> Oh dear. Ellmyruh, I was about to write you a post asking your professional opinion and begging you for help... but if I did that NOW, I'd feel as guilty of self-centeredness and pettiness as that entire morass of "uncaring individuals."

No, no! Wolf, believe me when I say that you are most certainly not an "uncaring individual" by any stretch of the imagination. To go even further by attempting to compare you to the people I was thinking of would result in failure, as there is simply no way of comparing you.

RinkWorks has helped me out a lot lately. It's a place where people don't judge me, but simply accept me as I am. I'm definitely not perfect, but the people around here know that and still accept me. When I was new here, I wasn't judged; rather, I was greeted with respect. I'm rapidly learning that the world is full of a lot of people who do not do such things, and I suppose the next thing will be for me to make sure I don't harden myself enough so that I become one of them. In the meantime, I consider everyone here on RinkWorks my friends, and I like to help my friends whenever I can. That certainly includes you, Wolf, even though I'm not sure how "professsional" I am.

> / / / / / / "I believe that happiness is the result of intelligent effort and does not depend upon luck or sharp practices, or in double-crossing friends, fellowmen, or my employer. I believe I will get out of my life exactly what I put into it; therefore, I will be careful to conduct myself toward others as I would want them to act towards me. I will not slander those whom I do not like. I will not slight my work no matter what I may see others doing. I will render the best service of which I am capable because I have pledged myself to succeed in Life and I know that this success is always the result of conscientious and efficient effort. Finally, I will forgive those who offend me because I realize that I shall sometimes offend others and in turn need their forgiveness."

Wow. I think I should print that out. It's sometimes very easy to read such things, agree, and then promptly put them out of the mind because the alternative is much easier.

> > > You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
> > >
>
> Hm. Interesting to note that *without* the firm support of her preceding statements, perhaps this last statement by Mother Theresa could be interpreted massively out of context? When under the extremis of public scrutiny, the possible lines of attack upon one's person can get quite ugly.

That is so very true. I think I'm beginning to understand why it's a very nice thing to be anonymous.

Ellmyruh