I love my family and friends. We don't always agree, we no longer live as close as we used to, and connect mostly via the internet. And so, I turned to my facebook page to see many wonderful greetings by people who thought about me on Friday, my birthday.
There was a call from my cousin in Colorado; there was even a message from a formerly close friend who found me on Linked In. That was a major surprise.
Of course there was an online BOGO coupon for a DQ Blizzard. Sweet -- I'll have the French Silk Pie, please.
More good things below the squig.
I've actually had a whirlwind of activity the last couple of days. The day before my birthday, a propane heater was installed in my kennel/cattery where many of my foster animals reside, donated by a generous friend. Since it will be cold and blustery the next few days here, I am so thankful and relieved. It got Thursday off to a great start, and there was a great ending with a night at the Detroit Opera House to see "Wicked" -- it was stunningly awesome.
I was up at 4 am Friday in order to drive from my sister's house to my work; I worked until about noon, then took care of my animals, then, after dinner, my energy began to flag. I tried to nap, but a couple of phone calls woke me.
So I headed for my computer for some "me" time -- scan news headlines, go to Freep.com for Detroit area news, check email, then facebook.
After that, I began reading diaries from Daily Kos (I always try to leave myself enough time to do this, but most of the time there is SO MUCH good stuff that I usually stay at my computer until I get sleepy).
When my eyes started to close, I checked facebook one more time, then one last check of my email. The only new unopened message was from
donotreply@dailykos.com
I couldn't breathe. My hands went to my face. I peeked between my fingers to make sure the message was still there.
I clicked on it, and inside was this:
"Dear mideedah,
"Congratulations! Kalika has purchased you a lifetime gift subscription to Daily Kos."
And this, off to the side, a message from Kalika:
"In honor of Nurse Kelley"
And so, Nurse Kelley, consider yourself honored by this truly wonderful gift. And dear Kalika, your generosity has touched my heart. It is not possible for me to become a lifetime member on my own right now, as I need to move, plus care for my rescue animals.
As I said at the top of the diary, I love my family and friends. And that's what Daily Kos is to me. I don't talk to my family every day, but here I am, checking in with the pooties and woozles, and looking forward to Hunter's latest well-aimed barbs. I don't see my friends often, but here I am, sharing a quiet reflective moment in IGTNT, and eagerly devouring the latest political news and picking up facts and truths along the way to wipe out my brother's right wing talking points. Nyceve, weatherdude, bf skinner, muskegon critic, among others -- you make me think and laugh and cry and GET INVOLVED, DAMMIT.
With this gift, I am moved to formulate more diaries, get more involved politically and, to be sure, when the time is financially OK for me to do so, contribute to any Kossacks who need help. One of my favorite quotes is, "To whom much is given, much is expected." I intend to carry out my part of the bargain, even though I do not feel that I am worthy to carry Meteor Blades' eyepatch.
I appreciate the sharp minds who diary and comment frequently. I appreciate Kos himself, for herding these cats. I appreciate Nurse Kelley, an inspiring figure who inspired this gift.
And Kalika -- I don't know you, but I love and thank you for being there for this Kossack.
And if you were here with me now, I'd say let's head on over to the Dairy Queen. I've got this BOGO coupon....