Backpackers=generous people..ornament fo r Dani

“I wanted to wait awhile until Dani received the keepsake Christmas ornament we had banded together to send her in memory of Phil before posting that, in addition to the ornament, we were able to send a check for $2000.

I was staggered by the generosity of everyone both here and on the darkside. Bill couldn't believe that people who had never met me were sending checks in my name so we could do this for Dani. This made Christmas 2007 one of the most incredible I have ever experienced. I want to thank each and every one of you...both those who contributed and those who would have liked to but were unable...all of you make me proud to be a member of this community...thank you.

Dani wrote me the following which I hope she will not mind me sharing with you.

"As I've said before, words cannot really express my gratitude to you and all the backpackers. Throughout much of this pain and loneliness I, as Phil did, have looked to the forums for peace, understanding and even some laughter. I will never, ever be able to thank you all enough for embracing Phil and for embracing me.

I will continue to stay in touch. I wish I could say that it gets a little better each day, but right now I'm filled with too much longing for Phil and I'm mad that he isn't here. I think that's okay. Phil would want me to be a bad ass for a little while. Thank you again, Love, Dani"


and love from Mata”

“Incredible, that's all I can say. Thanks for coordinating it, Mata.”

“Heard this from Mata at Black River Forest. Very incredible and generous of everyone. Phil had a big impact on us all.

Yes, thanks for coordinating, Mata. :-)”

“Awesome, thanks for your efforts, Matahari.”

“Good goin', Mata.

I will see Dani in D.C. Saturday evening.
Geez, I hope she doesn't take out all her hugs on me that the rest of ya deserve.
That might could hurt!”

“Make sure you return as many hugs for all of us MarkO........Sure wish I could be there for the first annual Bearmagnethon.......and all in my home state too......”

“MarkO...do me a small favor please...give her a hug tell her it's from me...I'm always hugging people, especially backpackers, when I meet them...it's my "thing"...”

“Hmmmm, don't tell me you've hugged Nimblefoot!

Yeah..................sure, I suppose I can give as well as get!”

“of COURSE I've hugged Nimblefoot...not only that, I hope to do it again soon...and, if I meet you, YOU'LL get a hug also...I am a non-denominational hugger...LOL...”

“I think one of the things that astounded me was I had 66 ask for my snailmail address and, at that busy time of year, 58 actually got it together to contribute...I think that is amazing...many of us have so much going on during the Holidays that remembering to do anything out of the norm can be a challenge...the generosity of backpackers can never be overestimated...”

“I think I'm one who didn't get it together enough to contribute. =( The road to hell is paved with good intentions...

BUT, Damn, I am sooo proud of those of you who did! TTers are really very cool, compassionate people. And Mata, you are awesome for organizing this and seeing it through.”

“talk about bitter sweet...

thanks mata!”

“Aww, that's nice to hear...you guys are very sweet!”