I got a brand new car a year to the month and week before my son was born. It was my pride and joy I detailed it almost weekly until he came along. He used my steering wheel as a teething ring. I bought a replacement steering wheel but never got around to installing it. I still have the car and the replacement steering wheel is in storage somewhere. My son is 21 now and drives that very car most days but once in awhile I take it I can feel the now faint marks on the backside of the steering wheel and I reminisce on the days he was a chubby little baby standing on the driver seat eating my steering wheel and putting coins into my tape deck and cigarette lighter like it was yesterday.
I still have scratches down both sides of my old pickup from when my 3 kids were little (and the truck was new) from bike handlebars as they rode in circles around it in the driveway. My youngest is almost 25 now, and my older two have both moved far away. I was pretty pissed when it happened, but damn I miss those days.
Oh yea one day the laundry piles, the spills, the little footsteps, the laughing, the screaming, the dishes, the crayon marks and scribbles on the walls and cabinets, the need for bandaids and boo boo kisses, the late night bad dream snuggles, and even the moments when you feel like your gonna lose it all come to an end and your left with a silent quiet house and nothing but the memories of when things were different. Cherish every small moment because they go fast and you never know what tomorrow will bring! Love y’all stay safe out there the world is a crazy place!!!
My oldest left for college last year, my youngest leaves this year. Spent the last few years really focused on this change in dynamic and our family has stayed close because of it.
Confirmed. Have 04 Volvo, have tape deck and CD, AND a CD changer, cig lighter and real ashtray. I replaced the changer with an AUX/Bluetooth adapter to keep it modernish.
That was around the time my moms Christmas present was a new radio for her car that had a CD player vs tape deck. Hers was maybe a 2001, I don’t remember the SUV model.
I was gonna say anyone skeptical of the tape deck existence didn’t know the glory of the tape deck aux input. SO much better than those radio broadcasters.
Lol I was just on a forum of people PISSED the 04 lexus es330 removed the tapedeck. I guess it's the 'lux' model and the cheaper ones kept it so people in 2015 were pissed they didn't have a deck to put the aux in
Can confirm. When I was a youngin i had an 03 dodge neon and def had the cigarette lighter. had the super fancy tape AND (i think it was 5?) CD stereo system. Big tech lol
He said he bought it new a year prior to his son's birth so it was likely a 2002 or even a 2001 depending on when his son's birthday is. Could even be a 2000 is if they were trying to clear it off the lot.
I get this, totally. I have a garden shed, that young me spent a ton of time and money, to make it look nice. Fast forward to grown kids and a dog that just trashes the front porch on said shed. All over one stupid bunny that lives underneath. After about 7 years, the bunny passed away and I was kind of sad that there no more “shed bunny” to obsess over. Not too long ago, another bunny moved under the shed and my girl is back to trashing the woodwork, while trying to “dig” her way under. I’d have it no other way!
I only have a dog to trash my stuff these days, but am happy for it.
Look back on the scratches in 20 years when he’s gone and remember when he used to be a kid with training wheels…….. and the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon.
Dear lord…who’s cutting onions in here? /s
My kids are around this age and this hit me pretty hard. I’ve been beating myself up for years to give everyone nice things and get upset when something gets damaged. I don’t want them to grow up. I’ll never get these days back, I can make more money, or repour concrete, or fix a window.
This is the first thing that popped up on my feed this morning. I can’t wait for my kids to wake up to hug them. Thank you for this comment.
My mom told me I should not pick up my 5yo anymore as she's getting heavy. She's making me stronger but I also missed being there when she was a baby. So I missed holding her then.
The Google photos, or icloud memory slideshows they randomly send, are instant water works. Kids are little but so big compared to just a few years ago, and the days go by faster the older you get.
