I wish all of you a very merry Christmas! A distant cousin of mine wrote the following; I make no claim to it other than it expresses seansonal sentiments nicely:

I have wonderful family and friends, a great job, a future ahead of me (no matter what Y2k brings), and perhaps, most importantly, I have today. This is a day I will never see again. I try not to forget that. I try to let people know they are important. To remember what and who matters and let them know. To live my life as if everything I did would someday be known (Because I truly believe it will!). I am grateful to have had all of you in my life and hope to continue doing so for a long, long time. Take good care!

Again, my best for a joyous season to all of you!

-- Anonymous, December 24, 1998

Answers

Merry Christmas to you, too, Rick, and to all who have made so many helpful, insightful contributions to this forum during the past year. What a comfort it has been to see this forum retain its intelligence, focus, and good will, and I'm sure I speak for many in thanking you, Rick, for creating and shepharding this fine site. It's inspiring to know that as we move toward the adventures of the coming year, good-hearted, clear-thinking folks will be working, in whatever capacity each is able, to shed more light on the uncertainties and to help one another prepare.

Warm thoughts and best wishes to all.

-- Anonymous, December 24, 1998

Christmas is, for many of us, a time to acknowledge our relationships and to express our gratitude for what we have and who we have. While my children opened presents, I wondered what Christmas would be like next year. Then I thought of this group. Because of the internet, because of people like Rick and Bonnie, and because of all of you who have contributed so much, I can honestly say that my family will be safer and more secure in the years ahead. Saying thank you seem insufficient but its all I have. Thank you and Merry Christmas to you all.

Steve Tomczak

-- Anonymous, December 25, 1998