Our Story - I couldn't make this up if I tried
Prefix
My son Jordan wearing pants on his head
For the past few years I have been raising my son Jordan on my own. I had to drop out of school and take up 90 hour work weeks to make ends meet (although the ends never quite met). We traveled around, lived at Wal-Mart, lived in the Rainforest of the Pacific Northwest living off the land, fought the elements, and pulled through the craziest year of my life. We went from being homeless in the woods with nothing but a rifle, a bow, and the clothes on our back to having a stable job, enrolled in college, and a making ends meet to keep a roof over our heads.
And here’s the story from the beginning…
The beginning
On top of Mt. Erie in Washington
In July 2007 I was happily married with a son about to celebrate his first birthday. I was working at a shipyard in Anacortes Washington as a structural steel welder. My wife was a stay at home mom and nanny for two other children.
It seemed as though my life was right where it should be. The income was good, the bills were paid on time, and I had a wonderful family to come home to each day. We lived in the most beautiful place on earth, western Washington State and I would wake up every morning and go to sleep every night truly happy to be alive. I felt like nothing could ever change that.
That is, until July 25th 2007.
The Fall
I was climbing the inside of a ship, getting ready to weld up a section of new construction when I slipped and fell 15′, landing on some pipes below. A jolt of pain instantly shot from my lower spine down my right leg and I lost all feeling and control of my right foot. I laid in agony for about an hour, screaming for help before I got the strength to drag my body out of the ship. Somehow I hobbled to my site foreman and explained what happened. I played it off as if I was ok, but needed to take the rest of the day easy. My boss put me on some easy work for the rest of the day and I went home hoping I could shake the pain. Unfortunately the pain didn’t subside, but got worse. My wife insisted I open a workman’s compensation claim and see a doctor, so the next morning I limped onto the jobsite and did just that.
The doctor gave a series of X-rays, nerve tests, and MRIs and concluded I had sustained serious damage to my spine. A desiccated disk at L2-L3 and Facet Hypertrophy at L5-S1. He explained that I had damaged the nerve in my spine that allowed me to push my right foot down and I may not walk normal again. He said I was not allowed to return to work. But I did anyways. I somehow convinced the doctor that I was able to work, 30min on, 30min off with 5lb lifting. I returned to work and was turned away. They said there was no job I could do that fit those requirements. Back to the doctor I went, insisting he reduce my work restrictions. Reluctant, and with me signing a waiver, I was allowed to return to work.
So I showed up each day, limping around, doing the best job I could. I would often lie on the deck of the ship in pain for 30min-1hr before I got the strengh to go home early. I’d tell my boss “clock me out an hour ago” as I headed home to rest. But every day I showed up and tried to be normal again.
My return to school
The bills piled up and so did the stress at home. My wife couldn’t handle it anymore. She packed up, took my son, and left to live with her mother in Arizona. I decided to take some time off of work to heal emotionally and physically. My boss promised to bring me back after a week, but two months went by and no phone call. An eviction notice was slipped under the door one morning and that was it. I sold everything I owned, including my budding welding business I had been starting, and headed to Phoenix to be near my son.
Somehow me and the wife patched things up and I decided to go back to school since I couldn’t work anymore. I wanted to be a Fisheries Biologist since I was a child, so I figured this was the time to do it. I enrolled and kept up a 4.0GPA, studying all night and day as I watched my son. Meanwhile, my wife went out and partied. I’ll spare the details, but to make a long story short, I left her this time.
I took my son and headed back to Washington to try to start my life over AGAIN.
The big move
Luckily, my cousin opened up his house in Port Angeles, Washington to me and my son. Soon after we arrived, I landed a job as a pipe welder repairing oil tankers that came into the port. With my back still damaged, I was worried about how I could keep up with the crew. Even more when I found out my new work schedule consisted of seven 12-hour shifts non-stop until the job was done. The pay was great, and with all the overtime I was looking forward to a CEO salary.
It was a miracle I was even able to land this job. I polled the phone book for every potential employer that may have a position that matched my skill set.
Me welding some pipe on an oil tanker
The companies ranged from engineering and design firms to general contractors and shipyards. One afternoon I was driving up to one of the addresses on my list and I came across a small shop. I stopped to ask for directions to a ship repair company I had set my sights on. The man standing out front smoking a cigarette informed me the company moved and may not even be in business anymore. I thanked him for his time and put my truck in reverse and then stopped. I pulled forward and asked him what his company did. He told me they repair ships. I asked if he was hiring welders, and he said he was. I promptly handed him the resume I had sitting on my lap. He looked it over and saw it littered with welding and shipyard experience and I had my interview right there in the parking lot. Hired on the spot.
