It's Not Just Adam and Eve anymore

"God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve."

If there's one line that bothers me more when it comes to the religious community's opposition to the right to love, you'd have a hard time finding it. There is only a partial truth in the above statement, and that is that God made those two human beings. Let me be very clear here. This is not an attack on the religious community by any means. But when a group's only argument against the LGBTQ's of this world is the whole Adam/Eve not Adam/Steve debate, it gets old, and quick.

When I first came out back in 2006, I was met with this statement from more than a few family members. I was made to feel as if how I felt was wrong, and that I was just going through a phase. I did a lot of soul searching, maybe they were right, I thought. Maybe it was a phase, maybe I was just confused. But the more I thought about it, the more I KNEW that wasn't the case. I knew that I was attracted to both men and women, and even though I'd grown up being told that was wrong, I couldn't help but feel the way that I felt.

Once I came out, another family member (who I'll not name here) took it upon herself to tell other members of my family, one being my Grandmother. My Nan, God love her, has a very deep faith, and was also raised with the belief that if its written in the bible, then it must be true. When she found out about my sexuality, she was disappointed. Hurt. But know who was hurt even more? Me. I felt as if I didn't really know her; that if she truly loved me, she'd accept me for who I am, sexuality and all. But that wasn't the case. And again I heard that age old argument of Adam/Eve, not Adam/Steve. And she wasn't the only family member to say so.

Look, I get it. Some people are happy being with the opposite gender, and that's perfectly okay. Just as same sex marriage is. What's the difference? Gay couples can have children through surrogates. Lesbian couples can have children through sperm donors. All that matters in the end is that the child/children resulting from that union are loved, protected, and raised to be productive members of society. And more often than not, they are.

But hold on, you say. Won't a child raised in that environment grow up to be gay or lesbian like their parents? Not necessarily. Some may, and that's alright. But many children who grow up in "straight" homes don't always turn out like their parents. All children need is love. They don't care if they have a mom and a dad, two moms or two dads. All they care about is that there is someone in this world who wanted them more than anything, and who will always love them unconditionally.

When I see the age old argument being made about gay and lesbian marriages, I often shake my head. I'm not for one minute mocking God and the Bible, (I myself am a woman of faith. A bisexual one, but who cares?) I just think that people need to not worry so much about it. Being LGBTQ is not a sin. Nowhere does it state in the ten commandments that "Thou shalt not lie with another person of the same gender". The Bible says not to kill, steal, commit adultery, covet thy neighbour's possessions, etc. But all too often in today's world, all these sins are committed. People die at the hands of others, and God forgives them. People steal, and are forgiven. If all two people are guilty of is loving each other, then I think people need to step back and take a good hard look at themselves.

Doesn't everyone deserve to be loved? Isn't that what everyone dreams of- to find that special someone, settle down, and build a life? Then who cares who we choose to do that with, whether it be male or female? Love is love no matter how you try to break it down. Adam and Eve, Adam and Steve, or Alexis and Eve. Its all the same. Maybe it's time to open up our minds and hearts and be a little more kind to those of us who choose a different path in life than what our families expected.

With peace, hope, love and understanding,
Krista (a proud member of the LGBTQ community)
xoxoxoxo

New poem. Untitled.

Crying, apologizing
Wearing a mask,
If you don't know how I'm feeling
Then maybe its best not to ask.
I don't want you to see it,
The pain that I feel
When I'm wearing a smile
Know that it's really not real.
Its only a cover, a mask and a shield
My weapon of choice, the one that I yield.
Fight the good fight, and maybe I'll win
And the smile I smile will be real again.
Until that day, I'll just keep on trying
And continue to hide the tears that I'm crying.

Happy Birthday Great Big Sea

On a day like today, wishing my favourite band a Happy Birthday doesn't seem like enough. Especially when that band has done more for you than they could ever know. So, here's what I could say to them if I could:

Thank you. I know that seems like such simple words, but trust me, there are a lot of reasons I have to say thank you to you guys.

For years, I felt different. I was never a part of the in crowd; didn't stand out, didn't fit in. I just went with the flow I guess, doing what I needed to get through. Then one day at school, I saw something that would forever change my life. A poster, "A Night with Alan Doyle and his guitar". I knew the name, so when I got home, I mentioned it to my mother. Tickets were only $10, so myself along with my mom and now stepfather, decided to go.