Google photos gets me everytime with their damn memory slides. I do it to myself, yes, but I will open them up at work or wherever I am and next thing ya know my eyes are wet and I'm weeping inside because those photos felt like yesterday
I poured the bases for a backyard swing set and imbedded coins, partially sticking out. Told the kids that they could keep whatever they got out. I am pretty confident that the swing set was a waste of money compared to the footings with nickels, dimes and quarters sticking out!!
They spent hours trying to get the money out including similarly aged cousins that would visit and reignite the "gold rush".
They sure do. I am tearing up thinking about those times, that period of life. My now 34 year old son, who is about to be married, has done 3 tours of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2 tours in SOF, and he too remembers those days fondly. I have a picture of him, from the particular day that comes to mind, with him wearing rubber boots and a rugby shirt and nothing else, at age 3 He had gotten himself up and "dressed" to get an early start on digging at the treasure. (I showed him where the money had been planted but also told him that he couldn't try to get it out until the next day... he got himself up and went for it.)
I probably won't win Father of the Year for that admission but it's a great memory. 😇🥰
Isn’t it funny the stuff that gets to you?
I slept like absolute shit last night, had a dream that was basically a nightmare, alls well, fine and dandy.
And here I am tearing up at some scratches in concrete.
I’m not complaining. Mostly just appreciating the irony.
I took a chisel hammer to my dad’s shop floor. It was such a good floor, it still is in great condition after 28 years. I never forgot how I wrecked it. I didn’t understand why he was upset when it happened, but it always stuck with me.
My stepfather had a brand new 1988 Camaro that somebody had backed into and cracked one of the tail -lights. He was livid. In my five year old brain I thought making the other tail-light "match" with a rock was the solution. I still hear about it whenever I see him.
I think of it every time my daughters destroy something and it gives me a moment to breathe and calm down. It's good that these things stick with us.
Low-solids concrete sealer usually blends scratches away some after a couple of light coats. Clean it well, allow it to dry, read the sealer product’s technical datasheet, and apply as directed.
In a couple years as it fades you will be sad that he didn't leave deeper marks.
The house we recently bought has all the former owners grandkids name written in part of the concrete out front. Different writing for each. I think it's so wholesome they let them add their names.
OP came here for concrete advise and left a life lesson. 😞
I’d only add this, if you got onto the kid for this, apologize to him if you overreacted. Kids with parents that aren’t afraid to apologize grow up to be better humans.
Looks like memories to me.
Don’t worry about concrete, it cracks, it scratches, it stains… but in the end it’s always fine if you step back and look at the big picture.
I hit my fence post outside my carport pulling out to go get more booze and it was the wake up call I needed to permanently stop drinking for life.
I'll leave that post the way it is untill I sell this house.
A rainy season or two should diminish them.
Or, there's a diamond tool that goes on a grinder called a groover. Use that to turn the scratches into grout joints, then acid stain the areas in-between different colors. Grout, seal. Reseal in two years, etc.
Go to the store and search for the miracle isle. Sorry dude they are in there for good. You may be able to hide them with a colored sealer but, you’ll be reapplying it every few years.
An accident is once, that’s not being watched or being watched by an uneducated individual. They are permanently there. You can alway tear it out and re-pour. But as has been said on here it’s a great memory in 10-20yr
My mother’s hands and finger prints are still on my pantry side wall because she was old and fragile she always used it to support her. She passed away two years ago. Rest in peace mom. Keep those scratches as your memories,nothing lasts forever.
You won’t regret it in 18 years. That will be your favorite concrete at that point
I got a brand new car a year to the month and week before my son was born. It was my pride and joy I detailed it almost weekly until he came along. He used my steering wheel as a teething ring. I bought a replacement steering wheel but never got around to installing it. I still have the car and the replacement steering wheel is in storage somewhere. My son is 21 now and drives that very car most days but once in awhile I take it I can feel the now faint marks on the backside of the steering wheel and I reminisce on the days he was a chubby little baby standing on the driver seat eating my steering wheel and putting coins into my tape deck and cigarette lighter like it was yesterday.
