Well, I figured I'd just go ahead and bump this.
Malcolm, Cherry, Jesse, 7 of 9, and Conan:
Thank you for:
Picking me up at the airport; it's always nice to have someone meet you in a strange place.
Your hospitality, home-cooked meals, and a warm bed.
Treating me like part of the family.
Putting up with my insane demand that I must swim an hour each day.
Showing me around Christchurch.
Showing me the real HoP.
But most of all, Malcolm, thank you for creating this amazing community in which we play. Thank you for providing this grey cyber-world in which I have met so many amazing and colorful people who have enriched my life, challenged me to change my ways, and shared in my triumphs and setbacks.
Thanks to what you've created here, I have traveled all the way to Australia and New Zealand, places I've only visited once before at age 16, and found that this place is FULL of good friends. Even if they all talk funny.

There are even children who owe their lives to you, Malcolm. How many HoPers have met on this site and had kids? In your quiet, unassuming way, you have accomplished something truly extraordinary here. You yourself may not appreciate it, but we sure do.

Finally, I want you to know how impressed I was by Jesse. He is the smartest, most articulate, funniest kid his age I've ever met. And in my line of work, I've met a LOT of kids! I am certain that he will grow into an intelligent, articulate, funny, confident, and probably very handsome man. I'll look forward to following him as he grows.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Please and come visit me in California.
