You are special to me ...

My niece forwarded one of those "feel good", spam-like, 'please forward to a special person' emails to me. But this one was different. I read it. I liked it, though I am not sure I believe the little story behind it.

It was about a teacher who had her students list everyone in the class, and then below their names write one good thing about that student. Years later she would discover just how meaningful this exercise was.

It was a nice thought. I think we don't often get told enough how much we mean to others ... nor do we often enough tell others what the mean to us.

I hesitated to do this because I was afraid I may forget to list someone. But then I realized that I am certain someone else would probably list that person and I could always go back and edit this and add that person. Please realize I've been up since 3:45 yesterday afternoon ... and if you have not posted recently ... that these two things may account for my memory lapse.

You are special to me:

HELEN - you have a beautiful soul ... everything you did for Rainbow speaks for itself. Bless you!

LIN - your honesty says so much about you. Honesty and bravery often go hand in hand. I respect you for that.

DON - you really are an all around nice guy. And it is NOT true that nice guys finish last. You are at the front of my list.

ZADA - your cheerfulness and open friendliness is special to me. You were one of the first to welcome me here. I will always remember you for that.

BETTY - you are so kind. And your love for dogs (the most loyal of creatures) says so much about your character. You are a good person.

AHAD - you are a stargazer. You still see the world with the wonder of a child. Don't lose that beautiful trait.

CAROL - you are gentle. You see the good in others and help them see it in themselves. You know how to be a true friend.

ALICE - you are stronger than you know. I admire your resiliency and courage. Plus you are just a sweet person!

PAM - you have such a wonderful sense of humor. I look forward to your posts because I can count on them to bring a smile to my face. Thank you!

DICK - you are special. Really. You are special. This forum wouldn't be the same without you. I like you. Don't ever change. (Not that you ever intended to.)

ANN - your optimism is contagious. The stories you share with us are always written in a positive light. You see the best in others and in life.

SHELAGH - you are so generous. You brought us together. You put so much selfless effort into this website and forum ... for others. Thank you x 100!

ABE - you are a true gentleman. You treat others with respect and diplomacy. Yet you also speak up on matters that are important to you. I respect you and am honored to know you.

RHETT - we are twins. Separated at birth. Need I say more?

ELF - you have such a charming way of combining fantasy and wanderlust with a genuinely realistic approach to life.

Ann

Marie - The more I get to know you the better I like you. You are filled with beautiful poetry and kindness.

Carol

Only a true Forest Elf could find so many nice things to say about everyone. It shows why you are special.

Seeing the good in someone else is a reflection on you, Elf.
Thanks for the kind comment.

JoElle, You are like a breath of fresh air, with sparkles and fairy dust thrown in! Thanks for your kind words.

Oh dear. We don't do compliments in Lancashire; saying you lot are not bad is about as far as we are willing to go.

We are not much better at receiving compliments either.

We make jokes such as: your generosity is only overshadowed by your beauty.

Like Betty's story, we are made of grit but we would give you the shirt off our backs if you needed it. That's us.

JoElle said I should never change. I was going to say, "Why mess with perfection," but modesty forbids.

Shelagh wrote:

Oh dear. We don't do compliments in Lancashire; saying you lot are not bad is about as far as we are willing to go.

That made me laugh, Shelagh. My husband's favorite saying was, "Not bad."

When I'd fish for compliments, his response would be, as usual, "Not bad."

I finally told him that if I outlived him, I was going to engrave on his tombstone, Beloved Husband, then have it crossed out and say, "Not Bad."

I'd have to agree with him, Brenda. You're not bad.

Thanks. That really warms my heart...

I have to hand it to you, Shelagh. That's a good one!

And JoElle, I won't pout because you forgot me...I won't go in the garden corner and eat worms...no, I won't.

But don't you think I'm wonderful, fantastic, loving, sweet, and all the rest? But don't say it just because I'm waiting...

Okay, I'm waiting...

JoElle,

You said you would add a few more. How about E, Don, Gina, Sue, Hairymob, Brew, Marie, Merri, DT, Pam, Brenda, Jenny, and P. Gordon.

I'll start with JoElle, and this is NOT a bribe for her to say something nice about me...of course it isn't.

JoElle, someone special who had the courage to go against convention when raising her sons, who taught them to think for themselves against all odds. Who, even now, goes along with her husband in an unconventional profession.

Shelagh, who, even though she and I have had a few words, and not always nice, always comes back with friendship.

Don H, who, even tho he sometimes lets his temper get the best of him, remains a Southern gentleman, someone who isn't afraid to let his emotions show, whether they're anger or love.

Jenny, sweet, helpful, and offers advice to help others.

Dick, well, there's Dick. What else can I say??

Abe, a true gentleman in every way.

Carol. When I think of Carol, I think how lucky her children were to have such a mother. I think, even as a friend, I could do all sorts of horrible things and she'd welcome me with milk and cookies and tell me it was going to be all right.

That's a start.

Brenda Hill wrote:

I have to hand it to you, Shelagh. That's a good one!

And JoElle, I won't pout because you forgot me...I won't go in the garden corner and eat worms...no, I won't.

But don't you think I'm wonderful, fantastic, loving, sweet, and all the rest? But don't say it just because I'm waiting...

Okay, I'm waiting...

Augh! See? I knew I forgot someone.

BRENDA - your confidence and energy shine through in your posts. Not all women are comfortable being strong. You are amazing!

Oh great! I just read Shelagh's post ... I forgot more than one someone.

Did I mention I'm ADD dyslexic left brained and have short term memory loss???

Shelagh wrote:

JoElle,

You said you would add a few more. How about E, Don, Gina, Sue, Hairymob, Brew, Marie, Merri, DT, Pam, Brenda, Jenny, and P. Gordon.

Hey! Wait!

I did remember Pam and Don!

My apologies to everyone else ... you know you are special.

Forest Elf wrote:

Brenda Hill wrote:

I have to hand it to you, Shelagh. That's a good one!

And JoElle, I won't pout because you forgot me...I won't go in the garden corner and eat worms...no, I won't.

But don't you think I'm wonderful, fantastic, loving, sweet, and all the rest? But don't say it just because I'm waiting...

Okay, I'm waiting...

Augh! See? I knew I forgot someone.

BRENDA - your confidence and energy shine through in your posts. Not all women are comfortable being strong. You are amazing!

Oh great! I just read Shelagh's post ... I forgot more than one someone.

Did I mention I'm ADD dyslexic left brained and have short term memory loss???

Ah, shucks, JoElle... you didn't have to say all that. As soon as I put down the hoe and come in from the garden, I'll thank you.

Thanx!

Count me in!

Forest Elf wrote:

Did I mention I'm ADD dyslexic left brained and have short term memory loss???

We kinda figured, Orest Felf.

Brenda Hill wrote:

But don't you think I'm wonderful, fantastic, loving, sweet, and all the rest? But don't say it just because I'm waiting...

Okay, I'm waiting...

Poor Brenda. Doomed to wait through eternity.

No, I'm not. JoElle took pity and said something nice. So there!

Congratulations, Don, on becoming a Four Star Member!