Jim,

You nailed it right on the head. In this day and age of "electronic everything," the true meaning of "a family" is never more evident than it is among we fly-wranglers or pipe smokers. (The guys on Smokers Forum are a great group.) We as a lot tend to be fiercely defensive of our own and highly protective. And, that to my way of thinking, is a truly good thing! It takes me back to a gentler time when I was growing up on my grandparents' farm, learning the lessons of responsibility, respect and compassion for others. My grandfather was Scot/Irish and my grandmother was Scot/Polish. They lived a life comprised of hard work and a solid connection to the terms "family and neighbor." In you all, I have the best of both, in that you care and you're not afraid to show it. Don't ever change that approach, my friends, as it is a rare commodity these days...

I thank you all for your support, your prayers and your good thoughts. May they come back to you ten-fold...

Best as always... hairwing530, aka Jerry the healing one, aka "Santa Hooks"