It appears things may be turning around. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Many of you responded to a post I put up about a month ago. Without going into to muc details, my love of collecting coins and my even more belowed collection was (and still is to a significant degree) at serious risk due to a massive change in my family's finanical position. The reaponse I received was both heartwarming, humbling and though provoking.

Heartwarming in a way that several of you who I have exchanged emails with sent very kind, sweet (yes I said it in a public domain of mostly men) and supportive. While I was not shocked as I am aware of the caliber of people who enjoy this way of life, it was nice to see that concept continue to and unfailingly manifest itself. I heard from some that I had never written to before, in particular a man my age who has sufferred from physical problems and financial problems far worse than mine who was and is very profound. I opt not to reveal his name or call sign to protect his privacy, he most certainly can do so if he desires.

It was also humbling for many reasons but it ties into the last sentence of the previous paragraph. It could be so much worse. Will I live through it? Probably. Will I suffer the loss of my collection? Maybe. Will it destroy me? No. Will it rip my heart out? Probably. But life goes on.

It was also thought provoking in much the same way it was humblnig. While I did not have an epiphany, I did find myself surprisingly with a greater decrease in anxiety after receiving notes from so many of you. We really are a brother/sisterhood of people. From those who are assembling their first Lincoln Cent, to those who could afford to bid on Hubak's Large Cents collection last month, we share many common bonds, and with that we suffer collectively when we see a comrade go down.

These three things have helped to hold me together as have the occasional note from some of you even one month later.

Thanks to all of you out there, simply for being who we are. Passionate, kind, caring, noble and resilient folks of the highest caliber.

On a final interesting note. I have had no income from coventional sources for over a month now. What has paid the bills? Sales of excess invetory. Invetory that I bought a very long time ago and have been listing forever on auction sites. They had not been selling. This past month, since I lost my job, I have sold over $6,000 of excess invetory. I dare you to tell me that this is a coincidence.

Continuing Regards to all,

Chad