To be honest, that was one of the best decisions I ever made. From the first note I heard, I knew I was changed. I felt a connection to the music, and more importantly my home. The music made me happy, right down to the very depths of my soul. And its that very same music that got me through a very rough patch in my life- a year that saw my parents divorce, my father threaten to kill my mother, me hearing it all and subsequently giving a statement to the cops and seeing my father get arrested. Anyone else would've cracked under the weight of all that. But the music got me through.

Being diagnosed with autism didn't help matters much. It was another thing that set me apart. I finished school, but struggled on where to go and what to do next. I hated crowds, and avoided them. But that was until I attended my first concert at Mile One on December 18, 2004. There I felt safe, accepted, and free. I was finally somewhere where I fit in, and when you struggle your whole life to fit in, that feeling is one of the most amazing things I'd ever experienced. And that hasn't changed in the almost 12 years I've been a fan.

When times were rough it was the music that saved me, much like a hand reaching out and keeping me from falling. Through the deaths of friends and family and my own personal struggles, you guys were there whether you knew it or not. And when I actually did reach out for comfort or advice, you guys have been there. I honestly don't know how to say thank you enough for that. From the death of my cat to a family struggle, your kind words have seen me through. In my darkest hour, when I wanted to end my life, something pulled me back. And I firmly believe it was your music. You've kept me going when I simply wanted to quit.

Its through you guys that I have become friends with some of the most amazing people, most of whom are now like family to me. These friendships happened because of GBS. My best friend is now my roommate, and is like a sister to me. That wouldn't have happened if not for you guys. Heck, I even met my now ex through you guys. I've experienced a lot cause of you all.

Even through the leaving of several members, I've never lost my faith in you guys. Somehow I always knew that you'd keep going. When others thought you were done, I screamed "no way!". I knew they were wrong. I thank God they were wrong.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. Happy 21st Birthday, and I hope you guys keep rocking for a long time to come!

Much love,
Krista
xoxoxoxo

Weight Loss Update

So as you all know, I'm currently on a weight loss journey. But let me tell you what led to this major change.

Last year, tragedy struck my household. My beloved Cuddles was tragically hit by a car and was killed instantly. It absolutely broke my heart. I didn't know how to go on. But somehow, I did. Less than a month later, I had a dream about my weight. I could see the number on the scale in my dreams, and because my roommate/sister had recently bought a scale, I decided to weigh myself when I got up.

But nothing could've prepared me for the number I saw on the scale that day. 265.4. I was mortified. I couldn't believe that my weight had gotten out of control. But instead of letting it get any worse, I decided to do something about it. And it was on that day- June 20, 2013 - that I took the control back.

It was hard at first, I won't lie. There were days I felt hungry even if I ate enough. But eventually it got easier. I cut back on my snacking, drank more water, walked a bit. And slowly but surely, the weight started coming off. With each ten pound milestone, I've celebrated. There was less and less of me, and suddenly, I wanted to do more. As my weight loss inspiration Mark Hiscock said "The more you lose, the lighter you'll be on your feet, and you'll want to do more." And he was right.

I used to hate walking. I was winded easily, and it took forever to get anywhere. A simple flight of stairs in St. John's? Forget about it. Wasn't happening. But I noticed something this past weekend while visiting the city. While the stairs still hurt to climb, they didn't wind me as much as they used to. In fact, going up and down those stairs was a lot easier.

And walking now? I actually enjoy it. Its fun to get out and see and do things. I want to do more, and I love all the extra energy it gives me. Now I'm only 6.8lbs from the 50lb mark, and I can't believe how far I've come. I have curves now. Imagine. Haven't had those in a long time! I tried on a jacket that hadn't fit me since 2009, and now it fits again. Its the successes like that that keep me going.

To those of you out there struggling, please don't give up. I know weight loss isn't easy, but I promise you its worth it. You don't have to cut out your favourite food altogether. Just limit yourself. A small bag of chips at the end of the week. A can of pop here and there. You'll see results. Walk 15-20 minutes a day. Walk the dog, ride a bike... If its cold outside, dance or clean. Those things can burn major calories! But most importantly, maintain a positive attitude. YOU can do this! If I can do it, anyone can!

