[silent_jonny]

This is my last Dose. There's more that I planned to post tonight, but my heart's not in it now ...

I'm thinking about Gretchen ... I saved the FR mail she sent me when she asked if I would like to host the Dose. I said yes immediately--I believe my exact reply was "YES!!" I was honored that she would ask me. And I'll always be honored to have been associated with this thread and with the friends I was blessed to find here.

We've lost friends here too.

Texasflower.

Kayak.

And then Gretchen.

The Dose wasn't the same for me after she died. I can't speak for the others, but I'm sure they feel same way.

I could fill pages talking about how much I admire Snugs, Wolfstar, Kaslin, Daisyscarlett, Starwise and all the other hosts. I think there have been somewhere around 15 people who have hosted this thread over the past 8 years. Some of them were before my time. It's amazing that this thread has not only survived so many changes, but has remained an island of sanity on this forum.

It's been a privilege to represent my President, his family and his administration. As many have said, we will never see his like again.

God bless you, President Bush.

And thank you.

[luvie]

You just brought tears. I hope you will be around when we
do special threads about “The After Years”. Otherwise, I
wouldn’t know where to find you!

This is TOO sad!

God rest the souls of the ones that we miss.

[DollyCali]

Very touching tribute Jonny!

I also want to thank you for your contributions in so many ways — you humor, thoroughness, kind heart, respectful attitude, artistic talent — etc.. You are a very special man & I appreciate you!

That is a wonderful rendition of that jog - so memorable!

[Bahbah]

jonny, can you hear the sound of heart hurt?

You are a wonderful friend. I am glad to know you.

[SnarlinCubBear]

Thank you for your heartfelt words and thoughts SJ. While I agree that the dose lost some sparkle when Gretchen left us, you and the others have done a marvelous job of bringing us the daily dose. I owe every one of you a debt of gratitude. My world expanded after I found this thread. Thank you all.

[A.Hun]

Thank you both, and everyone that kept this thread going. Ya’ll did great, and there are a lot of folks like me that appreciated it greatly.

Godspeed and best of luck to all!

[Majie Purple]

Another last today :(

[Majie Purple]

Another last today :(

[SuziQ]

Jonny, your talent is just amazing. That’s a very affecting drawing, of President Bush walking with the two soldiers who’d each lost a leg in the war. Thank you so much for sharing your drawings with us over these years.

[retrokitten]

[snugs]

Wonderful words Jonny and thank you for mentioning Gretchen who although I never met or even talked to apart from freepmail, airmail and few cell phone text messages.

She left a great hole in my heart and life and for many months after her death which occurred during a difficult time for me as dad was in hospital in a broken elbow and hip.

Monday will be my last dose and I would echo your words and hope and pray that this thread will prove over the days, months and years to come that real and lasting friendships have been forged and will remain.

I also wish and I hope that others are prepared to help and participate in having a monthly thread running where news of the President and maybe others from his administration are updated as it becomes available.

[STARWISE]

I know how you’re feeling, jonny .... it’s
like a funeral .... all that’s dependable,
reassuring, and optimistic seems to be fading
away.

But I also know this is inherently a country
full of good, decent Americans, and I also
know God’s on His throne.

You’re so special... {{{jonny}}}.

That drawing is so tender and touching ...it
portrays this good man’s heart for people,
(just like yours) which is so huge, especially
for our troops. Once again, a masterpiece from
love.

Please pray for our troops ... God bless and
protect them now that their indefatigable CIC
and protector moves on. I’m grateful Sec.
Gates is there for awhile, which is a notable
shift from campaign rhetoric, now that reality’s
hit someone square on the coconut.

~~~~

My thanks to all of you for all you
given to maintain this wonderful refuge.
I know what time and effort it takes.

We’ll always be Dosers ... I’ll never forget
the privilege it’s been to be a witness to
the daily life of a remarkable man who was
called by destiny, and handled the cards he
was dealt with exemplary courage and deep
honor and love for his country.

Millions of people, maybe 5-10 years from now,
will speak his name with respect and unending
gratitude for the blessed freedoms in their
lives. May we all be here to witness that time.

“... and an angel still rides in the
whirlwind and directs this storm”

[siamesecats]

Thank you all so much for the Dose.

You have all done a fabulous job.

God Bless you.

[4integrity]

silent-jonny, thank you for expressing so well what I feel. I, too, am grateful to all who hosted the Dose...including you! Not sure if you all know how much joy you brought to the rest of us and how comforting it was to share sentiments about our good President with others who felt the same. I also appreciated, so much, your drawings...especially those of President Bush and Tony Snow. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us.

It’s been an honor to be among so many patriotic people. I hope that, some way, we can all remain connected.

[kevinm13]

Thank you for the Daily Dose. I have enjoyed these posts over the years and have often marveled at the work involved in putting these together. It is much appreciated.

I pray that we will see these posts again in 4 years for the next conservative President.