Reply to "What have you learned from this hobby/what has this hobby given to you?"

My dad died when I was five and my Grandfather on my Mom's side of the family died when I was twelve.  I consider both of these men as the greatest men I have ever known not just because the were my early mentors in this great hobby but also because they were the kindest, gentlest, most patient and most courageous individuals in my life.  Thanks to them I immersed myself in the toy/model train hobby early in life and have never looked back.  I have learned more about wiring, electricity, electric motors ,circuitry, carpentry, track planning/laying and detailing a layout with scenery than I ever possibly imagined.  Most importantly, over the course of a stressful  twenty eight year career in law enforcement it provided me with peace of mind.   I have been truly blessed.