Once in a persons lifetime if they are lucky, a person encounters another, joined by a common thread and an enduring passion. Once in a lifetime one is rewarded with a knowledge so powerful it stops you in an instant and you reflect on what has been placed in front of you. Once in a lifetime you are lucky enough to know what the word "Mentor" really means. As of recent, that once in a lifetime has happened to me. Although I am just like you, a collector of fine engravings, instruments of our Nations Financial past, Banknotes and Vignette's from many decades now gone by. Once in a Lifetime are you afforded a chance to read about another's mentor, the impact on a life from a true love and passion of another. I feel blessed tonight and I can only hope that this is read by a person that means more to me than he may realize. May God Bless and keep you, you will remain in my thoughts as long as there is life within my body and mind. Oh how I wish that I might be able to meet you and shake the hand of a Great Numismatist, yes just once in my lifetime...... Sincere regards, RickieB
Well written Rick! Peaple come and go in our lives. Every so often you are really touched in some profound way. Sometimes it is instant, and sometimes it takes a little time for it to sink in. In either case the effects are ever lasting and the gratitude is immense. Many times we wish we could go back and say thank you for all you have done. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your guidance. Thank you for your time. Thank you for you encouragement and you faith. I don't know of who you write but I know, I really know ~ what it means! Be well!!! Darryl
A very poignant post. I too wanted to wish you well and to acknowledge having read this important thread. Sincerely, Chris
Rickie, you have been a mentor to all who know you. I thank you for you friendship,I thank you for sharing your beautiful collection with all of us,an most of all for just being the person you are in every way. I hope your "Once in a Lifetime" wish will come true. Sincerely, Bob
Very inspiring words rickie, very thought provoting and great choice of words, only if I had the words to speak so eqoluently. +10 for you
For those of you who have replied or wanted to reply, however, not knowing how to or what to say. This experience that happened with me is immense in all ways. Some of you may know of whom I speak, many others will not. The "Once in a Lifetime" has changed the way I look at our hobby of Paper Money Collecting. A collection of Paper Money Publications dating as far back as the early 70's through 2007 along with several other PCDA publications now grace my personal library. The Articles are incredible and diverse in every way. They span many areas of Paper Money, so much so, that I can not even begin to list them all. It will take me quite a while to go through them and 1 of the publications even contained some notes that went out with that particular PCDA release...The Articles on some of the Engravers is simply just incredible. I will remain forever grateful for what has been passed my way and will pass on these "Great Publications " to my son. Regards, RB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vgfeLat3RI Music rules me at time Ricky. My feeble respose pales as I know not of whom you speak, but the the effect that this person has had upon you is quite evident. Mentors, Fathers, and Friends...... Here, Here.....a toast to them all.
