Wednesday, November 21, 2007

To A Whole Lot Of People!


The funny thing is, this time of year, we go through the motions, saying all the right things, sharing the right emotions. We're thankful for our family, our friends, our lives, mostly because we're supposed to be, and we would never think to say otherwise.

The thing is, when those people step up and really make a difference just when you need it most, it's almost like an epiphany. Genuine gratitude and appreciation feels good. You figure out that there was a need, and all these wonderful people around you filled that need. And all of a sudden, the world isn't so bad now, is it?

This year, I think I qualified as "needy". Sometimes I use that term in a not-so-flattering way, but for me it was an incredible experience. Some day, I'm going to share the details, but for today I'm just going to say "thank you." Thank you to the wonderful people in my life. I really have a whole list of things to be grateful for, and that's an awesome feeling.

Cassie and Emily, I don't know what I'd do without you, and I would rather never know what that would be like...ly guys so much. I guess we never get too old to appreciate having a hand to hold. You've literally carried me through some of the worst times of my life.

Nance, you're always there to remind me that no one is ever really alone.

Kristen, your words of kindness and inspiration were priceless. I hope you know they ALL mattered and while we're at it, Mamma, you too. I look forward to some more debate/collboration. Thank you.

NF, you said a few nice things, as did Holly-I wish you well. Pam, Jackie and Jackie, Nettie, Myra, Catherine, Kathy, Tracie, my old friends from AOL, you're always there. Really. And, by the way Catherine, you're an inspiration.

Sam, Gaz, Marty, Mort, Cubby, Tusk, Steve and Jeff: fellas, I think someday we all need to sit down to a few hundred beers. And maybe Sam and I could jam a little on those guitars.

Sharlene, you're a pretty Lady who says pretty things to me. Thank you. El-Em-Es, I'm still getting to know ya, but I am so glad that I am. Jodi, as always, thank you. Diesel, thanks for raising the humor bar. Emily-Two-Write: I don't always comment, but I always read. Thanks for reminding me of the value of good work. Kelly, keep those opinions coming my friend, it's nice to have kindred spirits. Lily, we think alike, but I'm not sure if you'd want anyone to know that! I love your take on things, and your input. Kelly and Pickle~Jenn, I'm glad you're my friends. Stacy, hang in there. I hope to be as good a friend to you as you've been to me.

Niki and Dave- few people ever did more for me than you two did when I was injured and laid up for months. No one should ever forget that kindness. Love you guys, and we'll sit down together again, very soon.

Kristeee, thank you for being nice to me 100% of the time. That can't be easy. Chosha, your adventures and ideas always kept me thinking. Let me know if that camera is a winner so I can get one too :). Hillary, your writing is amazing. I don't use that word too often.

Andi,what can I say. Love you.

Barb, I hope the South is treating you well. Stay safe with that new truck because you're a friend I can't do without.

Ally, I know that Blogger doesn't cooperate, so thanks for letting me know you're here!

Allison, I am SO glad you're back. Joan, Betty, Suzy, Becky, you too! And Celeste. My other Ally, it's always good to hear from you :)

Anne, you're like an angel on my shoulder. I love your every word. And the e-Cards.

Janice, your professional guidance the last few months has been priceless. Your friendship, more so. Thank you so much; you're someone else I couldn't have done without. I hope you know that.

Danielle, my partner in crime...hang in there. Time flies a lot more quickly than you think. You were my first Journals friend. And one of the best. Love you my friend.

Lindsay, keep sharing those stories about your little guy. And let me know how Brooklyn's treatin' ya.

Celeste, glad you found me again. Barb, you too, because your spiritual inspiration is priceless.

Nemesis, you're one of my heroes. I need way more of your attention :)

Cynthia, keep sorting and I'll keep reading. Donna, welcome back.

Tricia, we're working on it. I think it's worth it in the long run.

Marie, Jeannette, Missie, Nikki, Niki,Indigo... I always think of you, your lives, and I consider you friends. Shows how powerful the Internet is, since we've never even met. People connect any way they can, right?

Erin, love ya babe :)!

Tiffany, we agree on so much. But I still think you're great :)

Jill, B, Barry, Terry Ü, thanks for the kind words the other day.

Michele and Patti, two of my oldest, dearest, cherished "blog" friends. Thanks for hanging in there with me all this time; and Michele, glad you decided to give blogging another try!

Jude, when I think of someone consistent, steady, solid and always there, you come to mind. Thank you so much. Michelle, a new friend, I'm so glad we've "met". Your kindness goes a lot farther than you realize. Shash, thanks for turning me on to BlogHer, a great resource. Terri, thank you for taking the time to say nice things. Tammy, you epitomize strength and courage. The idea that you would take the time to try and lend some support to me, well, that just speaks volumes of the person you are.

Marina, you're awesome. Always thinkin' of your pal Stupid. Love ya.

Terra, I think of you every time I have hobo packs. And when I think of good people who love me. You're always there. Really. Love ya.

Martha, I'm so glad you let me into your Journals. I like the way you think. Thanks for being a caring friend.

Mary, some day you and I are going to hug. That's the only way I could ever imagine thanking you for every word you've every shared. I don't know what I did to deserve your friendship, but I'm glad I did it. Thank you so very much.

Rachel, you think you're weird, I think you're great. And I appreciate you finding time to show a few words of support.

Meta, just to remind you, you're still missed.

Christy, Julia, Annie, Joan, Robin, Bridgette, Jeanne, Jenny and Susan,we still manage to stay in touch, and you still manage to say the right things when you come here. Thank you.

