Alright, so this is LONG overdue and I apologize for the delay.
I was at my father's house for his birthday in early December and he told me he had a gift for ME. "Wha?" I ask. He says it's the same guy that gave me the Moonraker wrist gun last year.
He brings out a big shipping tube and points his camera at me. :lol
There's a letter which reads:
"Michael,
On behalf of the RPF members involved in this years Secret Santa gift exchange I'd like to offer you this small token of the huge appreciation we feel for all the hard work you put into setting it up and all the headaches you have to endure chasing up late posters.
I hope you like it and that it goes well with your Jeep although you'll need to talc up your beard a little to really play the part.
Welcome to Jurassic Park.....
Have a very Merry Christmas and an even better New Year.
From..... Your Super Secret Santa"
I opened up the package to reveal this:
View attachment 692514
It's truly beautiful! Thank you so much! I have to ask though, how bad do you think all of you guys are that I need a gift of this scale to make up for it? :lol I am truly appreciative and whether this was a group effort or a solo one you should identify yourself so that I can thank you properly!
This year was truly one of the hardest I've ever been through with medical issues and the near ending of my marriage (NEAR, we're saving it). When I was younger, I hated Christmas. Bad things always happened around this time and it was rough at my place. Not a lot of happy memories if I'm honest. Then when I had kids I decided I wasn't going to pass that on and it grew better.
Then I started doing this exchange here...
I have to tell you, you guys are amazing. Every year I see the thought and care that goes into gifts for people who in reality are complete strangers and it fills me with what the Christmas spirit should be, putting a smile on someone's face. You guys truly warm my heart. Thank you, and Merry Christmas.
Pardon me... Someone must be cutting onions over here. Lol