I was somewhat down yesterday. Okay, I was really down yesterday. I mean, I was I spitting mad at my kids, frustrated by work, overwhelmed with housework, saddened by the death of a child of a co-worker of mine, and mostly sick of myself for not counting my blessings....
I really didn't know where to go with all of these conflicting feelings. So I wrote a post.
Within minutes, my phone rang. 
This smart, lovely lady called to make me smile. Amanda Hall and I have never spoken on the phone. We've carried on in hijacked posts and had tons of fun doing it, but have never spoken to each other. Until yesterday, when Amanda had the feeling she could help. So she did. Amanda reached out and I am privileged to call her friend and to have her telephone number stored on my cell phone!
Later yesterday, I missed a telephone call. When I checked my messages, it turns out that another rainer called to say hi. 
Jason Crouch, a great man who happens to be #1 in his home state on Active Rain. I have never spoken with Jason before. We've commented on each other's posts and I really love to read his stuff, but we don't really know each other. Coincidence? I don't think so.
All through the day, I got encouragement via email from a man who I feel I have become very good friends with. Gary Woltal and I have never spoken, but yesterday, more than ever, this man reached out to see how I was doing.
If you haven't had the pleasure of getting to know Gary through his heartwarming posts, you don't know what you are missing. First thing this morning, first email I read and Gary is checking in.
Today, I was out with clients and the telephone rang again. Jason Crouch calling (another stored number in my phone). By the time I was finished with my client, he was with his client, so we didn't get a chance to speak. I truly want to thank him for his kindness.
I walked in the door this afternoon to my cell phone ringing again. 
Jesse Clifton is just a wonderful human being. He was calling today, on his way out of town for a few days, just to check in because I seemed a little down yesterday. Jesse made me laugh, as always. Not only is he a great realtor and a smart man, but he is just a great guy. The third number stored in my phone in 24 hours, and all from my friends on Active Rain.
This is a public affirmation. To the folks at Active Rain for creating this community. To Amanda, Jason, Gary, and Jesse for really reaching out there. To all the caring comments on this post and many others from wonderful people like TLW, Chris Fisher, Jason Sardi, Neal Bloom, Elaine Hanson, C. Tann-Starr, Sylvie, Pam, Sally Cheeseman, Irene Woodworth, Richard, Marc, Don, Andrew (come back), Jenn, Pat, Mara, Lisa, Mirela, Liz Carter, Paul S. ... and many others. I can't thank you all enough for being people who I think of as friends. Someday, I am going on a huge road trip. I am going to stop by and visit a lot of you and raise a glass to your humanity. I am touched by it and I am humbled. Thank you.
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Susan,
You are a good judge of character...these are 'all star' rainers with character...and time tested!!! Thanks, Fran