Dear Franck,
From the heart of my bottom, thank you.
I have reached a time in my life when I have began to evaluate lots and lots of things: what's important to me, what used to be, where my priorities lay, etc.
This letter is partly because I have decided to be more open about things, all manner of things, as often as is practical without ever hurting people. It's also partly because in my re-evaluation, I have discovered I have many new, true, friends.
And for this, I owe you thanks.
This forum, whilst not yet perfect, is an amazing place. We have had laughter, sadness, bickering, bitchiness, support tights, sad tears, happy tears, uncontrollable laughter tears...
Too many to name and shame, I have met many people through this Forum and have become closer to many amazing, warm people. (I have chosen not to name names, but feel free to come out if a tale involves you...)
Having never met a forumite: I turned up at her house @ 03.00 with 3 other smelly musicians, let myself in using a hidden key, slept the night in her house THEN met her.
I've had some loony agree to wax my body for a good cause. I had a PM, out of ther blue, with an offer of further help which turned out to be utterly invaluable and enormously appreciated by all concerned.
People have organised events, supported events and given generously to my chosen charity.
I've crashed at people's houses. I've met people for dodgy meals and great dances in far away places.
I have had many wonderful dances (including that dance!!), many really heartfelt hugs and WAY too many moments of laughter all through this forum and the people on it.
I have a small part.
Frogs and all.
Then there are the events: BFG I&II, The 10th Anniversary, all the BB's...
Some make money, some do not. What money is made helps subsidise this, here Forum. I know you don't do it for the money.
I know you do it because you have this passion for dance, for music and want to share that with as many people as possible.
Ceroc isn't perfect, either, but that is your chosen medium and you do it so incredibly well.
So, Franck: for giving, for being, for sharing and for having the balls to go out and do it, with all that I am, I thank you.
This letter has been more serious than I intended. I tried listing forumites that have warmed my heart and the list was too big (even with unintentional ommissions); I wanted to list the seriously health-risking funny moments I've had with Forumites and there were too many to list.
If anyone wants to add any occasions, moments, etc please do.
But for now,
Thank you, my friend.
Robert J. Mitchell-Thain CBL
