I don't think you did the wrong thing, jimmyt. Jerry is an institution of 'goodness' on the 'cat. I love that man. He talks the talk and he walks the walk. I wish I had 10% of his peacefulness and heart. Helluva man. When I look back at the threads he has started, he has always been positive, making it easy for people like me to find some good about themselves, despite ourselves. There are few people here whose resignation would slam me more. Greedy on my part, because he means very much to me. He was encouraging to me when I was in an ocean of despair. Wrote me for days and days, worrying whether I was comin' around or going further downhill--and trust me when I say that I didn't have all that much further to go. It's possible I owe him my life--I am not aware if he knows that--but it's true. Least I can do is take the walk with you buddy. I owe you too much to wave goodbye from the corner. Really I do.

There are a few people I trade messages with, so I'll keep the cookie. They have become friends, too. And a certain person I hope will one day write back to me--even if only to give me the shit so richly deserve.

Bruce Murdoch