A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song. ~Maya Angelou

After hanging up with you, I was so upset. Through your subtle snowbird-ways, you stopped me short, forcing me to see the inadiquacies life is forcing on us all. The perspective I've maintained has been wrong all along. You've shown me that.

The problems you face regarding not getting your paper placed on hold when you asked for it are comparable to the pain of world hunger, the plight of endangered species, the prices of medical care and medicine, and the loss my family experienced when my father comitted suicide.

Your sighs of exasperation and angry murmurring conveyed eloquently your frustration with "da man". The corporate hurdles we all must leap over to get anywhere in this harsh and malignant world.

Your exclamation of "For Christ Sake!" in that gorgeous old voice, beutifully captured your deep and devout spirituality, yet carefully avoided trespassing on my beliefs. For that I weep at the respect you showed me. Your religous convictions are so deflecting, strong and humbling that I stop myself from crawling at your feet in apology for not having the intelligence to stop your paper.

And when you said with all that wisdom in your voice that you've aquired throughout the many years upon this earth, that you weren't certain how we did anything, because our system was stupid, voicing your exasperation with me and my co-workers, I know you were using us as an anology for the people of America and the government who so heartlessly and cruelly ignores you.

Overall, you were showing me the pride that chokes me, stops me from being the best that I can be. You were only doing what was best for me, and what was best for my company. Not being a grumpy old woman. I know that was never your intention.

Thank you, MRs. V.K. currently of Florida, thank you.