Posted by Rich on June 24, 2001 at 14:55:50:
In Reply to: Thank you, Thank you, Thank you posted by Ellen on June 24, 2001 at 13:02:39:
Made PERFECT sense to me, Ellen! I think you've GOT it, by George!! Thank YOU! Brought a tear to my eye, you did! [Oh sh_t, here I go again!]
: Dear Friends,
: I will once again try to unscramble my brain for a few reflections on the Gathering. I tried yesterday, and my computer or AOL decided I didn't do a good enough job. It erased it all before I could post it. So much for an editing job.
: I, also, have so many thoughts and reflections going through my mind. It is like reliving the experience over and over again.
: As a "newbie" I want to thank all of you for welcoming Jill and me in a way that neither of us has experienced before. When we arrived at the Geneva Wednesday afternoon, we went to the Gathering Room. There were only 2 people in it. One man had his back turned to us setting up a display. When we walked in, he stood up and said "you must be Ellen" and gave me a big hug. Thank you soooo much Rich. You set the tone for the entire visit for me. Kate was there too, so more hugs and intros followed. Then in walked Marcia. Now what can I say about Marcia that hasn't already been said. What a terrific lady. Have a question, ask Marcia. Need a wake up call, ask Marcia - but that doesn't really mean that will happen. Imagine our surprise when Jill and I actually got up before Marcia and happened to wake her up.
: David and Ginger were terrific. I was so moved by their music. I purchased 2 of their CD's and have been enjoying their music ever since.
: The facilities at the Geneva were wonderful. It was so nice being able to visit new friends whenever we wanted. Or just gather with a group talking outside their rooms.
: The subject of the hikes has to be dealt with. I never realized how strenuous this was all going to be. It was never my intent to hold up anyone. I did think I would be able to participate in hiking better than I did. A personal thank you to Eric is in store. He pushed, pulled and lied to me to get me further than I ever thought. It is only around the next corner-----another quarter mile will make it. Well he didn't lie exactly. Eric you are my hero. Next time I will know what to try and what not to try. With the help of my Dr.'s I should be able to do a better job next time.
: We have made so many new friends I can't name you all who made this special for us. It was a real bonding experience with some. I am sorry that we didn't get to know all of you better, but time will take care of that hopefully. I don't want to forget to mention the help that John gave me. His smiling face was always there waiting for my hips or legs to stop hurting so I could go on. Thank you.
: There are several moments I will never forget. Since the Sweetsters kept changing name tags, I am completely mixed up on names but here goes. We had a long line of cars travelling with flags flying when Eric pulled over and all the line did also. I think he was waiting for some to catch up. One of the Sweetsters came back to our car and was visiting with us when the line started to move. Whoever was driving her car, started moving with the back door open. There was a flurry of activity as our Sweetster ran to catch up with her car.
: The long-legged lass, Rita was out of her car more times than I can count, running back to get her flag. They lost it 2 times on the trip to the Pavillion.
: Driving through Hendersonville, being separated by signals and frantically looking for flying flags to be sure we were going the right direction. Remember folks, we are from Southern California, never to your beautiful country before. We used the GPS to get us to the Geneva and then put it away. We had no idea where we were. Those flags were a wonderful sight many times.
: Meeting some of the other "newbies" like ourselves. Marc and Cherie and Joe and Belinda, Steve, etc.....You have a warm place in my heart forever.
: The movie with Wes Studi was wonderful. I was so jazzed to see the movie on a large screen again. Then to have Wes sit in front of me in the theater was almost tooo much for this heart. No, I don't have a problem with my heart. The rest of my body is suspect at times, but not my heart.
: Seeing the falls. What can I say. When I finally made it to Bridal Veil I couldn't believe the beauty. When I go to sleep at night I listen to the sound of the water on the rocks, over and over in my mind. Then to find out that special arrangements had been made so I could see the other falls brought tears to my eyes. Thank you again Rich.
: All this having been said, I would like to add my thoughts as to why the Gathering is so important. Aside from the good food, good friends, etc., I believe it is up to each of us to learn more and more about this period of time in the life of America. We need to pass this message on to all who will listen. Maybe some who won't too. Our children and grandchildren, for the most part, have not a clue as to the price that was paid for this country. They have not lived during war times. To learn how this country was settled, the tools they used, and the price they paid is a lesson all should know. I learned more about weapons, living conditions, etc. than I knew before. This all needs to be passed on. When Jill and I left the gathering, we went to the Smokey Mountains. The trees were so thick in some places that a person would have a hard time walking through them, let alone take a wagon. Yet these pioneers achieved their goals with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. The web site is a wonderful tool in passing on the word. I wish I had a better use of the English language. I am afraid I am not making sense here. Thank you for enduring it all.
: I want to thank each and every one of you at the Gathering. Thank you for the organizers who spent many, many hours getting it ready so it would run smoothly. And it did.
: Thank you to all of my new friends who welcomed me without reservation. It was like I had been there for all of the other Gatherings. I learned so much over those 4 days, my heart is so full of it all. I have had a hard time coming back to "this time". I feel like something is missing. As many of you know, I can't come next year because my daughter, Susan, is getting married June 29th. I tried to convince her that I knew of a beautiful spot for her to get married- even have someone lined up to marry her. Sorry folks, no deal. She doesn't have a clue of the beauty that she passed on.
: I am looking forward to attending the 6th and final? Gathering. We are spreading the word. Might be a lot more Southern Californians attending.
: Rich, please keep up the terrific work on the web page. My husband finally decided to visit it last Friday. Spent 4 hours and just scratched the surface. He can't believe all the information you have worked so hard to put out.
: Excuse me for rambling, but I have sooo much bottled up. Thank you again to each of you for making this trip a highlight of my life.
: Ellen