"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light." This article is to express my deepest thanks to those people who proved this quote right.

Most of them have not met me;They do not even know my full name; They all are from a differnet country;different culture;very different life style;Yet they are all very special to me as I am to them. I have never thought - not even in my wildest dreams - that my single trip to USA will win so many friends for me who make me to look for the rainbow in every storm

Marilyn Cockett : Her bubbly voice and enthusiastic mails make me always suspicious of her 50+ age.She is the most positive person I have ever known in my life - a 'never say die' character. Irrespective of the problem you are in ,Marilyn will always say ' Nothing to worry....keep your mind open...there is always a way out and I'm with you!'.She does prove that she is with you through out the hard times by her encouraging mails and frequent phone calls. I bet , you can never bring out a negative statement from Marilyn.I have many times thought that she is filled with positive thoughts instead of blood.Everyday she answers 100s of mails from strangers counselling and guiding them into the spiritual path.Marylin is a sort of friend that I can always count on to advise and understand; who is there for me when she'd rather be somewhere else.Whenever I think of her , this quote crosses my mind - 'Friends are God's way of taking care of us' How I wish we all have a friend like Marilyn!

Susan Laber :I feel like introducing her as a 60 year young baby, born with two wheels as Sue is so plain,pure and active like a baby, always on the move to help others. It looks to me that her internal system is set for instant action by the word 'help'..Apart from her full time job and a family to look after, she is into a lot of commitments - Christian ministries, student exchange programs, youth festivals....the list is too long to remember.If there is someone who is busier than the President of United States,then it must be none other than Sue. Where she finds time to do all these and write long inspiring mails addressing each minute details is a billion dollar question,perhaps worth researching.

Once I just made a passing remark of my dreams stating from my wildest dream of 'cleaning up India' to my silliest one - learning to play music' adding that these dreams are going to remain as dreams throughout my life.I was speechless when I saw her response by giving a plan to achieve all my dreams addressing each one individually .She also added that she wants to complete her Masters and then her Ph.D before she is 80.Her optimistic dream made me ashamed of myself for my pessimistic thoughts but yet I never believed that any of my dreams could ever come true. But I was really moved when she started preparing for my music lessons over fax or e-mail apart from praying very seriously for my dreams.I must say that my dreams are turning realities one by one.Sue's favourite quote is 'expect a miracle today'. I have no doubt that she is a miracle in my life. She is like a diamond to me - precious and rare.

Linda Weaver : A soft ,loving woman with 'Gentle' as her middle name .She is a well wisher of everyone on earth.Many times I had wanted to ask her if she is aware of an emotion called 'anger'. Even her e-mails sound soft. Her simple mails carry a gentle whisper of love and care and eagerness to keep the friendship alive.If keeping in touch is an art,she is an expert in it. A very confidential and understanding friend with whom I never had to hesitate to share my silliest disappointments and momentary out bursts. She gets me thro' the hard times and help me enjoy the good ones.If Linda adopts two Asian children as per her wish ,I am pretty sure that those children are blessed ones to have such an wonderful mom.

Jim Weaver : 'Jimbo' , as I address him - is a witty engineer with very high values for people. A caring individual with a strong liking for Indian food. When I first met him in a new office,in a new country,I was disappointed that I was going to have an arrogant colleague.He proved me 100% wrong by his 'extra ' patience for all my tiny doubts and the consideration he showed for a new-comer. When I was completely helpless, he drove me to shopping , for exploring different foods , helped me to get more friends and finally listened to all my lectures about India with interest.

He is one among the very few reasons that made me feel bad for leaving the USA.I really thought the story had ended there but it was just a beginning. Jimbo is not only keeping in touch with me through regular e-mails and occasional phone calls but has introduced me a lot of good friends. I get a bunch of wishes from his friends for my birthday.His friends surprise me by their mails stating that they have heard a lot about me from Jimbo.Like to recall an incident here that left me awestruck.When I made a long distance call to Jimbo's residence for the first time without any prior notice, his new roommate answered the call and instantly asked me - ' Is it nimi?'

I would say that this article is incomplete and I really need an another forum for writing about my other friends - William Skryzypczk , Bob Zelenak and Dody Hoover who proved that time isn't what makes a friendship last...It's love and devotion that keeps the tie between souls.

I'm really overwhelmed by the affection and attention from my special friends. I have learnt and learning a lot from them. I pick up courage, spirit and strength from them to live positively. I salute all of them for having made me a better friend to many by setting themselves as examples.

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