Congratulations on 1,000 stories. Also, you just made my day with what you said about my writing actually making a difference to you. I feel precisely the same way about your writing, as it happens. You'll be pleased to know my knowledge of history, of theology, and of Bruce Springsteen has greatly increased, thanks to you. What's more, I've not simply acculumated more knowledge. I've changed the way I think on certain topics as a result, for the better (though not country music - I'm still right about that).

More important than that, you (and several of the people you mention here) proved to be God-given creative colleagues and friends at a time I desperately needed both. That's a long story for another time (ideally over a few beers, and in person).

Thank you for all your encouragement, support, and for all the writing. I'd better end this comment now, before it starts to sound like a nauseating Oscar acceptance speech. :)