by:  Linda Law

Surely....if you are reading this, you know you are my friend
Sometimes we don't have to personally touch or know
It's something that we feel, in our mind, on our heart
The ache we feel when we wonder about another, missing and thinking about what he or she is doing.  Don't ask me why, but there is rarely a day that I don't think of one or more of you; maybe it's something that reminds me of you? 

One day a lady came into the office and said, "You remind me of someone I used to know...she's gone to heaven now...but you make me feel close to her.  That's why I stop in and chat with you once in a while."  It made me smile, and at the same time realize that we don't always have to know someone, just be there...smile, be kind, and maybe we will touch them in some positive small way.   Other days, I will be addressing an envelope to someone in Canada, and I think of those who live there, that I miss..like Sandie May Angel; and Felix "Fee" and of course, Rose Rideout.  On Sundays, for some reason, it's usually Sunday...I think of my precious friend George Carroll, and pray that he is well...healing from his ills, and writing as much as possible..because he knows what we love to hear from him. 

Another time I went into a deli, and saw a young man trying to decide on which sandwich he wanted to order...and he was smiling and pointing at each item, and altho I saw the frustration on the face of the waiter; I also saw the kindness as he realized this young boy had Downs Syndrome.  I always think of my very close friend Carol, and her angel son, Eli...knowing them has made me a much better person, and I am so thankful for that lesson in patience and humanity.  Seeing people with disabilities has changed for me over the months, as I see them more clearly than ever before! I believe that God gave them a special inner beauty that He didn't give to many of us who consider ourselves to be "normal".... Who is normal? 

Bonnie May was so sick when I left AD, as she was suffering with serious eye infections and diabetes issues, and I pray for her and so many of you, in the hope that God is listening to my requests for your health...  I wonder about the weather and the storms that Karen and Karla must endure, along with the financial setbacks, and I think...if only...I had wealth...I would share it with you, instead I only have my prayers and good thoughts to send.  Susan Smith encourages me, as does Lucille Bellucci, even when they have issues in their own lives...they always find time to smile on paper... like Katt...with her precious stories of life with her husband and sister; and how she spreads herself so thin with doing for others!  I miss Regis alot and wish I had time to read more of your works, so many of you...have such beautiful, exceptional talents..and I always ask God to bless you with achieving your goals, and that good things come your way! 

My friend Donnie who never forgets to give my life a little nudge with sweet thoughts and prayers; and I wish I could send him more than my friendship.  Wonderful Stuart, who lives down under...how I pray for him and his family, as he shares his personal story and how he battled seizures... He is such a inspiration!  I miss Randall more than he knows...he makes me laugh, and he makes me think...as well as gives me reason to smile, and I keep him in my thoughts more often than I should ??? Like a son I think.  I wonder what the Ed's are doing...and if Rufus is enjoying his master, or is it the other way around?  Amber stays so busy, that I keep her in my prayers too, she needs strength and refreshment in her life; as does Soulful Shee....and even though we are like day and night, I love Sage so much, and wish her the best in life....and I admire her dedication to achieving and helping others. 

Naturally, I miss Belle's writings, and hope she is well, emotionally and physically.. somehow I feel her spirit at times?  Is that possible?  Daniel K is someone I admire because he's faced so much in life and overcomes through his pain... so I pray alot for him.  I think I enjoy Lloyd's writings more than most, because I can FEEL his words, and I firmly believe he should be rich and famous....he is that talented!  Marcia works so hard trying to keep everyone writing and perfecting their craft, while Flying Ted makes me smile when he doesn't even know it! 

My head tells me that I've forgotten some of you, but my heart knows I haven't!  Michelle stays in my heart because she undertakes so many children and their problems, and is always doing God's work... I wonder how many of you know that you have touched another, without even trying !  Bernice is an angel to me, writes me when I need to hear a kindness; and Linda Settles always had goodness to share; how blessed we are to have these wonderful people in our lives!  Rozzy is off doing her thing, but I keep her in my heart, as I do Denise, and wonder about many of you at the oddest times?  You are my inspiration... and I love you for sharing.  Don't get discouraged, this craft is difficult to find fame or fortune; but under it all...we do manage to touch others...and that is the gift we give to them; but it is the Gift we give to ourselves... That is why God blessed us with this gift of writing...sharing!

Micki is an angel with so much in her life; while she still makes sure that she encourages others.   Georg is someone who surely doesn't know he's in my heart...and I can't forget my dear friend Cryssa...she is a saint on this earth, and I pray for her always!  Lois is another....she is such a loving and gentle woman/child... we must keep her close.  I can't forget my special friend Jack from Israel; who I miss very much.. and my young friend Tabitha who has such amazing talent, and does her best to balance little ones with writing and life.  My italian friend Joanne... I love her stories about Italian life... and so many others who have shared their beautiful words with us.

You must know that if your name isn't mentioned, it's not because I don't hold you in my heart as a friend... because you know you are dear to me.... you give me hope when times are tough, and I see your face from your AD page when I think of you; and it's as if I know you personally. You are my friends, and altho we may never cross paths in life, I am so thankful that you crossed my path through the pages of this special place.  Never stop dreaming, never stop reaching, and never stop writing!

Linda Law