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A Big Fat Thank You To John Durham...

by MissTerraK
12 replies
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For touching my heart when I really needed it!

It all started early this morning in my Christmas Songs thread, but rather than recapping, I'll just quote.

It started with me posting this:

Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

Morning everybody!

I'm embarking on a new journey today and I'm not quite sure I'm going to like it.

My family has been thrown some whammies as of late and I must help them out.

So, I need some good mood music, lol!

This is more for myself than anyone else.
Which John replied with this, however, I missed it this morning because I had to leave.

Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

Mornin Mrs. T,

Sure! Im up....I'll have song wit ya! And a nice cup of Java.

Family curve balls.... is it anything we can help with? Hope everything is okay.

-John
Again, I didn't see it til this evening after returning home. After I thanked him, I explained.

Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

Bless you John! 1000 fold even!

Thanks for the offer of help, but I don't think there is anything you could do.

My daughter and her family from Minnesota both started their new jobs today, we got them moved in their new home Saturday, but on Friday, daycare for my 4 month old grandson fell through. So I am watching him and there is no sense in sending my 2 1/2 year old granddaughter to daycare if I'm at her house already.

That was whammy number one.

Whammy number two was with my other daughter with my three other grandchildren. My son-in-law lost his job, so subsequently, the lost their home. My daughter is still working but most of her pay goes to the temporary housing they are in now which is not very good conditions. If that wasn't bad enough, the storage unit they had practically everything they owned in burnt to the ground.

But good news! I just found out today that several who want to remain anonymous have come forward and are paying first and last months rent and security deposit for a new home and they will be moving in exactly one week before Christmas. These people, whoever they are, are also buying all new furniture and Christmas presents for their whole family.

My daughter was notified today while at work through my two granddaughter's school. Oh, and my son-in-law was offered a job as well and will start tomorrow as a parts manager at an auto parts place.

We are so blessed!

So unless you want to baby sit, Hahahaha! I guess you can't help. But thanks again!!

Terra
Call me whatever you like, lol, but it really touched me during a time where life around here has been an emotional roller coaster. It really brightened my spirits! Sometimes just a simple word of kindness can mean so, so much!

Also, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you all would have helped in any way that you could have, had I needed it. So, I thank you all for that too.

Okay, I'm done now.

Terra
  • Profile picture of the author MoneyMagnetMagnate
    Geez John... another silver star? :rolleyes: you're gonna need a bigger hat! :
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Well, I dont know what I did Mrs. T, but you were in my thoughts this morning, I actually wrote you a PM too, to thank YOU, because some things you have demonstrated have uplifted my spirits recently...but then something happened to my PC getting flaky and I didnt send it. Ironic.

    Glad to know everything is coming full circle. These times come to pass. Most young families have to start over a couple of times... We have all experienced it. Good thing they come from tough fibers, and have such a great support system! Sounds like everything is turning out great!

    There is no need to thank me for anything , but its just another demonstration of all the heart you have, and that is such a rare, precious thing. Even though I couldnt imagine having had that kind of effect with such a few simple words...and dont need any thanks..., if you want to spread the love, I certainly am not one to inhibit it, I'll take it and appreciate it!

    Thanks for speaking from your heart, and not being afraid to to do something that others may think is uncool... for the sake of saying whats on your heart, and taking the chance of making someone elses day.

    Today, you made mine!

    -John
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      Thank you John, again.

      I was so down in the dumps this morning. Things were becoming so overwhelming and it was killing me that I couldn't do too much to help.

      In this economy, everyone is struggling. We offered to have my daughter's family move in here as cramped as it would have been with 5 more people, but she didn't want the kids to have to change schools as they've been through so much already. They are only in third and first grade. My 3 year old grandson hasn't started yet though.

      Then when both my other daughter and her husband got their dream jobs, but got that call from daycare that the other infant wasn't leaving after all and by law they couldn't have any more, it was like the bottom fell out.

      I had to help them out by watching my grand kids. I love them, but it's been absolutely years since I took care of little ones full time. It's a big adjustment. I'll have less time for the forum and finishing my book. What little spare time I have, I'll be fulfilling my clients' needs.

      But I just had to help.

      Anyway, I was feeling pretty low this morning and well, when you offered to have a cup of java and listen to Christmas music with me, and actually portray you cared with your words, I almost cried. I suddenly didn't feel so all alone and forlorn. It was a timely thing to do at the right season, so to speak.

      You reminded me to count my blessings, my friends here included in those blessings.

      So, I guess we're even.

