Well, I'm embarrassed, already. The people who got me into this community, back in 1971 or so, are Sandy and Caroline Paton. It is their generous spirit -- and that of other friends like Art, and Jean Ritchie (who invited this total stranger into her camper at Fox Hollow to share a meal of homemade tabbouleh back in 1972), and dear Burl, and sweet-spirited Karen K., and newer but no-less-dear friends like Big-Hearted Mick, and Rick and Heather -- that has showed me, over all these years, what it means to be a real friend.

I'd like to add to the list Tom and Lyn Lewis, who once did something incredibly generous and selfless for me when I was in big trouble. Whenever there's an opportunity for a "random act of kindness," I try to take that opportunity, as a way to pass along Tom and Lyn's spirit of friendship and generosity. There are people like that throughout our community. (I keep thinking of Catspaw's moving story of the Mudcatter from the U.K. who shipped a special set of bicycle training wheels for Spaw's son, just because.) If you want to know about the generous, kind people that make up our community, read the "Why We Sing" threads.

I've just tried to be the kind of friend that you all have been to me. Believe me, any love and friendship that I have been able to share has been returned to me a hundredfold. I am truly blessed to have such friends. Spaw, I'm countin' on that hug in October. Love to you all, and thanks. Kath