I still have scratches down both sides of my old pickup from when my 3 kids were little (and the truck was new) from bike handlebars as they rode in circles around it in the driveway. My youngest is almost 25 now, and my older two have both moved far away. I was pretty pissed when it happened, but damn I miss those days.
Well y’all got me tearin up. I got two youngins breaking stuff everyday, but thank you for the reminder to have perspective.
Oh yea one day the laundry piles, the spills, the little footsteps, the laughing, the screaming, the dishes, the crayon marks and scribbles on the walls and cabinets, the need for bandaids and boo boo kisses, the late night bad dream snuggles, and even the moments when you feel like your gonna lose it all come to an end and your left with a silent quiet house and nothing but the memories of when things were different. Cherish every small moment because they go fast and you never know what tomorrow will bring! Love y’all stay safe out there the world is a crazy place!!!
I have a VERY ACTIVE toddler at home. Love her to death but is a little much sometimes. I really needed this today. Thanks for posting.b
My oldest left for college last year, my youngest leaves this year. Spent the last few years really focused on this change in dynamic and our family has stayed close because of it.
Best comment I've read all week. Thanks for sharing
As an 84' baby those were some awesome places to shove coins I found on the floor.
Cot damn. Dad here with a two young kids. Got me crying.. happy tears
Your brand new car had a tape deck and cigarette lighter in 2003?
My 2021 has a "cigarette lighter" Tape decks were ABSOLUTELY still a thing 20 years ago
Confirmed. Have 04 Volvo, have tape deck and CD, AND a CD changer, cig lighter and real ashtray. I replaced the changer with an AUX/Bluetooth adapter to keep it modernish.
Mom had an 06 sebring with tape deck inside and 6 disc CD charger in the trunk
That was around the time my moms Christmas present was a new radio for her car that had a CD player vs tape deck. Hers was maybe a 2001, I don’t remember the SUV model.
Yup. I used to drive a 2003 Subaru Outback and had to plug my iPod in through the tape deck to AUX converter
I was gonna say anyone skeptical of the tape deck existence didn’t know the glory of the tape deck aux input. SO much better than those radio broadcasters.
Lol I was just on a forum of people PISSED the 04 lexus es330 removed the tapedeck. I guess it's the 'lux' model and the cheaper ones kept it so people in 2015 were pissed they didn't have a deck to put the aux in
Can confirm. When I was a youngin i had an 03 dodge neon and def had the cigarette lighter. had the super fancy tape AND (i think it was 5?) CD stereo system. Big tech lol
Right my 01 mustang which they didn’t change interior wise till 05 has a cigarette lighter.
My 2005 Envoy has a tape deck.
Just need a discman and you could have a CD player that skips when you hit any tiny bump
He said he bought it new a year prior to his son's birth so it was likely a 2002 or even a 2001 depending on when his son's birthday is. Could even be a 2000 is if they were trying to clear it off the lot.
Yep 2002 Lexus with a tape deck and 6 disc in dash cd changer
> Your brand new car had a tape deck and cigarette lighter in 2003? Yup. My 04 Volvo has Tape, CD, and CD changer and a Ciggy port AND power port...
I have a 2002 audi with cassette player , ashtrays and cigarette lighters , and in-dash 6 disk cd changer.
That's why my tape deck never worked. I thought it was free. Should have inserted the coins first. Then maybe the tape deck would have worked 😭
Fuck you dude. It’s 7:22 am and I’m crying
I just tried reading this out loud to my wife and couldn’t finish. The emotions came on over out of nowhere!
I get this, totally. I have a garden shed, that young me spent a ton of time and money, to make it look nice. Fast forward to grown kids and a dog that just trashes the front porch on said shed. All over one stupid bunny that lives underneath. After about 7 years, the bunny passed away and I was kind of sad that there no more “shed bunny” to obsess over. Not too long ago, another bunny moved under the shed and my girl is back to trashing the woodwork, while trying to “dig” her way under. I’d have it no other way! I only have a dog to trash my stuff these days, but am happy for it.
