Paul, my dear friend and fellow Beef Brother, I am without internet just now as we are still getting settled back in Michigan, and concurrently I am organizing packinghouse workers in South Dakota. So I have had to get my information in spurts.

First, thanks to one of my closest friends, Jeri, for letting me know this. She is aware that I am out of touch a lot right now, and she tracked me down. I love ya, woman.

And thanks to Joanne for letting me know about this thread. I am not online much right now, so I very much appreciate it.

It does not surprise me at all that Ellen stepped up, and I am profoundly grateful that she did. When one meets Ellen and Eve, they can but wish for that kind of quality in their own relationships. These are kind and loving folks, and as recent events attest, heroic folks as well. Ellen, you are an angel right in our midst. Eve, I cannot imagine what it must have been like to watch your beloved life partner go under the knife, and risk her life, to help another. It must have been the most confusing mix of fear, love and pride ever.

Ellen, the gratitude I feel is that of a friend who has received the pictures of this man's daughter, and felt the love and pride that Paul and Bev took in this child and her parents. Had it not been for you, my dear friends who are so very full of love and joy, would have experienced the grief that only great hearts can feel. Your willingness to risk yourself to help another had far greater impact than you will ever know. I have only met you briefly, but if I am any judge, you are not comfortable in the role of hero. Fair enough, I understand that as this is what decent people do. But please except the title of Angel, and allow us to use you as an example of what decent, principled, caring and loving people live like. I am proud to know you.

Paul and Bev, I don't think I have to tell you that I cherish our friendship, and that you have been squarely in my prayers, and those of my family from the first minute I heard of all this. I look forward to seeing you soon, but until then know that you are always in my thoughts.

All the best,

Mick