I read this post first thing this morning when ((Alffe)) wrote it... but I needed some time to decide how I wanted to reply.

Firstly, I want to thank each of you for sharing.......... I would like to address each of you, but I am a bit overwhelmed at the moment so I hope a big hug and thank you is ok

Alffe, thank you for sharing Michael with us

I too am what the world would call overly sensitive. (and yes I cried at lassie, and I never get through Little house on the prairie without at least a few tears)

I love with all I am. Yes, that makes me hurt with all I am too. But, I would not have it any other way.

If we did not love, we would not grieve. I am grieving to the depth of my soul right now................. but, only because - I loved my Dad with all my heart and soul. I would not trade that love for anything!

I debated if I would share this with you all, I haven’t even shared it with my family. It is very special and personal... but I think I should share it so others can see that it is not only ok to be sensitive, it is a great quality and something I take pride in.

This is parts of a letter I got in the mail Saturday from my younger sister ( The one who recently came for a visit and went to Dad's grave for the first time........( I am leaving out details and somethings too personal, but you will still get the gist as to why I will not even attempt to change.

" You gave me someone I could trust, depend upon, admire and measure myself against. You gave me someone to look up to in a childhood that certainly had none. You are the rock upon which I have rested many times. The rock that has sheltered me always. You gave me a hero.

......Most people see their childhood heroes fall, they get let down. As I have grown older my hero, has only gotten stronger. You Nikki have only become more amazing.

.....Every heartbreak you have endured, every horrible injustice that has happened to you ---- you have come through with dignity and grace. And if possible, even more strength.

........You have kept your heart open and you have loved freely. Regardless of how many times and how deeply that love has hurt you. It is this quality in you Nikki, Above all others that truly makes you the most incredible person I have ever been blessed to know. "
.................................................. ...........

My point in sharing this is not to toot my horn, though I must admit I cried, and hard, when I read it.... My point in sharing it is, you just truly do not know how you impact someone else. I know when she was a child I tried so hard to give her a safe place and someone she could trust. I knew how much it meant to ME to give her that, but I did not know how greatly it effected her.

I have forgiven things, many might not be able to. Even some of my siblings feel they never could, and that I should not have. But I did, and I did it for love. The love I gave and received because I was able to forgive, far supersedes the pains of the past.

Yes, I may be over sensitive.... but who is to say that is a bad thing? Certainly my sis doesn't think so, and neither do I.