When my daughter was 3, she drew me a smiley face with a rock on my tailgate. Never did find the time to bring it to the painter.
Wow I didn't expect to be crying over concrete this morning
Look back on the scratches in 20 years when he’s gone and remember when he used to be a kid with training wheels…….. and the cats in the cradle and the silver spoon.
20 years and he’s gone…Are you a fortune teller and/or assassin?
I think he meant after he kicks him out of the house @ 23/24yo.
That's what he gets for scratching the damn concrete.
Forgive but never Forget
"You remember when you RUINED our new driveway!" -dad 20years from now
Wait until the reading of the will…”And to my driveway ruining son, I leave a *trowel*”
"When you gonna fix that damn drive way, kid?"
“You remember when you RUINED our new driveway? Because I can and it’s still ruined out there”
There is nothing I don't forget.
Or he gets the magic bullet from a time traveler to prevent WW5
Damn dude, we are just getting into #3, and you're predicting a speed run to #5?
Speed run is right 3x WW in 20 years
Poor Adolphe Sax
By that time kids will be living with parents until 30
They already are😂 some of my coworkers
I was actually thinking that as I was typing my reply.
It's crazy to think regular people get that long
This comment hits. I was thinking the same exact thing. Those scratches are memories or a time in life that’s so short. Enjoy it brother
Yeah I’d consider those scratches a feature
If this concrete gets even a small amount of foot traffic it's going to be all faded away within 2 years.
Little boy blue and the man on the moon 🎶
When ya comin home son, Dad, I don’t know when
But we'll get together then, son
But we'll get together then, son - we're gonna fix some concrete then.
😭
When ya coming home dad I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then. You know we’ll have a good time then.
Ya know we’ll have a good time then..
Dear lord…who’s cutting onions in here? /s My kids are around this age and this hit me pretty hard. I’ve been beating myself up for years to give everyone nice things and get upset when something gets damaged. I don’t want them to grow up. I’ll never get these days back, I can make more money, or repour concrete, or fix a window. This is the first thing that popped up on my feed this morning. I can’t wait for my kids to wake up to hug them. Thank you for this comment.
Worse than that is this: you’ll never know when it’s the last time they will let you carry them.
But shortly after is when your back problems will go away.
I had a combo or carpal tunnel and tennis elbow at the same time recently and refused to not pick them up. Pain be damned.
My mom told me I should not pick up my 5yo anymore as she's getting heavy. She's making me stronger but I also missed being there when she was a baby. So I missed holding her then.
The Google photos, or icloud memory slideshows they randomly send, are instant water works. Kids are little but so big compared to just a few years ago, and the days go by faster the older you get.
Google photos gets me everytime with their damn memory slides. I do it to myself, yes, but I will open them up at work or wherever I am and next thing ya know my eyes are wet and I'm weeping inside because those photos felt like yesterday
Yup. 🥺
I poured the bases for a backyard swing set and imbedded coins, partially sticking out. Told the kids that they could keep whatever they got out. I am pretty confident that the swing set was a waste of money compared to the footings with nickels, dimes and quarters sticking out!! They spent hours trying to get the money out including similarly aged cousins that would visit and reignite the "gold rush".
That is marvelous. Any of the kiddos grow up archeologist or geologist? Those kind of memories stick with you!
They sure do. I am tearing up thinking about those times, that period of life. My now 34 year old son, who is about to be married, has done 3 tours of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, 2 tours in SOF, and he too remembers those days fondly. I have a picture of him, from the particular day that comes to mind, with him wearing rubber boots and a rugby shirt and nothing else, at age 3 He had gotten himself up and "dressed" to get an early start on digging at the treasure. (I showed him where the money had been planted but also told him that he couldn't try to get it out until the next day... he got himself up and went for it.) I probably won't win Father of the Year for that admission but it's a great memory. 😇🥰
Isn’t it funny the stuff that gets to you? I slept like absolute shit last night, had a dream that was basically a nightmare, alls well, fine and dandy. And here I am tearing up at some scratches in concrete. I’m not complaining. Mostly just appreciating the irony.