Life on the oil tankers
Working on top of a 1,000' oil tanker
The first job was brutal. I never told my boss I was injured or else I would have never been allowed to work. I figured it was better to work a few days and be fired than not work at all.
The first ship that arrived needed about three weeks of repairs, which ended up being about $8500 in my wallet. I arrived with my welding gear and started my day. I sucked it up, tucked away the pain, and did my job.
Conoco Phillips' Polar oil tanker
I ran circles around my co-workers, and when my boss found out I was a journeyman carpenter, he resassigned me as a scaffold erector.
I was promoted (without pay) to supervise a team of three while the scaffold foreman took care of rigging and made runs from the dock to the shop for supplies.
That foreman later died, and by default, I was the new foreman. Not exactly the way I wanted a promotion, but it is what it is. But as soon as the job started, it ended. The mooring lines were pulled up and the ship set off for Valdez Alaska. Me, I had no idea where I was going.
Homeless shelter
Jordan excited to play in the snow outside the homeless shelter
My cousin could be described best as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde…on drugs. I had to move. My son was not safe in that household and I wasn’t going to put up with the abusive environment we were in. A co-worker temporarily opened his house to me and my son. He had been in a similar situation before, two kids, no home, unstable job. I accepted his generous offer and moved in with him and looked for more work. There was no word on when the next ship would arrive. It could be days, weeks, or months. I had to spend my money wisely.
I looked for apartments, but was turned away at every one. Even with 6mo rent in hand, nobody would let me rent without a stable job. My co-worker, and now roommate, told me of a homeless shelter nearby that helped him out when he and his kids were homeless. I signed up for the program and was accepted immediately. Now this wasn’t the homeless shelter your mind may conjure up based off what you see in movies. This was an apartment complex turned into transitional homes for families. I had my own kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms for me and my son. But nonetheless, a homeless shelter and not somewhere I wanted to stay for long. Not somewhere I was even allowed to stay for long. The terms allowed 30 days, and not a day longer. I did work one more short job while living there, and when the time was up, I left with nowhere to go. Once again I fell back on family, and moved in with another cousin near Seattle.
The beginning of my wild ride
Me and Jordan living out of my Dodge pickup
While living with my cousins, I met a girl, and being desperate to move into a stable environment, I moved in with her after only knowning her for a few days. It was not a smart move and as anybody could have predicted, we broke up several weeks later. I broke down. I didn’t know what to do and it was at that point I realized me and my 2 year old son were about to be homeless. I took my savings and moved us into a hotel in Tacoma but the cost was too much to justify.
The economy wasn’t getting any better and unemployment rates were well into the double-digits nationwide. It was at that point I made the decision to move everything into a storage unit and live out of the truck and try to weather out the storm as I looked for work.
My .30-06 Ruger M77 Rifle was my second most valuable asset in the woods. My first was my deep knowledge of outdoor survival.
We headed back to Port Angeles and stayed in the Wal-Mart parking lot for a couple days as I planned everything out and stocked up on supplies. I bought $100 worth of ammunition, several dozen arrows, 50 gallons of fresh water, a tent, a portable stove, and warm clothes to name just a few of the items. As an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter, I had most of what I needed already. Most importantly, knowledge of how to survive outside of society.
It was winter and one of the worst the state had seen in over 50 years. Not exactly the best time to be homeless, but we had no choice. I drove up a logging road and setup camp in the woods.
Setting up camp
1950's Aloha 12' travel trailer we called home
At first, we slept in the truck, setting up camp and moving from day to day sleeping in the cab. Later I made the decision to setup a semi-permanent camp deep in the woods. I cut down four Alder saplings about 2 – 3″ in diameter and 8′ tall and stuck them into the holes in the bed of my truck sticking straight up. I used some rebar tie-wire to lash some cross members to those. I then tied the vertical posts down to a couple trees. The whole thing was covered with a tarp and we would setup camp underneath with a fire and fold-out chairs. Every morning I would tear it down before we headed out to hunt. I couldn’t risk somebody coming across our camp. I couldn’t risk someone finding out we were up there. Hunters will tear down makeshift camps like that in a heartbeat because they look like meth lab camps encroaching on state land. Even worse would be law enforcement coming by and telling me I couldn’t homestead on forestry land. And you better believe they would if they knew we were up there.
