Helping the grass grow greener.

[azskyman]

Kathy and I had lunch in Phoenix today with the sister and fiance of a dear friend of ours back in IL. They are a young couple in their 20's, both lawyers, both with a family tree of sturdy oak branches and names you might even recognize in any state for their political roots.

We listened with enthusiasm at their wedding plans and stories of the skybox they were treated to at this year's Super Bowl in San Diego...after being escorted there as part of a police motorcade!

We so enjoyed their down-to-earth approach to such opportunity. Such a lifestyle will never be in our reach, nor most of yours. And maybe we wouldn't enjoy it if we had it.

As dinner progressed our conversation turned to talk of her sister and some serious relationship issues she is having back in IL. During those minutes, this young lady reminded us that our positive impact on her sister has been more important to her well-being, to her decisions in life, than all the opportunity that wealth or influence could present. She came very close to saying it in those very words.

The greenest grass is found where care and love and concern are real, and it was a nice treat for those words to come to us from two people so young and still inexperienced to the world.

It is normal for us to dream of those opportunities in life that only come to a handful of people like these two. But it is a good feeling to know you can be appreciated for doing things that money cannot buy and influence cannot serve.

We witness a lot of care...real care...on Storm2k. And I don't have to be in a skybox to see the wonders it works on others.

How about sharing a "thank you" and a smile for someone personally on these boards.

I'll start by thanking VBHoutex for his steadfast loyalty and friendship...not just for me, but for my family as well.

Who would you like to thank... and help the grass grow greener?

[vbhoutex]

Steve, I am humbled by your thank you!!! You have said it so perfedtly in your post, because all I was doing was being a concerned friend who was praying that God's will be done.

I will now say my thank you or at least one of the thank you's I should post. That is to Azsnowman-Dennis. He has helped me to cement my faith more, to truly learn to and try to "walk the talk" of my christianity solely by his examples of care and compassion for others even in the face of severe adversity for himself and his family. He is an example we each should try to emulate. Thank you Dennis.

[Pro-Storm]

Hey.....I wanna say thank you to ALL the people here at S2K for making me, as well as everyone else, feel welcome. Since I signed up, I have felt at home and I do appreciate that!!

[breeze]

I'd like to extend a BIG "thank-you" to all of the young people
on this site. Their enthusiasm and excitement always opens the
door to a new or re-newed kind of perception about this site,
and, even life in general. They keep things "fresh", and, I'm
glad that we have so much diversity, here!

[Miss Mary]

Well, I'd like to thank 3 Storm2K friends: Skywatch_NC/Eric, TLC/Tracy and angelheart/Lisa. If not for you three I probably wouldn't have become a chat room regular at TWC, you each encouraged me to post and come back. My chat days led to my message boards days, and even more wonderful friends. And you all know my TWC MB days led to my joining Storm2K. I love it here at Storm2K! I never thought it possible to make such good, quality friends on the Internet so thanks Eric, T and angel! Pat yourselves on the back......

_____________

PS - I have to mention Cyclone too......my English pal, who sends me those crazy PM's......and YOU Steve! It feels like I've known you as long as my chat buds......but you never went to TWC chat room. Sure seems like you did!!! You've given me lots of encouragement and support, just when I needed it. Gosh, these appreciative posts could go on and on..........I'll just close and say thanks to one and all!

[Skywatch_NC]

You're quite welcome, Mary! I'll always remember the excitement of talking with you, Tracy, Lisa, polarbear (Nick), Cyclone (Graham), etc. in TWC chat room and then later at their boards...and also CincySun (Steve) there at TWC boards, also...meanwhile making so MANY other WxFriends, too, at TWC, here and at WxChat and enjoying and cherishing so many fun times with all of you gals and guys in the sharing and fellowship that goes on and will continue to!!

((((((HUGS)))))))

Love and God Bless,

Eric

[azsnowman]

Aw shucks, I didn't know you cared "LOL!"

Seriously, first off, GREAT thread Steve. Now, to the real serious stuff, I too, have many to thank, really don't quite know where to start so....Steve, you have been an inspiration to us ALL here at storm2K and TWC, your words of wisdom ring so true, you seem to know just what to say and WHEN to say it, for that, "Thank You!"

Dave, Thank you! The *walk and the talk* really isn't me, it's the Holy Spirit that dwells inside, he just uses me as a way to show our Living, Loving Holy Father, after all, we ARE the "Light of the World!"

Dennis

[azsnowman]

Opps, of course there's my *lil weather buddie* Tracy.

Also, like breeze said, Thanks to all the younger folks out there, there IS hope for the future!! You guys are the BEST! In a world with so much violence, drugs etc, etc. it does my heart good to know the future of this great country will soon be in the hands of folks like you therock1811, OtherHD, wx247, Josh and anyone else I've missed, keep up the GREAT work!

Dennis

[azsnowman]

I forgot ONE very important person that I've had communication with over the phone, Bill (aka streetsoldier) Thanks Bill for all you do, you too, like Steve, have a way with words like no one else, besides, if it wasn't for you, Chris would have NEVER made it through his *World Religion* Class!

Ya know, now that me thinks about it, there's a whole lot MORE ppl that need a pat on the back, it's so hard to single out just one or two ppl, there's a BOAT full of ppl, Chad, Marshall, Patricia, I mean heck, there's TOO MANY to list here, ALL of you good folks are special to ol snowman!

Dennis

[Miss Mary]

Dennis - how well I know the feeling. I could thank easily a boat load too. You too! Liked how you thanked your "little buddy". If T ever needs a new screen name, that would be a good one.

[azskyman]

Dennis, of course, you have inspired us all at different times. That is as sure as the next day's sunrise.

Miss Mary and Skywatch...well, I think of you as not only veterans on the boards, but two who can be counted on to uplift the spirit, too. And especially, Mary, for your help with my right hand, Tom, here at work. Having gone through similar medical challenges, you remain a silent inspiration to both of us.

[Miss Mary]

Steve - always glad to help in that department. Just participated in my 4th Relay for Life as a survivor. A moving experience. Sure hope Tom was able to go to one.