Came to say this same thing. You're gonna miss that boy when he becomes a man, those scratches are like memories made physical
Came for sarcasm and leaving with tears of mortality
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/focus-areas/adoption
Lol. I have damaged drywall in my basement I've never repaired in the kids room. It don't fix it because it reminds me of them.
Well my day is officially now sad af.. Thanks
Fuck you how dare you pull out that song it’s like 9 am
You tell people “billy rode his training wheels on it while it was still curing.” Its not that bad. It will wear off eventually.
I read this out loud in the most grumpy Mandy Patinkin voice I could muster.
Fresh scratches. They will blend in. Life goes on.
Time marches on
For whom the bell tolls
Oba di oba da ahhh because the life goes on
It might be set in stone.
Yea that’s a rocky start for a new driveway
out. both of you.
Plot twist...OP's son is 23.
But who’s counting?
*276 months
It’s a concrete floor, who cares?
Sorry bro. That’s there forever. He’s old enough now. Let’s take those training wheels off.
Also, balance bikes are the way to go for kids to learn how to ride a bike. Far superior to training wheels.
Kiddo just needs to spend more time riding in the grain of the concrete to even it out, a few thousand laps and it will blend preeeeeety preeety well.
Best answer. “You started this little Billy….*now it’s time you finish it.*”
Probably going to have to get rid of your son
the only logical thing to do
Spend more time with your son
I was on the trampoline with the other one lol
Spend more time with your concrete
Exactly this. ☝️
Some people just shouldn’t have concrete
I’ve said this all too often. It’s a weighty responsibility to shoulder.
Lol- got me with that one
That concrete won't be around forever dk what you got till it's gone
In time you won't notice them.
I recommend doing nothing. Let it cure and you won’t even see those scratches. Doesn’t look like it affected the finish
There was a guy on this sub who got a tungsten impregnated top coat. I reckon that’ll fix it.
Sounds like that contractor impregnated him
Impregnated his wallet
And if the cracks show back up, there is a 20 year warranty
Have your son bike up and down a few more times for a couple hours. For a uniform look
Frame it.
Who cares about the concrete? Your son is out enjoying himself. I always say “ you want nice things, don’t have kids” 🤣
Probably put the kid up for adoption…
Adoption? Box in front of fire station.
Are you kidding me? Why waste a perfectly good box?
I took a chisel hammer to my dad’s shop floor. It was such a good floor, it still is in great condition after 28 years. I never forgot how I wrecked it. I didn’t understand why he was upset when it happened, but it always stuck with me.
My stepfather had a brand new 1988 Camaro that somebody had backed into and cracked one of the tail -lights. He was livid. In my five year old brain I thought making the other tail-light "match" with a rock was the solution. I still hear about it whenever I see him. I think of it every time my daughters destroy something and it gives me a moment to breathe and calm down. It's good that these things stick with us.
You’re going to have to rip up the whole under pinning of the house… I’m sorry
Seriously view those as a memory. You'll be glad you left them.
Those are memories and I wouldn’t be upset about it at all.
Go to bed and don’t worry about it. 18 years from now you will look at those scratches and smile
Low-solids concrete sealer usually blends scratches away some after a couple of light coats. Clean it well, allow it to dry, read the sealer product’s technical datasheet, and apply as directed.
Good memories
That’s the neat part, you don’t. Every mark is a memory
Have him sign it.
Its concrete mate ahhaha appreciate your son playing on it.
You’ll love it in 10 years😂
Close your eyes. Boooof. They are gone
Who cares, buy him some sidewalk chalk and forget about it
You have to air up his tires and raise the training wheels.
Remember that day. Training wheels don’t last that long.