One weekend, my father came up from California to visit my grandmother in Mount Vernon and I drove down and across the state to meet up. While in town I met an old friend and co-worker at a swap meet. We talked and when he found out where me and Jordan were living, he offered me his old 12′ hunting trailer to use as a shelter. It was built in the 1950s, falling apart, both tires were flat, but it had a roof and beds. He was paying storage fees on it and would end up saving money every month by ditching it. I gladly accepted, and tapped in to my savings to get the title transferred over and install some new tires.
Survival in the woods
Hunting Grouse and Rabbits with my .45cal pistol in the snow
Every morning and every evening we hunted. Rabbits were abundant, as were the Deer and Elk. A few miles away was a river with a few Steelhead which we visited from time to time to fish.
Although I had firearms, there was no way to safely hunt with my 2 year old son with me. The muzzle blast from my rifle would surely cause permanent hearing loss to his young ears. Because of that, I hunted almost exclusively with a bow, and let me point out it’s not easy sneaking up within 20yds of an animal with a 2 year old with you. However, from time to time I would leave Jordan in the truck as I jumped out and fired my pistol at a Rabbit I spotted running across or alongside the logging road.
We went shopping not with a shopping cart and a credit card, but with a bow and arrow and stealthy camouflage
What a teaser, huh? More coming soon…
r u gonna actually write a book because ur story is pretty interesting.
Crystal, I’ve been told by many that I should.
Well written. I’m thinking we should write in tandem, your view from inside and our concerns from outside. It is said that all children really need is love. And Jordan is proof positive of that.
HI.. interesting story! Where is Jordan’s mother now? And where do you guys live now?? I am amazed at the wherewithall it took to survive like you did. Keep writing!
Kari, Me and Jordan live (in a home now) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jordan’s Mother lives somewhere in Southern California, not sure exactly where. Thanks for your comment!
Keep writing! Want to hear more!!
Kari, I have been very busy lately and it takes a lot out of me to sit down and focus on what I want to share and exactly how I want to say it to the world. I know it’s a simple read for you all, but it’s a difficult write for me. Thank you for your comments, they are definitely encouraging me to append a new chapter.
I stumbled across your site while looking for information on iPhone development. I have to say, I was completely sucked in by your story. It was well written and an even better read. I’m glad to hear that you and your son are doing well now. Keep it up, and take it easy.
wow, same as Talmadge really, I came across your site when doing a code search and ended up staying and reading about your life. I think of all the things some people have to deal with, and how it all changed for you with having that accident. You are amazing for doing the best you possibly can and not giving up, Your son is so lucky to have you. All the best for you.
Hey Nick,
Like the people above came here for iPhone tips and stuck around to read your amazing story – can’t wait to read more. As a father myself, I can’t imagine the challenges of having to raise my kids as a single parent. Props to you for doing what you’re doing. Jordan is so fortunate to have a dad like you. The best!
read your story, was quite touched. came here to pick up iphone coding. i have learned a great bit all thanks to your open source development. I thank you greatly. I wish the best of luck to you and your son.
Came here to learn iphone coding,but learnt heart touchable
human coding.Its a more than interesting.keep writing,I request you,how did you moved to iphone development?what is your turning point ?
God bless you and your son.
Thank you greatly.
Duk, I have been programming on the Macintosh since 1998. I stopped for a few years when I took up working construction. I got back into programming when I broke my back in 2007. I initially took up Windows and Linux programming when starting up again but later got a job as an Apple Computer technician and ditched my PCs. I began tinkering with the iPhone SDK and later signed up for a night class to learn the basics. Most of what I post on this site is stuff I learned for the first time and decided to share. I’m still learning and would only consider myself as a novice hobbyist iPhone developer.
Hey guy, YOu plan on finishing ^^^that up there?? The edge on my seat isnt getting any longer you know.. i want to live in the woods alone for a while myself.. I think that is the best way to figure myself out.. Its complicated, as Im sure you can understand..
After reading your story, I have to say it really surprises me.
How did you manage your time to achieve so much stuff?
You must be very efficiently doing things or working overnight.
Anyway, your story quite inspires me that people can live in amazing.
