Misker's Den-izens will be 5 years old this year. When I started this group it was with a yearning inside of myself to reach out and minister to others the best way I knew how. To bring people together in a circle of love. I wanted a nondenominational group of friendship and caring.

A group without prejudice or bigotry. A group for all nations and all creeds of people. I hoped to join us all in a bond of friendship and fellowship. To this point Misker's Den-izens is exactly that and more. This group has grown beyond my expectations. 

I have met some wonderful people in Miskerville and each has touched my heart in different ways. I have been amazed at all the diversity of lives that I have encountered over the last 5 years. 

The folks I have had the pleasure of talking to either by email - by phone - by regular post office mail and those I have met in person -- each have touched my life in some way or other. The differences in all of us has made me grow in my life and in my own spirituality.

I have learned about different places - different religions - different creeds and different circumstances. 

I have had the pleasure of helping some on the road to a safer lifestyle by finding them an address for a shelter in their area. I have had the honor  of trust and respect of lending my shoulder to some very different problems. Where I could not help I was able to head the person in the direction of someone else who could.

I have celebrated the new found sobriety of some members and I have celebrated members who have kicked drug habits. I have helped some with trying to understand their inner selves and there has even been a couple of folks who thought suicide would be a better life that have changed their minds and are living a happier life these days.

I have shared in births of children and grandchildren and furrbabies. I have shared in loss of a loved one.

The people in it are such a wonderful blend of different lifestyles and cultures. I can not even begin to express what this group Misker's Den-izens means to me. 

From about mid 2002 to the end of 2003 I myself went through some personal changes and walked along the edge of an emotional roller coaster at times. This group kept me going and showed me that problems in my own life in some cases were so minute compared to some others I encountered within the group on a day to day basis. 

This group has helped me become stronger within myself as well. Spiritually and mentally and emotionally I am a stronger person then I was 5 years ago when I began Misker's Den-izens with a dream of ministering to others. 

As I head into 2004 with a much brighter attitude and my life back to normalcy -- I wish to thank each and every member of Misker's Den-izens for your part in my daily world. 

May you only have a future in 2004. May your memories of the past be easier to remember without hurt or sorrow. May you be blessed as your presence in my life has blessed me. 

Take care of yourselves and remember you are all special people.

God Bless 

Misker 
January 10th - 2004