Just fired this email off to Keith:

[Muffstser]

(I made it a point to not go back and edit this. I wanted it raw. It may not be eloquent, but at least it's honest.)

Dear Keith:

I'm sure you'll never read this, because you're undoubtedly being bombarded with a sea of emails. Nonetheless, I couldn't help writing you.

I've been wondering if something was wrong, because you've been away from "Countdown" so much. For weeks, I couldn't shake this really bad feeling that something was wrong. To have this be the reason why is heartbreaking.

But you know what? Your being so gut wrenchingly honest tonight was the single bravest thing you could have done. As hard as telling the world must have been, your sheer gutsiness may very well have saved a life tonight. That, in and of itself, is a gift.

I can't imagine coming home from a tiring, long day at work and not seeing your smiling face, telling me what's gone on, and putting a quirky spin on it. It's in large part because of you that I'm going back to school to do what I've always wanted to do...get my journalism degree. You can't imagine the impact you've had on my life, and so many others.

Rest assured, you'll be in my prayers tonight, and for a long time to come. In the meantime, I'm sending a donation in your name to the American Cancer Society. After all you've given of yourself, it's the least I can do.

[RevCheesehead]

1. That's beautiful, Muff.

And if Keith doesn't reply, I'm still sure he's very appreciative.

[Muffstser]

2. Ya know what, Rev? I don't care if I hear back or not.

Sure, I'd love it if he did. But the only thing that really matters now is that no more people die of this damned disease. Ya know?

[RevCheesehead]

3. OK, I sent him one, too.

Dear Keith,

I want to thank you for tonight's show. Your opening tribute to Peter Jennings was incredible, and one of the best that I've seen. That was truly spectacular work, and I'm sure Peter would be proud.

But even more, I want to thank you for sharing your personal story. Allow me to elaborate:

Last week, one of my parishoners died of lung cancer. He lived seven months from diagnosis to death, and his funeral was last Tuesday. It was a horrible death, but it came, mercifully, very quick. Most people don't know about the horrors of cancer, especially lung cancer, unless someone close to them gets it.

Also, you should know that your sharing of your story has already affected many of your loyal viewers. I post on Democratic Underground, and we have a group which follows your show closely. (Aw, heck, we're the ones who bought you a birthday tie this year)
Your passioned plea has already convinced two regular posters to at least consider quitting smoking. And they're listening - because it came from you. Not just a "friendly reminder," but a slap-in-the-face, "do it now, stupid" commentary which got to all of us.

And that, Mr. Olbermann, is what got through to them. I don't know how many lives you may have saved tonight, but I know of at least two.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,
(RevCheesehead)

[Muffstser]

4. Aw, Rev, I'm bawling again.

That was beyond eloquent. Good job.

At least he won't be able to say he's not feeling the love, eh?

[bleever]

5. Hey you guys. This is touching, especially to find

right after I tried to find words for my own appreciation.

What an incredible experience of television news. Shared by humans.

Thanks, KO.

[RevCheesehead]

6. Aw, Bleev -

I love ya, buddy! :hug:

(don't tell Sparky, ok?)

[bleever]

7. Darling, I have NO idea where the boiler room is, let alone the

small hole (1/4") drilled through the wall between the boiler room and the broom closet.

Whatever secrets you have with Sparky, they're safe with me.

;)


Ar.

[Berry Cool]

8. Muff, Rev, thanks for sharing your emails.

They are beautifully written.

[Muffstser]

10. Aw, thanks, Berry

Ya know what? Coming from a real writer (which I hope to be someday), that means an awful lot. Big hugs to you!!!

[Berry Cool]

14. Being a writer is in the doing

however you do it.

Looks like you are one, to me.

[gkhouston]

9. No, you don't know where the hole is NOW, Mr. Innocent.

Not now, after I've put wood filler in it, as instructed. But then you don't need a hole, with the new surveillance sys... uh, was that supposed to be a secret?

[RevCheesehead]

11. ROFLOL

:rofl: Gah! You crack me up.

[gkhouston]

12. um, Ruth, you say that...

but the tapes tell an entirely different story... :evilgrin:

[spooky3]

13. Great job, Muff and Rev. He will appreciate your emails.