One of whom was Rimu who was sharing his time living between his mother in Thames and his father in Onehunga. This arrangement was proving not to be ideal and his mother 'sidled' up to me one day asking if I could 'take Rimu on'.
I consulted with James who agreed that it would not be TOO difficult, he could re- enrol at Thames High, be taken to school on the bus and in general have a somewhat more stable (and perhaps disciplined) living arrangement.
So then by late 2012 I had two 15 year old boys in my care (but at least an all male household). But wait – again there is more!
Soon afterwards. Zac also approached me and asked how much it would cost for him to 'board' with me.
I explained that there was no way, how even with his part time jobs he would be able to afford it – but let's see what we can do!!! Yeah Right again.
So after discussions with his parent(s) we did make an arrangement so I could include him into my growing family!!
So there you have it at 72 I had three 15 year old boys on my hands!
Despite what you might think this actually worked pretty well – the boys all went to Thames High every day, we continued to do all the the rally work and they all got part time jobs.
Oh yes they all had girlfriends too.
There was, of course, a real bonus in that we now had a 'built in' stage timing team!!
After passing all necessary exams they all attended Wintec Trades Academy at Kopu – as it happens in the Dale's Auto Repairs building.
James managed to get into NZ Army,(now a qualified Automotive Engineer), Zac has completed his apprenticeship in what I call 'Fitting and Turning', but what is now a Mechanical Engineer.
Well done boys! Rimu is still finding his way, but as an Early Childhood Teacher he was loved by all the kids.
I was adamant (they all dispute this though) that once they turned 18 they were then adults and had to piss off and give me my life back!
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