Starting weight: 265.4lbs
Current weight: 222.2lbs
Loss to date: 43.2lbs
Percentage change: 16.3%

So you don't stand out, and you don't fit in. Weird

I hate bullying. Not a bold statement, but as a person who's been bullied her whole life, I feel that it's finally time to tell my story. And the names used in this post are those that hurt me in some way. I'm not going to cover up their misdeeds against me.

It all started in Kindergarten (1990), a time of innocence and independence, as a child is learning to spread its wings for the first time, much like a young bird first venturing away from the nest. It was in that tiny classroom that I first encountered the cruel world of bullying. The culprit was not who you might think. It was not one of my classmates. No, instead it was one of the people my parents trusted to educate me. Yes, my teacher, Ms. Joan Brinston. She thought nothing of hitting students with a ruler if she thought they were out of line - it didn't matter where, either. Of those who had to endure the slap of the ruler, most of us were lucky if we got it across the hand. There are others, who I'll not name, who got it over the head. I remember a ruler breaking at one point. But when you're a child, and you're told this is someone who you can trust, you don't speak up. The mentality becomes that it's acceptable, because a person of authority is getting away with it. To this day, it was denied that there was ever any wrong doing, and that teacher took an early retirement. Although many will say that it was because she found another calling. But many of her former students know the truth.

From then on, it became clear that I was an easy target. The next year (1991), during lunch time a fellow classmate, Phillip Piercey, punched me in the stomach because we were fighting over a toy. I know he was told that it was wrong to do, but I can't remember if he was punished. I've since forgiven him, but I'll never forget how it felt.

There were numerous incidents throughout my school years. I remember one lunch time that someone broke paper clips and put them in my food while I wasn't looking. I'm not sure who would do such a thing, but I am thankful that another classmate saw that person doing it, and warned me not to eat it. I hate to think what might've happened had he not told me.

Another thing that stands out was someone pulling a chair out from me, thinking it was funny. Again it was one of my fellow classmates, Korlee Stacey, although I've since forgiven her as well. I remember something being done about it that time, which was a rare thing. The principal at the time went berserk. He had a friend that'd had a chair pulled out from them, and because of that, what one person thought was a harmless joke, his friend was now confined to a wheelchair for the rest of their life. Bullying is not harmless, and that's just the physical side of it.

The worst incident that I can remember still bothers me to this day. I was in Grade 8, I believe, and it was around Valentines Day. I had brought Valentines to school to give out to my friends (what few I had), and classmates. I had placed them in my locker before class and had gone about my day. Come lunch time, I decided to get my valentines and give them out, but imagine much to my shock and horror that my valentines were missing. I came to learn, through the honesty of a few good people that they'd been stolen from my locker, and burned. The culprit? Ryan Reid. Was he punished? Yes. But he merely got a slap on the wrist (1 day in school suspension). Why did he get off so easy, you ask? Its because his mother, one Cathy Bailey-Reid was Vice-Principal at the time. I'll never forgive her for that.

And what happened if I dared speak up for myself or push back when I was pushed? Good question. The principal called my home, telling my mother. Thankfully, she knew everything that I'd been through, and in not so many words told the principal not to call there again unless it was really worth calling about. Thanks, Mom.

Thankfully by the time I got to high school, things got better, but only because I hid the way I was. I was diagnosed with Aspergers, so I hid it. And although I didn't discover it until much later, I was bisexual. So I hid that too. Being different at that school made you stick out like a sore thumb, thus giving the bullies further reason to pick on you. Hiding my differences was just a way I got through high school.

But I got through it. I thought that once I was out of school, things would get better. And for a while, they did. Through Messenger, and later Facebook, I began to build a circle of friends who I trusted. People who cared about me. But with the joys of social media can also come the downfalls. Many the times I was called out through Facebook, or harassed on the old Great Big Sea website (if you can imagine that), or even worse, slandered on twitter. There's not much that wasn't said about me: I wanted to have Alan Doyle's kid (that I'll never deny. He's a good looking man. But its not going to happen, so the point is moot), I wanted to kidnap his son (um, what? Seriously? I'd never do that!), the accusations were endless. Thankfully that's all since stopped, and was ignored by the person who they were trying to get their point across to.

