Hello everyone once again!After almost a four year absence, I had an irresistible urge to again stroll back to the old neighborhood and see how much or how little it may have changed. It is rather refreshing to see many of the same old names I remember from the past, as well as some new ones, posting, along with some of the same in-family bickering going on that I so vividly remember from the past. Reminds me of one big family sitting around the dinner table with everyone fighting over the last piece
of pie! :-)It is really nice to see everyone, or should I say read everyone, once again -- sort of like coming home after a long sojourn in the wilderness with all of its uncertainties and possible dangers, to be back in safer, and more familiar surroundings, albeit maybe a bit tumultuous, and testy at times, but never the less, still
a feeling of kinship!I've been absent for the past couple of years from the meteorite list due to several reasons, but principally since my wife, Ava, passed away suddenly and most untimely in an auto accident two years ago this coming Monday, April 2nd. Personally, things were somewhat tough before her death, but at least she was there then to help smooth over the rough terrain, but after her death our one an only child, Gabriel
(now eight) was my one and only true concern.Although my heart has always remained true to our wondrous, cosmic friends from above, I had to take a break from collecting, participating on the list, and even subdue to a major degree, my once burning desire and interest in reading and educating myself further on a once most passionate joy in my life. My son came first above all else, and a very unwanted adjustment period ensued with the loss of Gabriel's mother, and my best friend while trying to be both father and mother to Gabriel, and at the same time trying to cope with my own sense of loss and bewilderment.
Anyway, I also wanted to mention how shocked I was when I rejoined the list a couple of days ago to hear about Walter Branch being involved in some sort of auto accident of his own! From the little information I've gathered thus far, it sounds as if Walter's daughter was involved in the accident as well, but that she may have faired much better than he had? I was just somewhat shocked and dismayed to read of this for I dealt with Walter on several occasions and found him extremely friendly as well as professional! He was top drawer as was everyone I've dealt with over the years on this list!
I just offer up my best wishes and prayers for Walter, his wife, and daughter during this very tragic time in their lives! If anyone has an email address that is current for either Walter or his wife, I would like to directly email them my sympathy, and concern. Also, if anyone would care to do so, I would also like to
hear how Walter is progressing!Well, in closing, I'm back to collecting ( already made several purchases from several dealers on our list and from my past), and on top of that, I have a very inquisitive eight year old who just purchased his own VERY FIRST meteorite (actually several :-) ).
Hope all of you are doing well personally, and meteoritically! {smile}
Best regards to all,
Mal
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