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Gaze has asked me to write a quick write-up on being elected your July POTM.

First off, let me say Thank You to all who voted for me. I am both honoured and humbled by this distinction.

In all honesty, when I joined the site in May 2007, I ad expected to be merely a JAFO (Just Another, um, let me say, Observer). I had contemplated buying a Jeep Patriot to replace my ailing 1997 Ford Escort Wagon. I was very impressed with 1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic we got for my wife in 2001 and frankly I was envious.

That became very apparent in the winter of 2002/2003 when I attempted to back my Escort up a very snowed-in driveway and I had high-centered. As I was digging myself out, my wife came home from work drove up the very deep driveway and asked "Whatcha doin' darlin'?" as she chortled and drove effortlessly into the garage.

Fast forward to 2007 and the availability of a Jeep similar to the look of Cherokee. I had to have one.

I wanted to be fully aware of the good, bad and inconsequential of the new Patriot. This site was to give me the much needed feedback. And it did - big time.

Then the unexpected happened. I met you people (well virtually at any rate). And what a Motley Crew you folks turned out be too.

My wife was feeling listless and testing found a *shadow* on a lung. We were confident the worst that could be was a benign tuberculosis scar or remnant from when she was a kid and her family took in a boarder who had TB. We went out after the doctor's appointment and saw our Patriot on a showroom floor. We bought it.

I was due to pick up the Patriot on July 27, the same as another doctor's appointment. The same day we got the news the shadow was in fact lung cancer. It was with very mixed feelings that I picked up the Patriot, brought it home, took some pics (like the one advertized in the July POTM promo. We immediately went for a road trip with our new Patriot to try and digest all the news.

I found myself engaging with issues, trials and tribulations from members in the forums. That was so unlike me. But you folks engaged me. Whether answered queries because I had similar problems I found solutions for or I too had problems, I engaged. And you folks responded in abandoned. It was terrific.

I had kept my wife's illness out of the forums. The exchange of problems, technical diagnoses, humour, politics and zippy repartee made coming online something to look forward to. A respite from my home turmoils.

Then I felt compelled to share the news of my wife's battle with cancer with you. I weep as I write this as I say her again, a heartfelt thank you for your time, energy and support.

Shirley lost her battle with cancer on September 29, 2008 and I disappeared for a bit while I dealt with my new reality. When I returned, you folks were still here and more supportive than ever.

You listened when I needed to talk. You debated when there was a debate and you exhalted me when I solved a problem for folks and slammed me when I did or said something dense. Kind of like a family really.

So, I am humbled to be your July POTM. But, to retain my crown, I will not answer the question about same sex marriage. I do confess though I did inhale in the late 60s and early 70s. Yeah, I am that old.

Oh crap!. Gaze wanted a "quick" write-up. So here goes...

Thank you ALL for making me your JULY POTM. But most of thank you for allowing me to be part of this great forum and for helping endure the loss of the greatest woman I have ever known.

Cheers,
Doug