Around 0930 Sunday morning I took a break from some work I was trying to complete and hopped on S2KI, ready to compose my "thank you" post. Well, all I could manage at that point was to stare at the screen. No, I wasn't hungover. LOL A little sleep deprived? Yes.

I mean, how does one say "thank you" without fully considering the reason, and in this case reasonS? Saying "thank you" and meaning it was not difficult in the least. But fully accepting that I would not see many of you again any time soon has really hit home. By delaying this post, I guess I had hoped I would somehow postpone the inevitable. Well, several days later, the clock hasn't stopped moving towards moving day. And while this cannot be a complete acknowledgement of all those from our community and how they've touched my life in so many ways over the many years, I hope somewhere in here you find my heart and feel how full it is when I have you all occupying such a large part of it.

Starting with the most recent, thank you Aaron & Stephanie. Everyone has so much on their plates these days, especially folks getting married in a few months. To take- no, make that "to MAKE," time to host Saturday's shindig meant a lot to me. Adding the little things like the themed napkins, balloons, and ceiling mobiles (could've done without the "Crash and Burn" one ) was pretty neat. Somehow coercing so many people to show up speaks volumes to either how much pull you have in the community or how much fun the two of you are... or most likely, both. Thank you.

To those who traveled quite the distance, I know Tony (moparacker) came up from the VA Beach area, while Jeff (WhrDLMI) and Keith (KAMcDonald) motored in from WV. Mike (Mike Loving) came from the B'more area as did Jason (magikcow) and Bree. The danger I run into being specific is that I will inevitably miss someone. As in I almost omitted someone I met at my very first meet (Charlottesville 2002)- Dave (w1ngman) from west of Richmond. Thank you.

To all those a wee bit more local, I still know it takes scheduling and effort to make certain events. You all have no idea how much it means to me to know you took the time to show your support not just for me, but for the community as whole. There were faces in attendance that many of us hadn't seen in years. Ryan (liquid ice) and John (Pop-tarts) are two. Not only did I get to see them, but I also got to meet half of their new lives- their wives. Seeing people change and evolve is an incredible gift of being a little bit older than most of you. As I stood back and surveyed all the interaction (many times), I felt as if I were removed completely from the party and able to take in the fact that life moves forward. And that is good.



I have to stop for now (this little bit thus far has taken a bit of time to compose, because I find myself reliving the immediate past as well as the nearly decade-long memories that each of you generate). I will return to write more later tonight. There are so many of you not listed yet that have had a hug impact and deserve proper kudos.

In the most honest sense of the words... I love you all.

Skip

 

Saved for continuation...

Old school - June 2004



"Custom" caliper paint job



Autox @ Manassas - 2005 - Video footage back then was "trick" and could be played on dash monitor.

 

that is all that is needed.

 

I think I have something in my eye!

Skip, I didn't get to say all the things I wanted to on Saturday night given the events of the hour preceding my half-hearted "toast," but the "thank you" is on us. It's on all of us for what you've done for the Mid-Atlantic community. Best of luck to you in NC.

 

Stop trying to get the last word! We already said thank you and we mean it

 

Thank you for your warm hearted acknowledgement, Skip. For me it's not necessary but knowing you in short period of time I'm part of this community, I know that you will go out of your own way to make everybody feel acknowledged and welcomed.

As a service member that dedicates his life to have the honor in serving this great nation, I never have time to make long lasting or dear friends. My first and last long time and dear friends are from way back in 1986. This is the only time that I can say I have made another friends that are long lasting and dear to me and Skip you are on top of that list.

Take care dear friend and God speed.

 

Good luck Skip! You're moving on with your life and that's a good thing. Just because you're living doesn't mean that everyone will forget about you. I'm sure every time you'll be in the area you will get to see most of the people you know again and catch up.
I don't even think that you have to 100% quit racing either. Isn't there a track next to where you'll be? This way you can go kick some ass and say that you are one of the Summit Point guys

 

Skip, You have truly been a ambassador for the S2000 community and a big part of me hanging around for 9+ years now.

 

Sorry I couldn't end up making it to the party. It was great to meet you a few months ago. Best of luck in NC

 

Miss ya already Skip! Best to you in Life! I know we'll see each other again...this blue marble is too small for us not to!

- Dave