[Richard]

Don’t panic, I am not about to break out in a lounge singer’s version of “Feelings”. Instead file this away as a moment to celebrate what is right in life, instead of our usual focus on what is wrong.

For me, the forum is an inspirational example of what leadership looks like. Many of you don’t know the story of how it originated, but let’s just say that Tom saw the need. And when he saw the need he took action. Since that time he has demonstrated a decorum that is extremely rare on the internet. He provides leadership through example on how to treat each other with respect, how to help when you can, and how to provide support with zero expectations of financial return. I have profited immensely from his leadership. I have made MANY friendships that would have never happened except through meeting you personally. Some of those friendships are approaching 20 years in duration. That leadership also gave me an outlet to pay back just a little of the good fortune I have been blessed with. I spent a lifetime fine tuning engineering skills that all of a sudden had no outlet when I retired. Tom showed me that I could use those skills to help others.

And, finally, although I was blessed with mechanical intuition, I was not blessed with social skills. When I find myself in a tricky situation, I sometimes ask myself how would Tom handle this?

All this leadership is by example, not by instruction. I am far richer for the experience.

Thanks Buddy!