Wish you the best every day and your son.
how did u started programming carrier ? r u an iphone programmer ?
I started in 8th or 9th grade. I’m a hobbyist Indy iPhone developer.
[...] Aloha 12' travel trailer we called homeI appended a new chapter to our story. The new chapter is about setting up camp. I began one other about our survival in the woods as [...]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Gavin Bowman, Jedidiah. Jedidiah said: Our Story – I couldn’t make this up if I tried http://ow.ly/2y83N (via @NickVellios) [...]
Wow! Hell of a story, did your ex-wife just let you have full custody of Jordan before you where homeless? If it’s too personal you don’t have to answer that. Finish the next chapter asap please! Also include when you decided to go back to school. Around the time you guys were in the woods I took myself out of school for programming due to no more motivation after my uncle pasted away. I got the call to fly out to Orange County to catch him before he passed at the hospital, I carried my laptop, a Java and a C++ book with me thinking I would have sometime to study. What a mistake that was, totally could not comprehend the impact my uncle had on me. When I got back home after the funeral I couldn’t open the books any longer. However, last fall I purchased my first iPod. Fell in love with the whole app thing, found your website and am obsessed about programming again-thanks Nick!!! Sorry for blowing up your post.
very cool
Man you are really awesome father
i keep on checking this page for more updates from you … and ya ur sprite classe help a lots in learning stuffs
You should make a book or atleast write more >_>
And u and UR son are so brave !
Oh and does UR back feel better? O:
Wow its like looking into a mirror.
Ive 3 small kids, daughter 14, and sons 12 and 8, but their mom passed away suddenly. We too gave up our entire lives in BC recently and moved out of province in search of a better life. My kids and I are diving into iphone development in a hail marys attempt to win a better future. My daughter is doing the graphics, and sons the story line. Im new to objective-C but sites like yours give us a much needed head start. Thank you.
Some days I can’t tell if people like us are winning or losing, but we have big dreams and are refusing to go gently into that goodnight.
Cheers,
Craig.
Amazing story… Almost unbelievable! You really deserve respect for your courage….
Men you are a true hero!! Your son must be very proud of you!!!
All the best for you and your family!
Leonardo Opitz
Love your site man keep up the good work
Congratulations.
That’s all I can say.
I can’t wait for the rest…
Great story! I too did the single dad thing with a son after my wife died unexpectedly. He’s now in college, life is very good, and I expect you to have already found out that bittersweet is a great taste, even if it isn’t perfect.
Wow, your life is amazing and you encourage me a lot!
Whatever happens, if I don’t give up, I can find the way like you.
Thank you for sharing your story!!! Be happy with your son.
Very intresting and well-written story; was in almost the same position myself in the same state except without any family in the entire country…so I can relate. However, I went a different route and ended up joining the military. Would love to hear more of your story though!
it feels sad.
but everyone should learn from u?
Seriously, someone beside you should point you out to Oprah. For all we know Apple would hire just to look good.
Nick, I have a little boy about the same age as your wonderful little one.
I too cam here from an iphone search, and was really taken with your story.
You survived, learnt, and moved on. I screwed my back about 10 years ago and went back to tafe to learn design and web, so I know the challenges you take, but I didn’t have a son then.
Keep up the great work, Jordan should be proud of his awesome dad. here’s wishing you all a future of happiness.
Wow! Thanks for the ray of hope! I found your site by googling ‘Should I go to a family homeless shelter with my 2 year old?’ I’m scared of how the decisions I make in the near future will affect her and I, too, have considered camping. Your story is amazing and heartwarming – I feel truly inspired that I can keep being a great mom while facing the challenges ahead. Thank you again, and I’m so happy to hear that things are better for you. Keep writing! You have a gift!
Amazing story! I have a ton of respect for you, man.
Forgive me for not reading the comments and seeing if this was already asked, but have you heard of Christopher McCandless and his story? It was written into a book then a movie called Into the Wild. Your story is vaguely reminiscent of his.
Great story! My personal dream come true! Except for the crazy wife and broken relationships part – doesn’t get much more interesting and real than having to hunt for your food every day.
Please, PLEASE write a book about a) your story and how you managed this and b) your personal field guide/handbook to surviving outdoors. I would buy both in a heartbeat.
who took the photos?
Me, sometimes tripod and auto-shutter.
