Hello all.

Sorry for my disappearance. I'm not quite ready to rejoin daily activity here, but I wanted to let you all know where I have been, and why.

As many of you know, I took my family to Walt Disney World at the end of January. It was a big, long-anticipated trip - eleven days, ten nights of magic in store for us.

Life has a funny way of twisting things around on you.

I got crazy busy the last few days before the trip, ended up staying up very late the night before we were to leave, and delaying my trip several hours that day, trying to help tie up some loose ends at my day job. We finally got underway, ready for that magical trip!

The first couple of days went fine. On day three, we were enjoying extra magic hours at Disney's Hollywood Studios, waiting for our turn on the new Toy Story Midway Mania, when we got a call from my mother in law's number. A friend of the family was on the phone, wanting to speak to me, refusing to speak to my wife.

Donna's twenty-eight year old brother had died. No cause, no explanation - he simply went to bed and did not wake up.

We looked very seriously at our options, but Donna's family begged us to not come home - there was nothing we could do, the trip was for the kids (Caleb's twelfth birthday was to be celebrated there), etc. So we stayed. I'm still not sure it was the right call.

The rest of the trip was understandably dampened - Donna crying a LOT, spending lots of time on the phone with family, trying to figure out what happened, what to do, etc.

Towards the end of our trip, I got a call from work, needing me to do something for them (VERY unusual). I paid the $10 for internet access, ran the report they needed.

So, we came home, and it was like being hit with the news all over again. Then, it decided to pour, rather than just rain.

My work denied my request for two days bereavement leave, and insisted I come in. They met with me and placed me on administrative leave. A little over a week later, they fired me.

I have now been out of work for four weeks. I have been working very long hours doing contract work, and have been living in a pretty depressing environment overall. Sorry, folks, I'm just not feeling the creative juices right now.

Things are looking up - I have an interview in two weeks for a position I am very well qualified for. I have done well enough on the contract work to survive.

I hope to be back very soon.

Ehhh... that is awful my dear. I've been sending out good vibes for you and hope that they start working for you soon.

It is great to see you at least logged finally. Just seeing your name pop up there on the list brightened my day. You've been greatly missed Olan.



M.

You may not know us, met us or have any idea who we are, but we understand. We will stand behind you and offer as much support as we are able from around the country and across the world. I'm sure I speak for all 1798 of us when I wish you luck at your interview, and offer my condolences to your family, and your wife in particular. I can't even imagine what she might be going through (and the family with her) but I will send as much positive energy as I can your way, in hopes that it might brighten the currently sullen days before you.

Sorry that things went so wrong for you in so many different ways. Dragon Mistress and I wish you and your family the very best for the future. We hole that that interview will get you that job and all the security that goes with it.

...out in the Universe for you and yours, as always, my friend.

Sorry that things have been so exceedingly horrible for you all of late and, of course, understand the reallocation of your time and attentions as is appropriate. We do miss you around here, though, and, like Meri, just seeing a recent post with your name on it brought a smile to my face and some small amount of peace in knowing that you're still with us.

Keeping my fingers crossed for you on the employment issue, too. Hope to see you again, soon.

Olan old friend. I can understand that you feel some obligation towards us and the site and thank you for giving everyone a head's up on what's going on.

However I'm sure everyone agrees with me that you should take all the time you need to get everything sorted out and only when you really feel it's no extra burden to you, should you return. Us... We won't be going anywhere. You're stuck with us for good.

Oh and give a big and a warm hug to D and the kids from me and mine. We're really sorry to hear of your loss. If you need someone to talk to, I'm right here.

Everyone has already expressed the words and emotions, prayers and thoughts being sent your way (for you and your family). Don't worry about the Inn. If there's anything I can do for the Inn in your time of need that you'd otherwise handle, let me know.

Remember: it can be the most beautiful right after a storm...

I wanted to say something profound, but the words wouldn't come. I can only offer my condolences to the man who runs my second home of seven years.

I'm sorry for your loss. No one should have to endure that news during a happy time like that.

Hey Boss like Raven, Eol, Brom, Merideth and all the others said above we are here for you as needed and I too hope that everything for you will turn out ok.

If you need anything you know what to do Luv Ya Boss.........

I've been hesitant to say anything, since I don't know what message would be best. I think Brom's words best describe it, though such a thing can usually be seen after everything is over. I hope that day will soon come.

Lord Death became a lawyer - somehow that is just perfect.

Thanks for all of the kind words and thoughts, folks. Good to know that people care.

...in one form and/or fashion or another, to more than one of you... Once an Innmate, always an Innmate, no matter what real life does to keep you from visiting as often as you'd like. This place wouldn't be anything without all of you crazy facelick magnets runnin' around postin' stuff and whatnot.

Sure, Olan and crew built a super-neato forum for us to romp around in but, if it wasn't for you Innmates - sporadic or otherwise - what would it be? It'd be like a party with one person... *yawn*

Besides... we've got an Innmate who's a lawyer!!! Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude!!!