And there was the JUNO Awards dress blog post, where I was harshly made fun of for what I wore. My then girlfriend spent hours and a load of money to make that dress. To boost my confidence, and for that night, it did. Several people were quick to point out how good it looked on me. And I can honestly say that was one of the nicest feelings in the world.

Thankfully for now, there's been no bullying (well at least not that I know of), and life is good right now, but I want to leave you with this:

If you're a bully, I urge you to stop and think about what you're doing. You really have no idea what you are doing to that person (or maybe even people) that you're bullying. It doesn't matter how you do it; physical, mental, its all the same. Every form of bullying hurts.

If you see people bullying someone, tell someone about it, please. You don't know just how much that means to the person being picked on. It could be your actions that finally bring an end to what they've been going through.

And if you're being bullied, please stay strong. I know what its like for you, because I've gone through some of the same things, felt some of that same hurt. I know how hard it can be,but trust me, ending your life is never the answer. If you need a hand, I offer you mine. If you need an ear to listen, I'm here. I offer you my friendship and love. You are never truly alone!

Chin up, tomorrow will be here real soon!

The end?

So, it's with a heavy heart that I write this. Just a few hours ago, long time and founding member of Great Big Sea, Séan McCann, made this announcement:

My initial reaction was one of shock, as I'm sure was the feeling of many other fans. Then came the wondering why? Why now? Why is he leaving? Questions that only Séan can answer.

And then came fear. If Séan is leaving, does this mean its the end for Great Big Sea? I admit its crossed my mind, and it scares the hell out of me. For 11 years, Great Big Sea is all I've ever known. They have been my anchor that kept me here. They've been my lifeline that kept me from doing the unthinkable. I'm completely serious when I say that without the strength that the music of GBS brings me, I wouldn't be here typing these words right now. But more fear for Séan. I can't help but wondering what's going on with him right now, and just how bad things could be. I admit, I'm so worried for him right now, and I can only pray that he'll be okay.

Here's a poem I wrote to bid farewell to the Shantyman.

So glad I got to meet him roughly this time last years. The memory of hanging out with him after the show with my sister is a precious one. We talked, laughed, he signed our box sets, and got pictures. I'll always treasure that.

Thanks for the memories, Shantyman. Great Big Sea won't be the same without you!

I'd say cheers, but I don't feel very cheerful right now. 

Krista

Alan Doyle, Boy on Bridge

Writing blog posts isn't always easy, and this post is no exception. Why is it that something is harder to write about when you feel strongly about it? Maybe you want to do justice to the thoughts you're thinking; you want those thoughts to transfer well to words, but the words fail you. Such is my problem in trying to write about Alan Doyle's Boy on Bridge documentary film that aired on CMT Canada on Friday night. The film follows Alan's journey as he writes and records music for what would become his debut record of the same name.

LIGHT THE WAY

Keith Power, a good friend of Alan's remembers that he always wanted to Alan. Power, nearly six years Alan's junior (the same age as his baby sis Michelle) says that Alan was always the centre of attention- forever telling stories and entertaining people. And now, some 25 years later, he still wants to be Alan, for those same reasons.

For actor/musician Scott Grimes, (E.R., Band of Brothers, American Dad, Mystery Alaska, etc) working with Alan is a thrill. You see, Scott is more than Alan's friend, he's also a fan of his music, having been introduced to the music of Great Big Sea (www.greatbigsea.com) back in 1997. Since then, the two have worked together on a couple movies ( Robin Hood and A Winter's Tale), and several episodes of Republic of Doyle (CBC.ca/RepublicofDoyle).

Alan knew that he wanted Grimes and Power to sing backing vocals on the track Light the Way (co-written by Sean Panting), but given the schedules of the two, it would not be easy to do. So, knowing they were coming to a GBS gig, Alan brought them backstage, where he recorded it in his laptop. Scott, as a joke, had gone up an octave on one set of backing vocals, clearly not expecting it to be used. However, Alan loved the sound of it, so it stayed in.

WHERE I BELONG

Despite all his worldly travels, there is one place that Alan truly belongs, and that's the small fishing village of Petty Harbour (est pop 924 in 2011), located approximately 15 minutes south of St. John's, Newfoundland. It was here that a young Alan Doyle got his start, filling in on rhythm guitar in his Uncle Ronnie's band, The Ringdelles.