And Lady M, you're back! I can't tell you how happy that makes me. Glad you're doing well!

I really did my best here, to thank everyone who took a few minutes of their lives to help me with mine. You're all terrific, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate that you've indulged me this far, today. It was the only sincere thing I could do.

Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you.

30 comments:

  1. thank you too...for writing the way you do!

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  2. Anonymous6:43 PM

    Love you so much dude :)

    Stacy

    PS) You are just as good of a friend to me as I am to you

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  3. Anonymous6:46 PM

    Jimmy.... once again you've done it... you made me smile, cry, and just be thankful... you rock!! Great entry
    hugs
    d

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  4. Anonymous6:51 PM

    Hey Big Guy, Thank YOU!!! You'll never know what it means to read one of your posts and to get to know you. Who knows maybe one day we'll get to break bread. (beats breaking wind!) ;-) Anne

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  5. You my dear friend always put a smile on my face. Your one of the few truly good guys out there. (Hugs) Indigo

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  6. Anonymous7:25 PM

    What a touching entry....you deserve all the love that is shown you!
    Have a great holiday!

    Tracie

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  7. awww jimmy I wish we all had 100 friends like you! The world would be a better place....blogger is not cooperating with me :) I tried to leave this comment once and now I forgot all the wonderful things I said. :) love you and have a WONDERFUL Thanksiving!

    the other Kelly (happysunshien)

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  8. Anonymous8:28 PM

    Hi Jimmy,
    Thanks to you, too, for sharing your thoughts and ideas ... always so poignant and fun to read!
    Best,
    Marty

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  9. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G entry..Ü
    Well, I think we should be thanking YOU!
    You are always helping someone.
    I just don't know how you find the time....You're a great dad, a great son-in law, a great AOL friend.....You are such a good hearted person~
    THANK YOU, Jimmy~
    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  10. Anonymous9:57 PM

    Jimmy, YOU are special. Really. Your words are introspective, humorous, and no matter what the day, what you say touches me. Really. We've never "met", we may never "meet", but you are a dear friend. Take care...
    xoxo ~Myra

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  11. Anonymous10:35 PM

    Thank YOU, Jimmy.. For being who you are and for giving so much of yourself and your time and your heart to so many. I too, am glad we've "met". There are truly no boundaries between friends.

    Wishing you a peaceful, light-hearted holiday, filled with reasons to be thankful.

    Love,
    Michelle

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  12. Anonymous10:48 PM

    Your entry was awesome! You are such a special person to us here as well. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
    Missie

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  13. Anonymous11:13 PM

    Well now that was a wonderful entry. No wonder so many people, myself included like your read your blog.

    Julie

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  14. Anonymous2:26 AM

    jimmy got my tears running down my face thanks for your friendhip. words can not express, through diffcult times we can realte and our brain do work and things do happen and do have hope. and there reasons why i know you and i am sure your friends are happy and thankful like me, i did not feed your fish,

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  15. Thanks man! (I'll take a cranberry juice though! ;) )

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  16. Jimmy,
    You really do have the ability to make many different people feel special...that's not always an easy task, especially for the likes of ME. Well done.
    I kinda like you, ya know?

    Happy Tday...

    Nancy

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  17. Anonymous6:03 PM

    What a wonderful entry. Thank you for sharing this with us today. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.

    Monica

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  18. Anonymous9:34 PM

    Hello my little prettee'. I feel like the wizard has visited me today and blessed me with your kind words. NO, thank you for being the Jimmy we all love and the Jimmy that writes the words we all hang on...
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Sharlene

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  19. Anonymous10:55 PM

    OH Jimmy, I love you too... Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family. I hope you've enjoyed it!

    Jackie aka Bamawmn

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  20. Thanks jimmy. You are such a thoughtful and inspirational person. Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

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  21. Awww thanks! I love reading your blog!
    I hope you had a good one.

    Laura AKA Fairylaura

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  22. Anonymous6:32 AM

    Jimmy
    Thank you, too. You are a great guy and you've done a fantastic job with this post. Looking forward to those beers together!
    Sam

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  23. Hey..back atcha ;)
    Incredible post jimmy...I was going toosay amazing but ...well...yanno

    Seriously I thank you right back!

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  24. Anonymous12:18 AM

    Sorry I'm late...

    But Happy Thanksgiving... and let me tell you, this is a wonderful post, Jimmy!!

    XOXO,
    ~Pickle Jenn

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  25. Anonymous8:24 PM

    Hi Jimmy,
    Thank you for all those kind words. You're one of the reasons I blog. Great people and great reads. Please stay as you are, only healthier! Happy holiday. Have a safe weekend.
    Jude
    http://journals.aol.com/jmorancoyle/MyWay

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  26. Anonymous8:54 PM

    Wow. Thank you for the inclusion...EXACTLY WHY I'm glad I've found you again. You're the genuine article, Sir. It's a relief and a comfort to see decent people out here. Hugs upon hugs to you, Jimmy. ;) C.

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  27. Thank you Jimmy. I hope you had a truly wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope Pop did too. Thank you for all the good wishes. You're a good man.

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  28. Anonymous11:19 PM

    Wow you really took the time to say thanks to everyone! Thanks for writing such witty things and keeping me occupied on my lonely nights.

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  29. Wow, that's quite the list! I'm glad that I've gotten to "meet" you - you're a joy to read, even when you're kinda down in the dumps, because of your heartfelt style. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

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  30. Anonymous8:47 PM

    Jimmy,
    My friend~I am grateful to be able to call you friend! Your comments on my journal always make me smile.
    As always...love ya babe!!
    Erin

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I love comments. I won't lie about that!