thanks, grady.
i've actually been a 'stepdad' twice in my life to two very troubled teenage boys. both of them today are 28 and 30, respectively, and from last report doing quite well. i'd like to think that the positive reinforcement/steers i brought into their lives, being without their real fathers played a major role in their reversal of fortunes..both had spent time in juvenille, etc. i also had to be a father to my little brother, who today is 27. our father was out of the picture and he needed a dad more than a brother through about the first 18 years of his life. today we're brothers again. he's a fantastic young man, and when the chips have been down for me, he's actually been able to return the favor by being there for me..
yes, i don't see you as the type to steer away from adversity, but see it as an opoortunity to help and for personal growth as well. interesting how all of us on this board who have never met you, nonetheless recognize your obvious inherent goodness. this, and not your voluminous p-car acumen, is your obvious most important contribution..by miles and miles..
ryan