Ronnie Doyle, Alan's Uncle and Mayor of Petty Harbour at the time Boy on Bridge was being filmed remembers that day. He called up his brother (Alan's Dad) Tom and asked if Alan would like to fill in for that gig. Tom passed the phone to Alan, who agreed, and did indeed fill in. Ronnie still remembers Alan's amazement at being paid a few dollars like everyone else. 

While sitting with his Uncle Ronnie in the Mayor's Chambers, Alan reminisces about days gone by- Sundays at The Squid Jigger, and said that depending on who was playing with the band on that night, the tunes would vary. One fella in particular, you'd be playing a lot of country songs, whereas with another there would be a lot of accordion tunes. It always changed.

It was in Petty Harbour that Alan got his first movie credit as well- although he'd not know of that until many years later- in A Whale For The Killing, where he was listed as Alan Doyle- Boy on Bridge. That bridge played such an important role in Alan's life. He couldn't go anywhere without that bridge; it brought him to school, and later to St. John's, where he would attend university, help start Great Big Sea, and meet the woman who would eventually become his wife- and a brighter future. In retrospect, he supposes that's what Boy on Bridge really means.

JIM CUDDY JUST SANG ON MY RECORD

There are many Canadian musicians who, when writing songs, try to emulate Blue Rodeo. Alan is no exception to that. Hawksley Workman of who Alan says: don't get his way and let him do his thing- wrote and recorded several songs together for the Boy on Bridge record (Sorry, Love While Love's Awake, and one of the bonus tracks Somewhere In The Love We Made), including the song Northern Plains. As he was recording it, Alan thought like many others, "Wouldn't it be cool if Jim Cuddy sang harmonies on the track?" So he called up Jim, who agreed to do it. Obviously ecstatic at this happening, and rightly so, after Jim does the harmonies, exclaims "This record is now called 'Jim Cuddy just sang on my record' and that Jim's picture was going on the cover. "I'm the worst performer on my own record!"

Oh, and a couple pieces of advice. 

1. Never challenge yourself to write, sing and record a song about a cruise ship while on a cruise ship, because the free beer and wine slows it down. 

2. Hit record before you get the audience  to participate in said recording.

The end result was Mutiny on the Dawn, a bonus track available through Alan's website alandoyle.ca. The link for the bonus tracks is alandoyle.ca/bonus 

It's a song about the people on the cruise ship the Norwegian Dawn, who plan a mutiny. The audience all sings along, clapping, cheering, singing, and adding in "crazy noises of celebration", making a rollicking tune that much more fun. 

ON THE INJURED LIST

Towards the end of the Safe Upon the Shore tour, the slipped disc in Alan's back ruptured, causing him a lot of pain. When he got home and got an MRI to see what happened, the news was revealed, and he was told that he would need surgery or he'd face having nerve damage in his legs. With no other option, he had to go under the knife. Said a source that I won't reveal, he suffered with the pain after. He had a bed in the living room for weeks, and had to use a walker to get around. It was the first time I'd seen him in such incredible pain and it broke my heart. I hope he never has to go through that again.

WORKING WITH THE MAN OF A THOUSAND SONGS

It's unfathomable to me that there are people out there who have never heard of Ron Hynes. Here in Newfoundland, he is a legend, and is also one of Alan's idols. In Alan's opinion, Ron is, he thinks, the best songwriter in Atlantic Canada if not all of Canada. As a young boy in 1978-1982/83, Alan grew up watching the Wonderful Grand Band on TV, as did many others.

This time was not the first time that Alan had attempted to write a song with the great Ron Hynes. The first time, Alan admits that he was too young and excited for the opportunity to get anything done. The second chance came during a time when Ron was battling his drinking addiction. But luckily the third time was a charm and the sad but lovely tune (one of the bonus tunes available on Alan's website) Heart So Longs To Know was born. Written on a postcard of all things, in Ron's kitchen in Ferryland, it became another notch in his songwriting belt. 

STRUGGLES AND THE TRIP TO NASHVILLE 

GBS manager Louis Thomas, a good friend of Alan's, and also his personal manager, calls him up one day, challenging him to do better and write better songs, not a bunch of GBS B-sides as he put it. Alan was clearly frustrated, not wanting to have to work like a dog to get his own songs on his own record, but he pushed through. He says that the people he has around him are horrible ass-kissers; won't tell you that you're great. He knows its because they're trying to help, but in his mind all he hears is "You suck, I hate your songs." But on the advice of Louis, he heads to Nashville to work with fellow Atlantic Canadian and songwriter extraordinaire, Gordie Sampson. 

