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Perhaps the biggest event of the week, and of my time in Michigan thus far, was the package that was waiting for me when I returned from the West Coast Forum.
My roommate informed me that he had signed for 'a very large' package that arrived for me while I was in Palo Alto. I wasn't sure what the package was, but I told him to leave it in my room.
When I got back at 7AM after my redeye flight, I found the package sleeping in my bed. It was almost the size of a small human being. Wearily, I opened it.
Words cannot do justice to describe what was contained in within. It was more than just a gift, more than a care package, more than a belated birthday ensemble: it was the very essence of the character, the love, and the kindness of my friends in Colorado.
"Thank You" does not say enough. But thank you, thank you, and thank you; Jay & Regina, Jonathan & Anna, Josh & Steph, and Mr. Yams. I am honored and proud to have friends of such quality.
Here are some highlights of the package:
Foodstuffs:
Chili - of which you all know is one of my favorite dishes.
BBQ Sauce - a reminder of grilled times in the past and grilled times to come.
Cider and Cocoa - because winter in Michigan is more bearable when these are at hand, and in stomach.
Candy - Halloween wouldn't be complete without it.
Lu - also known as Lembas or Elvish Waybread; my favorite evening treat in the shire.
Sundries:
Pictures of Colorado in the fall - I'm gonna miss this year's Estes trip, but these pictures will ensure that the leaves aren't too far away.
A pumpkin - whose light shines eternal and says to me, "We'll carve pumpkin faces, and watch the witches flight".
CD of digital photos from Jay & Regina Mountjoy's wedding - you're the best, Regina.
Pocket Poker Pal - so I can play video poker wherever and whenever I might need to, even if I can't find any friends for a game.
A softball - signed by my most well respected and steadfast fans during evening games of yore, and all of the 'games' to come.
A collection of compiled music CDs:
U2 Old and New Testament, Soundtrack for a Sword, Inner Light, Snow, Noah's Ark, and The Lost Tracks. The ingenuity behind these compilations can only be attributed to those who know well enough to know.
But the 'coup de grâce', most literally, was the Dunedain Sword of Strider.
More than the sword itself, were the words and sentiments that accompanied it. As much as I debated putting them in this blog, I felt that I should for three reasons.
1. This blog is largely for my own benefit, so that at the end of my two years in Michigan, I will have record of my time here.
2. I would hate to see the physical copy of this transcript lost, so to have it in digital format eases my mind.
3. The eloquence, kindness, and thoughtfulness of these words should not be kept hidden, but should be shared.
Here is the transcript.
I am truly blessed to have friends like you. My best qualities are derived from you, in small ways and in large.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all in one week at the Square Dance!
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