[pct-l] Chritmas time thoughts and thanks

[jomike at cot.net]

To all you in my very dear Hiking Family,

As I was struggling to write a note similar to this to my birth family, it hit me, there were more people on the hiking list, more best wishes already received from my hiking Family than from my birth family. More hiking buddies remembered my birthday than family.

I'd heard many, very many people say something to the effect that their hiking family was as important, or more important than those they'd known their whole life. 

So, here are best wishes, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all those I hold so dear. Here's more thanks than I can express to those of you who have allowed Emory and I into your world by being your Trail Angel. Thank you to those who have followed and always wished me the best in reference to my knee surgeries and complications; thank you to all who have allowed me to contribute to their world via suggestions; bless you to those having gone on record as to say they'd plan on hiking together in years to come; and more thanks and more best wishes to those who have given more to me than I probably deserve,than I can think of. 

I am the luckiest hiker on the trail: more friends than I can count; more friends than I deserve. I thank you all for being a part of my life. Thank you for gifts large and small. Whether we see each other routinely or never again, I may not recognize your face, but I will always feel the joy you have brought me. You will always be in my heart.

Affectionately,

are we there yet
JoAnn Michael