Monday, February 13, 2012

Deep appreciation!


Instead of making a reply comment on the last post I decided to do this post.  My reasoning is that I wanted everyone to be sure to see my heartfelt expression of appreciation for you all.  It was truly touching to see everyone's comments and well wishes.  Some shared their own stories.  It's a testament to the sense of community that's developed in our blogging world.


I hesitated in sharing the experience of losing my grandmother.  It affected me deeply but these things seldom affect others outside a small circle.  That's not a negative commentary.  Simply the way life is.  In the end I wrote about it for a couple of reasons.  One reason was for a sort of personal closure.  The other reason was to reach out and share something that hit me so personally with some other human beings that I've come to be fond of.


That's really who's behind these blogs.  When we call up the blogs on our monitors we see the words and photos lit by whatever makes our screens glow brightly.  Real human beings sit at keyboards and bring these images to life.  What we write is motivated by our humanity.  The things that affect us, interest us, or even irritate us.


Some of you I have met in person.  I know your faces and personalities.  Like the whole group sprawled out in my hotel room in Bend.  That meeting and the late supper is still a treasured memory.  Whether I've met you in person or not, I know about you from the photos and your writings.  We get to know each other's quirks along with a host of other personality traits.  


When I read your blogs and your comments I see the humans behind it all.  So many good hearts beating inside great people.


I just want you all to know how much I've appreciated the journey of discovery as I've been blessed get to know you all over time.  My life is richer for your being in it.


Miles and smiles,


Dan

10 comments:

Trobairitz said...

We think you're pretty special too.

Roger said...

You are all right mate...one day..just one day we might meet!

Dar said...

Dan - I am so sorry for your loss of your gran. I read your post, but was too emotional to write something because we are struggling with our elderly gran and it breaks my heart to see her feeling the way she is. I remember the vibrant woman who taught me that women should be strong and independent. My gran is 90 now and I think she is longing for all of the yesterdays because she knows that her tomorrows are very few in numbers. I hope she is proud of who I have become and that I have learned that hard work and perseverance are good character traits and she taught these to me. Time does heal the heart and hurt, but it may take a bit getting there.

irondad said...

Trobairitz,

Shucks, I'm blushing!

Take care,

Dan

irondad said...

Raftn,

I would be delighted if we did.

Take care,

Dan

irondad said...

Dar,

Thank you for sharing your own experience here. I'm sorry you are feeling the things I've been through for yourself.

You and I are relatively new acquaintances. Based on what I've seen and how you describe your gran, I'm sure there is much for her to be proud of.

Take care,

Dan

Lady R (Di) said...

Dan,
I too, had to come back and post. Monday will mark the 2nd year of my dad's passing, so reading about your sad news seemed to open up old wounds I'd have thought were sealed up by now. I guess when it come to people we loved dearly and shared life with, those wounds are always subject to crack a bit.

I'm sorry for you loss, please accept my sincere condolences for you and your family.
Dianna

American Scooterist Blog said...

I just read of your loss. Feel the same way about my Grandmother who lived with us until she died.

There are people who give us strength with their mere presence. I'm guessing that in her later years she was one of those people for you and your family.

Condolences and peace,
Harv

irondad said...

Lady R,

Thank you for coming back to post. I appreciate your sharing your own story.

I offer to you in return my belated condolences. Sorry to open up old wounds. Amazing how the feelings seem to be buried but it turns out not very deep.

Take care,

Dan

irondad said...

Harv,

Thank you for stopping by. In her later years I think the roles reversed. My presence gave her strength. I was glad to return the favor.

How are things going with your Dad and you? Don't expect a reply here, but you have my e-mail address. I do care, you know!

Take care,

Dan