBall...
QB Custom Cues
 
Wow...

Bighead done good...that was very nice Chris & Joel. Mr. Hercek did an amazing job as always...I'd say only Doug himself could take pictures good enough to show off the true beauty of these.

That's a very special gift...Troy is definitely a worthy recipient. You're a great guy...and for some reason, people just can't get enough of all your "STUPID" sayings:D

We all will miss Doug...and this a beautiful way to honor his memory...

Happy Holidays,

Jeremy

PS: So when's the ping pong paddle handles gonna be done?;)
 
Dwbod

Awesome gift, and a Great remembrance piece of your special friend! Cherish them knowing your pal is smiling at them from above.
 
It doesn't get any better than this my friend...
Now you will always have a little something to
remind you of Doug, AND a little something to
remind you of a couple of friends who cared
enough to make this happen for you. God bless
you all. Have a very Merry Christmas!
 
Troy,

Awesome caps. You will always be able to look at those and remember Doug, with a smile on your face.

Chris, kodos to you, excellent idea.

Joel nailed them, wouldn't expect anything less, though!


Merry Christmas to you both, Todd
 
Dwbod

Wow, such a beautiful cap set from Joel & Chris......a classy way to pay homage to such a dear friend! Doug was a great guy and I knew you guys were very close. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Troy, and all of Doug's family & friends during this time. May each and every one of you draw on some of your great memories with Doug and reflect fondly during this holiday season. Merry Christmas!
 
Wow, just an awesome display of friendship! Doug would be blown away at these Troy! I can't think of a better way to incorporate 2 loves into one. Great work Mr. Hercek!! Chris, very nice gesture on your part! Doug spoke of you often. I still can't beleive our friend is gone. Best wishes to all for the holidays. Vinny
 
truely great set you have here troy....time doesnt allways heal but hopefully in the future it will be easier...have a nice holiday season and remember how lucky we all are to have each day..mickey
 
I am falling in line with all the rest...
Blown away at the idea, the gesture, the execution by Joel who is a master at his craft and for the memory that Troy will preserve each and every time he looks at this set.
All the best to everyone who had a chance to be touched by the helping hand of DWBOD and his friendship.

Merry Christmas to all...
Myron
 
wow Troy, this is truly a priceless gift.. awesome caps made by a great cuemaker and given by a true friend! Merry Christmas to all:)
 
What a perfect way to remember your friendship with Doug.

Huge props to Chris and Joel for thinking of this and executing to perfection.

Merry Christmas to all.

Scott <<== was waiting for something worthwhile for his 5,000th post and this more than qualifies
 
WOW Troy, Chris showed me a picture last night of these but it was a bit hard to see the detail. They look great, and it is an amazing way to keep a friend close!

Joel and Chris truly are some of the "GOOD GUYS", what a nice surprise. The execution was very tasteful, symbolic, and detailed!


Mike
 
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