I think you are an amazing man and it’s absolutely beautiful to see how much you love your son. He’s absolutely adorable, I wish you both all the best
I stumbled upon this story too. You are the true meaning of a parent. You showed your son survival. Material things are not necessary to live. God. Bless. I hope
Wow a tough situation that started with that fall.
Its awesome to see that you are perservering, keeping a clear head and most importantly taking good care of your son.
I hope things work out for you and your son over the long term.
The world needs more great, responsible people like you.
Your story is truly inspiring. You are what all fathers should strive to be. A true man, taking care of his child. To me, you are a hero.
Hello. Found your site through your reddit post but i wanted to post a message here hoping it might be more personal. As I’m sure it was for many, your story inspires me. At the same time though, it makes me so bitter towards my country and i suppose towards humanity. All i could think about was all of the homes and the people that you passed while you and your son were homeless, all of the so unevenly distributed wealth, and i’d like to think that had those people understood your situation that the majority of them would have been compassionate and willing to help you in any way they could. Then I remember that we don’t really live in that type of society. The needy are looked down upon and it’s really not socially acceptable to go up to someones door and ask for a place to stay for the night. Anyway, good luck on your journey, you and your son are absolutely adorable and you will both be better people for what you’ve been through.
love,
Aviva
Nick,
What a beautiful story. It is an inspiration to see so you work so hard to overcome the difficulties you have been dealt. You are a good man, and a good dad teaching your son the value of outdoorsmanship and our connection to nature. You sir are one hell of a model American.
God Bless y’all and keep you.
Great read i want more !!! Please
More PLEASE!!!
oh this reads like that movie with Will Smith .. amazing … you really went thru all this and can code some cool iPhone apps … i would have been a wreck …
and your son is very adorable … and he has a great dad to look after him … keep up the good work ..
God has given you skills to let you fight for your son, and for yourself as well. Thanks for sharing your story that made me think a lot! And please, when you have the time I’d love to hear more from you. I’m praying for you and for your son. Best regards, Phillip.
Man love your story.
Men, I am admired, my best wishes to you and your sun!
You have showed great courage under adversity. My heart goes out to you and your son. The good thing is that your son got a hands on training on ‘How to be a Fighter’ from his Dad that would serve him tremendously in times to come.
Know that you have a friend living in Karachi, Pakistan.
Regards,
Azfar
Thank you for all you’ve done to better the iphone indie dev community. It has helped me considerably.
I’ve read your story maybe 20 times over the last 6 months, and yet I still find myself coming back every so often to read it again.
Thanks man and best of luck to you and your son.
I salute to you courage man!
Your story is inspiring. I keep checking back to see if you’ve added “part 2″, but alas – denied! How did you move from a life outdoors to Xcode Xpert? Your site is great and has helped me immensely. Thank you.
Jordan is lucky to have you as a farther and you are a true inspiration to us all. Hope you two are enjoying your holidays and best of the wishes to you.
Dear Nick,
After reading your story, I am impressed by your resourcefulness in the face of adversity, and sincerely hope Jordan and yourself will survive hardship.
Your web site is a great idea, and I hope it works well for you. The reason for me to visit your web site is that I am interested in iPhone development. On this same subject, you might want to check out Bucky Roberts’ web site, which features free tutorials of all kinds. The reason to mention Bucky’s name is that he looks to me like a very decent fellow, with whom you might be able to make some kind of deal regarding iPhone apps.
I will check out your site, and consider how further to support your efforts.
Take care.
Luis Retana Acevedo,
West Point graduate, Class of 1969
Nuenen, Netherlands
l.retana.nl@gmail.com
Mate, i was in the same situation you were in many years ago. It made me depressed. The only thing that got me through was the hope that one day, things will get better and they eventually did.
Its because of people like yourself and your son, i was inspired to keep the hope and that if you hang in there long enough things will eventually get better.
Both your son and you are inspirational people and i wish you both the best.
Michael from Australia.
You should definitely write a book about your life,
Amazing story!
Hey Nick,
God bless you for your courage, your love you have for your son, your clear mind and your will to survive. You can be really proud of you!
I’m sure Jordan is proud of his father.
And God bless this little boy, who is going this way with his father. It was for sure not easy for him either.
You both deserve a great future now. Wish you both all the best for rest of your lives!
Greetings from Germany
Christiane
touching story..but wanna more..how u became expert in xcoding ?