Thank You Everyone!!!

Thank you seems so insufficient for everything that you all have done in that last few months and for all you've done for so many years. I have been struggling with how to best word this for weeks and could never seem to get it right but you all need to know how big a part you've played in so much of our life. When we got married we moved away from both of our families because of how expensive housing had gotten.  With no family near by you all often filled that void for us, sharing knowledge and encouragement on so many topics to help us navigate the many challenges we've faced, that after a while it became almost a running joke that whenever there was something I didn't understand I was directed to go ask my car people.  I joined the old message board shortly before I ended up doing a month in a rehab hospital after a serious car crash.   Jodi worked in the hospital so I was able to sneak out of my room at night and roll down to the computer in the rec room and come here to pass time when I couldn't sleep.  When I wanted to go home by Christmas but couldn't get up the stairs to my apartment someone here came up with an idea how to do it that i was able to convince the PTs would work.     

When we bought our home and I had to learn how houses work again everything I needed to know I was able to get here.  Jodi's health issues started to flare up shortly after we moved into the house and so many of you gave us advice on managing or recovering from her various ailments and checking in to make sure I was handling things ok.  Whether it was controlling her diabetes and using her insulin pump, to making the house more accessible after her stroke, to being able to continue traveling as she became less mobile.  A big step in helping Jodi live a full life after the stroke was how well our first trip to the Rolex 24 went. She wasn't going to come out to the track at all because the walking was wearing her out.  Someone suggested I look to rent a wheelchair for a few days to move her around.  She was very reluctant because she felt it was admitting defeat but i got one anyway and basically gave her the choice of the chair or sitting in the car all day.  Once she gave in it was the greatest thing to happen in years.  Everyone we met at the track was extremely welcoming and friendly, one of the first people we met explained how to flag down a van to take us anywhere in the facility, and she never felt out of place.  it went so well that she ordered one our way home that we used almost everywhere we went.

These past two months have been indescribably difficult for me, and at first I really questioned how I could go on and you've made this so much more bearable.  I'm extremely thankful for everything.  the cards, messages, flowers, gifts, donations to the dog rescue, and countless other things I've forgotten to mention have been so generous and thoughtful.  As I try and work through everything and sort out how to put a life together after this it's really good to know that there is a group of really good friends that are always able to help with advise and encouragement.  Thank you all so very much for helping me through so much of life.

Wally 

You are a good man.

And we love you.

Read the above posts. 

I can not say it better. 

Much love, brother.  Reading your words really resonates for me as well.  I haven't lost a wife (other than a divorce), but I think one of the reasons you feel the love from the forum folks is because we feel it too.  It's like a big http echo chamber full of hugs.

You keep reaching out.  We know your struggles aren't over.  Stay strong and know we're here.

Wally-I don't know if you realize how much of an asset you are to the community as well. During one of the forum revamps they asked for suggestions on stuff to improve. I requested that each thread be labeled by who started it so I could make sure to read everything you wrote. I have ever since and I still do.

You are my friend, always.

Wally just keep being you. 

We don't need thanks, we need our buddy to be ok. 

Wally, we are all family here, bound not in blood, but motor oil.  That is much thicker! 

right in the feels...  We're here for you big guy..

It's a stupid meme, but it works.

Wally - short of all coming to NY and baking you casseroles, supporting you here is the least we can do. As others have said, you, your humor, and your empathy are a huge asset to this community. 
 

And that's without even mentioning your encyclopedic knowledge of east coast oval track racing. 
 

Wally, it remains to be seen if I'll be in any condition to make it down to Gainesville by October, but there's a stockish EGT that you're welcome to drive down and campaign if you're interested. I can call in a favor and have the ground controls swapped over to it prior to then as well. Let me know. 

Wally- 
Your sick sense of humor has made me smile more than once on days when I really needed it, and if I've been able to return the favor, so much the better. I'm glad to be part of a community that makes people's lives a little better sometimes.

You are a good man. Keep your chin up 

you will get through this 

We love you Wally.   To a weird degree for an internet friend but there we are.   
 

Pretty sure you are welcome at homes across the country if you ever feel up for a GRM friend zone tour.  
 

Keep staying awesome buddy!

Love ya, man. Mean it. I don't do insty for the "likes," but every time you like a pic, it slaps a lil harder.

COME TO THE CHALLENGE!