...and at Jerry's prompting, I finally found this thread. Just know that those letters Jerry and I wrote got me through a terrible time in my life as well. I truly was at the end of my rope. None of the spinal and neck fusions I'd had helped my problems at all and things were worsening incrementally as the years wore on. To finally, after a decade, get the diagnosis of MS was liberating. I'm still some angry at the doctors that never figured it out, but that makes me more thankful to those who did get it right. And I learned a ton from all those downer experiences too. Every coin has two sides. I'll never be able to tell Jerry how much I've appreciated those letters---to and from him. Writing let me get my head together and see in black and white where I needed to do work---. If I aided him, I'm certainly glad. I love you and Ruth, Jerry. This Mudcat place is unique and special. So are all of you 'Catters. ---- Tonight Carol and I have our granddaughter with us while her parents spend a quiet time with friends bringing in whatever comes down the bizarre pike that this life IS and will be in 2004. In a very real way, the humanity of it is NOT diminished by being virtual and long-distance via cyberspace. This group of friends I've made here are truly a beautiful gift.

A grand New Year to you all. Love, Art