It is a rare occasion, more rare than a blue moon, that I find myself at loss for words. ( I know, its probably hard to believe) Perhaps the best way to express my thoughts and feelings this morning is having an attitude of gratitude. I am blessed far beyond what I deserve.

I have known for several years that I was one of the fortuante ones. One of the lucky one’s who shares the companionship, the friendship, to travel the Golden Trail with All of you. Greater than even the golden ounce, is the wisdom I have garnered from these pages. And to experience the Golden Friendship of those I have met along the trail, and those whom I have only traded words on a screen. Sometimes, those words have left the screen, and flown to the heart. Words, can be sneaky like that if your not careful. (grin)

I have been blessed to have a Goldententer lay her hands on my brow, and say a prayer for the physical pain, and spiritual pain, to be relieved. At the time, I was not sure I believed in the Power that she was praying to, but it was enough that I believed that she beleived. The healing came in time. I learned a little something about Faith that day. On another occassion one of the Tenters approached me and asked if he could say a prayer over me. This he asked in front of a group of us Tenters. An old warrior who knew a thing or two about submarines. My very first thought when he asked to provide such a service was how awkard he might have felt doing such in front of a group of strangers. I wondered, what kind of man would risk the embarrassment. Men, even close friends, dont often put themselves in such situations.

I started at first to make some joke of it. Could have said something like, “Oh yeah, lay yer hands on me partner and take me to see Jesus”. Could have made some comment to lighten the air, to let him (me) off the hook. But there was a look in his eyes that spoke of his sincerity. A look that took me off guard, got beyond my silly ego and apprehension. Lucky for me my heart spoke first and with humbleness, I replied, “I would appreciate it”. As I sat on a park bench surrounded by some other tenters he said a prayer. There was a power in his words that evening. When he had finished, I heard a faint sniffle or two, and looked around and seen the wet eyes of several of the Tenters sitting along side us. I have seen courage a few times in my days, he taught me a more humble version of such that evening.

There was no ‘burning bush’ experience at that moment. But his prayer was answered in the weeks and months to come. And like most of my life, the things I thought I wanted, was searching for, came in another form, a differant path. Those prayers went beyond the physical ailments, and were redirected to a more spiritual, enlightening healing. It opened up the heart and mind’s eye to recieve many other blessings. It started a transformation of sorts. I look at the beauty in Goldballon’s pictures, and see more than thier artisitc composition, I can now, at least in part, see of the hope and faith he so often speaks of. I have been given the gift of new eyes. The eyes of the heart.

Those two Tenters will not be named today. On the other hand Equiz will not be so lucky. (grin) His story is one of a bench, and a chair. I have oft spoke of his bench, of how in my mind the two of us have sat there and discussed gold, and farming, and life. Today, I wish to speak about that chair he has been refinishing for ….at least a couple years. I have on more than one occassion chided him for taking so long to sand and paint a simple single chair. His replies (read excuses) more often than not seem to be tied to one of Gold’s trail markers. When Gold reaches this or that level.
I felt pity for the unfinished chair. But it appears that chair (and Equiz) knows a thing or two about patience. Today, I have no doubt it will be finished, have its glowing golden shine, when it’s suppose too. And not a brush stroke before. For me, it mimmicks the story of our Golden Trail. It has taught me to enjoy each day, smell the rose, along the way. That the true gift of joy, the secret to happiness, is in the journey, not the destination. It gives me understanding that our Golden lot is not a ‘rocket to the moon’, but that the ‘Cretin Bashing’ of the Golden One is but a small part of our tale.

I have hundreds of such thoughts in my heart. All as warm and fuzzy as Wanka’s famed footwear. Hundreds more of the laughter of Augirl’s wardrobe or Irish’s driving skills. I carry close to the heart the poor misguided leanings of Floridagold and his devoted love to his Gators. (Go Dogs!) And the crossword puzzle like guidence of Frosty. Of the devotion of Fullgoldcrown, and those who keep these pages online.

These pages are too few, to tell our story. I speak of only these few things today so that each of you will have a better understanding of my efforts when I say Thank You for your welcome back messages. For your thoughts and words, and the memories they envoke. They have done more wonderful things than any doc or pail of pills could ever do.

I came to these pages seeking fortune in the ounce. I have found even more the greater treasure of friendship, and learned a little about love. Our story may indeed one day be one of great wealth and riches. I have an attitude of gratitude that my journey already has given me so much more. A debt so large, I know I shall never repay.

With a Bowed Heart, Best, Farmboy