Do you think of happy things in the past or the not so happy

[LoveTulips]

In the late 80's, we were living in Magnolia, Arkansas as I had been transferred there to work in a Sour Natural Gas Processing and Sulfur Plant.

There was a Landowner, Mr. Amos, who must have been in his 80's who would come to the Plant and complain regularly about "damages" or other reasons the Oil Company should pay him monies for damages.

For sure there were many times over the 50 some odd years that the Company had operated the Field and the Plant that damage was done to his and his families land. They were paid damages and/or the Company would repair the damages.
All that is standard stuff. Very generously from what I saw.

But what I remember clearly was absolutely how bitter he was. Apparently - not sure if true, but the story was that when the Oifield was discovered that he or his family had signed over the Mineral Rights and were paid for it, and only kept Surface Rights. Thus all the claims for damages.

Well the Oilfield turned out to be vast/huge. And over the decades, he realized how much money they had given up by selling out in the beginning.

But he was so bitter, angry and hateful. It made a helluva impression on me. I remember feeling sorry for him as he was so ate up with anger, regret and was a miserable person.

I think back on him at times when I get to feeling sorry for myself and getting in a bad mood.... I do not want to be a "Mr. Amos".

Oh for sure. I'm not bitter or nasty, maybe just guilt ridden.

 

[gracy225]

I think of the past often and try to remember cherished times, etc. I had a very turbulent childhood, yet I believe there must have been some great times/memories.

 

[Remy]

No, I come from a very loving family. I think it is my guilt for not being there when I was needed. I am so sorry that your mother suffered from rages and you from this.

I'm glad to hear of your family. Please remember though, sometimes one can just not do everything. I think it's normal to have some regrets around things. But at the time, I'm sure you did the best you could. It's all anyone can do.

 

[Remy]

In the late 80's, we were living in Magnolia, Arkansas as I had been transferred there to work in a Sour Natural Gas Processing and Sulfur Plant.

There was a Landowner, Mr. Amos, who must have been in his 80's who would come to the Plant and complain regularly about "damages" or other reasons the Oil Company should pay him monies for damages.

For sure there were many times over the 50 some odd years that the Company had operated the Field and the Plant that damage was done to his and his families land. They were paid damages and/or the Company would repair the damages.
All that is standard stuff. Very generously from what I saw.

But what I remember clearly was absolutely how bitter he was. Apparently - not sure if true, but the story was that when the Oifield was discovered that he or his family had signed over the Mineral Rights and were paid for it, and only kept Surface Rights. Thus all the claims for damages.

Well the Oilfield turned out to be vast/huge. And over the decades, he realized how much money they had given up by selling out in the beginning.

But he was so bitter, angry and hateful. It made a helluva impression on me. I remember feeling sorry for him as he was so ate up with anger, regret and was a miserable person.

I think back on him at times when I get to feeling sorry for myself and getting in a bad mood.... I do not want to be a "Mr. Amos".

He must have felt tricked or something. I can almost understand how that could grate at someone. It sounds like he allowed it to ruin his life.