      Terra
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      • Profile picture of the author AprilCT
        Good to know things are looking up for your family, Terra. Sometimes I get a bit discouraged when I read the news how many awful things are going on. It's always a breath of fresh air to know that family, friends and even total strangers pitch in and help when the going gets rough.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    Since this is the "Kiss JD's Keister" thread, I'll add this:

    There is such an aura of friendliness and selflessness about JD that I can't help but search out his posts. John is the quintessential Good Man, the type many of us should model ourselves after. I say Good Man rather than Good Guy for a reason. There's a significant difference between the two. A Good Guy helps you move furniture. A Good Man does what's right even if it's wrong for him.

    If you asked John, I bet he'd say he just does what he can. I've read his threads and either he can do a lot more than most of us or the rest of us have some catching up to do.

    I've been meaning to say this for a while, but I'm not really the type to just throw it out there. This, however, seemed like a good place.

    On a related note, John's coffee cup is evil. Whatever you do, don't lock eyes with it. It can see into your soul.
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    Raising a child is akin to knowing you're getting fired in 18 years and having to train your replacement without actively sabotaging them.

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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post


      On a related note, John's coffee cup is evil. Whatever you do, don't lock eyes with it. It can see into your soul.
      If you look it in the eyes you will be cursed with a coffee monkey on your back forever! lol Plus it will talk you into doing strange things... I hate the monkey, but someday Im going to turn it all around and use my talking coffee cup to get a disability check!

      Dan, Im speechless. Man those are some major words right there. It never ceases to amaze me when people express appreciation for one another so openly. It seems so rare. We have a great virtual family here. I love you too man!

      Trust me, I can be a jerk too! We all have our days.

      Ps. On the "jerk days"... The monkey made me do it.

      -John
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

      Since this is the "Kiss JD's Keister" thread, I'll add this:

      There is such an aura of friendliness and selflessness about JD that I can't help but search out his posts. John is the quintessential Good Man, the type many of us should model ourselves after. I say Good Man rather than Good Guy for a reason. There's a significant difference between the two. A Good Guy helps you move furniture. A Good Man does what's right even if it's wrong for him.

      If you asked John, I bet he'd say he just does what he can. I've read his threads and either he can do a lot more than most of us or the rest of us have some catching up to do.

      I've been meaning to say this for a while, but I'm not really the type to just throw it out there. This, however, seemed like a good place.

      On a related note, John's coffee cup is evil. Whatever you do, don't lock eyes with it. It can see into your soul.
      That was very nice of you to say Dan...in the Dan sort of way.

      Hmmm, I saw in my mind's eye, in his cup, caramel colored coffee mixed with spiraling beige bubbly cream going around and around and around. It made me smile, though.

      It may have seen into my soul, but I didn't feel any evil at all.

      Terra
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      • Profile picture of the author John Durham
        Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

        That was very nice of you to say Dan...in the Dan sort of way.

        Hmmm, I saw in my mind's eye, in his cup, caramel colored coffee mixed with spiraling beige bubbly cream going around and around and around. It made me smile, though.

        It may have seen into my soul, but I didn't feel any evil at all.

        Terra
        No Mrs. T, it feels good at first...that's the clincher... Yup.

        Then its like a frog, all comfortable in a warm pan of water slowly heating up...the monkey turns evil on you... DONT GO INTO THE LIGHT!
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        • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
          Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

          No Mrs. T, it feels good at first...that's the clincher... Yup.

          Then its like a frog, all comfortable in a warm pan of water slowly heating up...the monkey turns evil on you... DONT GO INTO THE LIGHT!
          Okay, LOL!

          Maybe I was seeing some Chai Latte tea instead.

          Last thing I need is another monkey on my back. :p

          Terra
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I hear ya. The chai is pretty friendly... Its the verona that you have to watch, it makes the cup go a little crazy, he cant handle his bold. I think thats the problem. Its like firewater for a mug.

    I dont want to keep boosting this thread, but I really cant find words for how much I appreciate you guys today. Thank you so much for saying these things. If I dont post anymore on it , its because its so beautiful that I dont want to ruin the moment. Really means alot.

    -JD
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    • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      I dont want to keep boosting this thread, but I really cant find words for how much I appreciate you guys today. Thank you so much for saying these things. If I dont post anymore on it , its because its so beautiful that I dont want to ruin the moment. Really means alot.

      -JD
      This - right here - is exactly what I mean.
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      Raising a child is akin to knowing you're getting fired in 18 years and having to train your replacement without actively sabotaging them.

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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Well, it looks like I'm a little late for John Durham Day at the bar. John, you already know I think you're one of the good guys, so I'll just salute you by fixing one more cup of coffee and drinking it in your honor.

    ...and I can't get to sleep tonight, it will be your fault.
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    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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