Since my real family and myself have temporarily gone our seperate ways, the people that I count on the most - my better friends, (aka my "family") are:

Lynnette - We have known each other almost 2 years now- imagine that! You have been my conscience, my friend, the person I leaned on when I needed it most. You also allowed me to be there for you when the going got tough. You have brought a sense of direction, and guidance to me, and for that I owe you thanx, because that is what gave me the initial courage and strength to desire to change the things I can.

Bill and Erin - Bill, I have known you almost 3 years now. We have shared so much together and grown closer then I ever dreamed. Erin, I haven't known you as long, maybe just under 2 years or so. But you are a huge part of Bill's life- the love of his life. So, with that said, that brings a whole different perspective to the table. We have shared many 3 and 4 way conversations with friends, and had a ball doing it. Both of you have been there for me when things were going bad for me, and I thank you for picking me up when I needed it!

Ray - You bring me a sense of real peace when I am around you. You help me see things with a peaceful mind and a gentle heart. You put up with my ranting and raving, and then you speak to me as if it didn't happen in the first place. You joke with me and help me keep things light hearted. Yet you help me see things from a different perspective, which helps me stay focused.

Dave - You bring me good strong work ethics and advice to proffessionally do what I have to do. You speak your mind, without degrading anyone. You bring points to them when they are confused or hesitant.

Ralph - You are my mentor, my friend and a fatherly image to me. You are patient with me and all of my faults. You continue to show me new ways to look at things, and instill in me the hopes of changing my life around for the better. You continue to teach me, and bless me with all that you do for me,. Without the chance you gave me, I couldn't be doing this well. I know I owe it all to GOD, but I also owe it to you, after all, you took the time to be there for me!

Shan - You have helped me get in touch with who Doug really is, and have continued to help me deal with inner pain in the best non destructive way I have ever tried or even heard of. You bring things to me without judgement and/or without strings attached. You take time out of your day to listen to me when sometimes no one else will. You give me many tools to learn to use and give me much to consider and meditate on so that I can work through any problem or issue that I may face. You are more to me then just a case manager, councilor, or a spritual advisor/prayer partner- you are my friend, and I am extremely honored and thankful for that- because I know just how busy of a person you are, and how much of a hard head I can be!

John - You have been there for me when I needed technicle assistance with computers and programs. Thru that and thru webdate, we developed a very strong friendship, 1 that I value and cherish! But more then that, you are there to encourage me and make me laugh at things with a peaceful way.

Todd - You may be new to the family, but with you comes inspiration. I feel connected to you in a lot of ways, mainly because of the way we communicate about things. You and I make a good team as far as work goes.

Sue - It is a pleasure to get to know you and your kids. Your kids are some of my favorites that go to the services at Ralph's. Imagine this, a few weeks ago we hardly knew each other, then 1 day we both got baptised together and ever since then, we have had a stronger connection. I think that is a terrific way to start any kind of friendship!

Johney - You may also be new to the family, but you bring more peace with your ways. You keep me reminding myself that there are more ways to look at things, and to handle things with a different attitude.

Penny - Even though we see things much differently, I found a commorodity within you, a real friendship with laughter, yet hard work.

Lisa - You always bring a smile when I see you. That smile becomes contagious and I try to carry it through the day. When I see you and your crew deal with the children, it brings contentment to my heart. When I see you at the store, you always seem to find the way or the time, to come up and acknowledge my presence no matter what you may be doing at that moment.

Deanna - Although we just met and I don't get to talk to you too much,you bring a fresh face to the picture, and I enjoy the time we share, even if it is only a brief tidbit here and there. I can only hope to get to know you more, as time goes by.

You all keep me on my toes, and help me to remind myself that no matter what I face, I can do what I have to do in order to get my life in order and straightened out. Also, you all help me to remind myself that we all can change, even me, if I allow GOD to do HIS mighty work in me. You all have kept me grounded when I needed grounding, and have let me soar when it was time to soar. GOD has brought you all into my life, for the purpose to get my life back in order according to HIS will!