He didn't know anybody besides Gordie, but somehow he managed to write three songs- Where the Nightingales Sing, I've Seen A Little, and My Day. Also coming out of those sessions was an original, and personal favourite of mine, Break It Slow.

ANTHEMS AND WORRIES

Singing anthems is terrifying, Alan admits, because if you do it well, nobody notices. But if you screw up, everyone loves to make fun of you. This was said of singing the anthems for a Detroit/Toronto game, where he was doing press with Republic of Doyle co-creator and good friend, Allan Hawco. Although the American anthem is difficult for someone that doesn't have a "range-y" voice, Alan delivers (for those interested, there is a clip on YouTube).

There were worries on Alan's part about the whole project. As he and GBS were now at the end of a contract with Warner, they were technically deemed free agents, and he had to find someone else who was willing to release the record. But even if they did, would it be in a limited capacity? Luckily for Alan (and for us fans, Universal Music Canada was,  and released the project in full.

I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS (RUSSELL CROWE AND COLIN JAMES)

Russell Crowe helps out in Vancouver, and while he loves to tease Alan, ("take another lap around the building", "we're all here to make you look good-notice how many people that takes?") it's clear the two admire each other. Crowe says that when he knows he's writing for Alan, he goes to a higher gear... A place of brevity, because after 24/25 songs together, he knows what Alan wants to hear, and that it comes down to being touched by a song. He also says that Alan lives for his audience, and deserves the big one. 

The pair, who met during the 2004 NHL Awards, have fast become good friends, writing many songs together, with Alan producing Russell's only solo cd, My Hand, My Heart. Since then, Alan has appeared in two movies with Russell, and also on Republic of Doyle.

Alan is clearly blown away by Colin James who plays a mean bluegrass style guitar on Testify (sparked by the infamous phone throwing incident in NYC, and written while Crowe was doing press for Cinderella Man), giving it the feel it truly deserves.

Colin, who knows GBS well loves that Alan stepped out of the box and the way he did music.

MORE NERVES

Because of his back, the opportunity to work with great TV composer Mike Post had to be postponed. Alan, was worried he'd lost his chance, but luckily things worked out, and although nervous, he is is glad for the chance.

Post, who became a fan of GBS after seeing them at the HOB in L.A. about 6/7 years ago says that he was immediately blown away by the band. They weren't just rock, folk or pop, but all things combined. He also said that he knows Alan is really smart and talented- no BS. And he knew it when they were fooling around in the studio. He was sick, so they hadn't started until 2 that day, and 3 hours later they had a song. Later that night, Alan finished the lyric. 

Says Alan of the experience: I wanted to do something I'd never done before; not something I could've sang somewhere else. 

BLOWN AWAY AND GREATFUL

When it comes to the performers on his record, Doyle is blown away. They (Russell, Jim Cuddy, Hawksley, Mike Post, etc) did it for nothing whereas others would've had to pay a lot to get the help he did.

He's very thankful to Great Big Sea too, because if not for the band, he a young man, just out of university, never would've met his wife. And if he'd never met her, they wouldn't have their son together. He tries to pass off his strong emotion here by blaming it on dust, but its clear his family means everything to him.

When asked what advice he'd give his younger self on that bridge, Alan pauses before giving his answer. Even if he could, he wouldn't give any, because that young man found his way on his own and has done very well for himself.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

After watching the documentary, many thoughts have filled my head. 

1. I love the behind the scenes look to making the album and seeing how it all came together. 

2. It was hard seeing him in pain, and struggling to get around while using a walker, but was touched by his strength. 

3. I laughed quite a bit when he was working with Ron Hynes, there was obvious boyish delight on Alan's part, working with an idol of his. 

My overall impression is one of awe, wonder and pure delight. I feel as if I was taken on a journey, seeing all the ups and downs, highs and lows and everyday things that can get in the way of your dreams. But Alan is an inspiration, getting through everything and making his dream come true. I can honestly say now that I'll never hear the Boy on Bridge record the same again, and I'll always appreciate and love it more than before because of everything he had to go through to make it.

Two thumbs way up, and five stars here. 

Your thoughts?