Thank you!

[ToddDH]

Remember when I said the power of words can be both devastating as well as uplifiting?

You all, yet again, have got me through a horrrid time in my life. My Niece DeAnna has read every posting related to me or my situation. She was speechless, as am I.

I might be a hard boiled SOB if necessary (it went with my profession) but your wonderful support has sustained me more than you'll ever understand.

I am not too proud to say I cried tonight as I reviewed all of your posts. Collectively, you have yet again, provided the moral sustenance I needed at once again, one of the lowest points in my life.

Love is an easy word, too often used. But you can make book of this; your unmitigated love and support was to such a degree that I don't know, I honestly don't, what I would have done without it. Yes, I have many friends in my community, many of whom I've never met. Nevertheless, I consider all of you as family....far more than you could possibly imagine.

I do something most folks don't (especially if they're writers) and that is I lay my cards (meaning my heart) on the table in a personal way and for that I am not in the least ashamed. That's my personality and I can't change that.

I share with you things I could never share with others. And it's not because you're a faceless crowd, it's because I consider each and everyone of you an integral part of my family.

I worry about you, I truly feel your pain when that occurs. My Aunt's niece, Adelaide asked me today why I felt I was unworthy of such concern. I said, "I don't know, maybe it's because I feel I'm unworthy of such love and support." As she replied, "Don't you understand that people honestly love you for whom you are?"

So many of you have gone through trials and tribulations about which you've never uttered a word. And I so wish you would if only because I don't wish to feel alone out there.

Some of you I've met and all of you I love unreservedly...and yes, those include you whom I might have varius differences with on various subjects.

But understand this! You have no idea the positive influence all of my beloved (and I mean ALL of my beloved CruiseMates) have made on my life.

I so look forward to meeting Trip and whomever accompanies us on the Epic Cruise in March. Linda Pearl is a Princess among Princesses. I'll undoubtedly need more than a few "hugs" after the events of the past year. I know I'll receive them from my Cruisemates family.

One last thing. Ray and Helen were the Patriarch and Matriarch of this organization. I was never so surprised and stunned that Ray picked me, of all people, to accompany him on the Epic Cruise. I couldn't fathom why. I'm just a poster among many. He could have selected dozens of folks who would have been so very proud to accompany him so I was doubly stunned when he called and asked me. I felt so unworthy but Deanna convinced me otherwise.

Thank you all and God Bless each of you (oh, and by the way, God does have a habit of Blessing even those who don't believe). Know how I know that? Your're reading a post from one.

I love you ALL!

With deepest affection and admiration, The Village Idiot,

[Trip]

Your willingness to share, & open your heart, is not what some would do, this is true, but because you do, you show your true self, your humanity, and with words,and deeds, you have brought us into your life, to share it all, and, you can see how your circle of friends has has grown tenfold.

I look forward to our time on the Epic, should I wear a tiara? xo

[Moiraine]

Todd, my dear, you are a silly goose if you think you are unworthy. You are a very special man. Love you.

[LS80]

Todd...........you don't know how good the people here are........they can really help ya thru things.......

I hope to meet you someday........

From one who needed help to another........




Sharon

[Jacqueline]

Todd, thank you for being you.

[Aerogirl]

Todd your one of a kind and I'm very blessed to call you friend!

[CruisinK n J]

Todd, I cannot think of anyone, other than my own beloved DH, who deserves our praise. Seven years ago, the people on CruiseMates offered me their prayers, their good thoughts, and urgedme to have strength amd be courageous during the terrifying times when Keith was so very ill.

I hope you have a grand time on the Epic. You've earned it.

Judy

[Henry43]

There is only one Todd and he is ours .