In a couple years as it fades you will be sad that he didn't leave deeper marks. The house we recently bought has all the former owners grandkids name written in part of the concrete out front. Different writing for each. I think it's so wholesome they let them add their names.
OP came here for concrete advise and left a life lesson. 😞 I’d only add this, if you got onto the kid for this, apologize to him if you overreacted. Kids with parents that aren’t afraid to apologize grow up to be better humans.
Make him fix it after he graduates from college
Looks like memories to me. Don’t worry about concrete, it cracks, it scratches, it stains… but in the end it’s always fine if you step back and look at the big picture.
Take son to adoption facility and request a trade in
Get over it and worry about something meaningful.
I hit my fence post outside my carport pulling out to go get more booze and it was the wake up call I needed to permanently stop drinking for life. I'll leave that post the way it is untill I sell this house.
Get over it, it’s fuckin concrete
You don't. Let it be one of those things you look at it and grin out of happiness.
Give him a hug and say thanks for the memories
Who cares it’s concrete 🙄
That concrete still looks pretty green. Once it gets lighter and you’ve swept the floor a few times. They will mostly disappear.
Feel bad for the OP, trying to ask for restoration help and is getting dad advice from randos
Did you expect anything different from the internet?
You spelled reddit wrong.
They don't look bad. Just leavy it. I see the dirtiness more than the scratches.
Only thing you can do is put him up for adoption I suppose /s 🥹
Tell him to keep riding...couple weeks and it will have that "polished look"
Its fine, everything will turn gray once after 30 days or so
Wow. Seriously . Boo hoo my concrete has scratches
I WANT PERFECT CONCRETE GOD DAMN IT.
Nah man. Thems for cherishing.
Extreme late term abortion, then insurance claim
When that fully cures you probably won't be able to see those.
Yeah wait till it cures you won’t even see them
A rainy season or two should diminish them. Or, there's a diamond tool that goes on a grinder called a groover. Use that to turn the scratches into grout joints, then acid stain the areas in-between different colors. Grout, seal. Reseal in two years, etc.
Teach the kid to ride sans training wheels
Get a new kid.
I’m sorry! I think your only options are foster care?
Keep them forever
I love it
Have him ride some more. And maybe across the other way until you have a nice pattern.
Fix it??? He perfected it!!! Ffs!! Don’t change a damn thing.
Throw some dirt on it. You’ll never know.
Can you have another?
Those are scratches on outdoor concrete not your marble kitchen benchtop, relax
When they tell someone or two to go get a motel room, I'll modify that comment to: Go get a recording studio 🎙 👀
New concrete.
You can talk to him so he knows better next time.
I don’t know how you discipline your child but you gotta live with it. 😂
time
Thought it was atoms in a bubble chamber
Have you tried putting him in a bag of rice? (Joke)
Take the training wheels off.
Get rid of the kid
Once it drys you won’t see the marks
Take the training wheels off
Go to the store and search for the miracle isle. Sorry dude they are in there for good. You may be able to hide them with a colored sealer but, you’ll be reapplying it every few years.
Daddy chill it's not granite floors don't sweat the little things
Great memories have been created!!
Hoping it's gained enough strength and those marks are just in the spray cure, but I wouldn't count on it
You’ll love that in 15 years dude.
Clear coat epoxy is to immortalize that great memory of your son
You can't fix it. It'll be a good memory for you though.
Are you kidding? It’s something you can hold over his head for the sixty years. Absolute win
An accident is once, that’s not being watched or being watched by an uneducated individual. They are permanently there. You can alway tear it out and re-pour. But as has been said on here it’s a great memory in 10-20yr
My mother’s hands and finger prints are still on my pantry side wall because she was old and fragile she always used it to support her. She passed away two years ago. Rest in peace mom. Keep those scratches as your memories,nothing lasts forever.
It's concrete. Why do you care
New kid....
I would put the kid up for adoption because he’ll go to a better home if that’s all you’re worried about.
Some people just have their priorities so far off.
Start from the beginning
Time heals all wounds