Since my little tyke days, I carried that sensitive side. My first wife was my senior prom date, fellow athlete and believe it or not - 5 year pen pal. We lived about an hour from each other so I couldn't exactly hop on my bike or take an afternoon drive there with everything else I was involved with. I also wrote letters to other girls and at one point, had a pen pal in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. Made her days a little brighter.

So, upon seeing this contest from @grindan, it brought back some memories and is prodding me to participate. Not because I have any kind of secret crush, but because I generally like to spread good feelings and share love when possible. In fact, I don't even want to be considered in any kind of 'winner's circle' - give any prize I may or may not win to someone else that may need it more. My problem is, I love everyone, so this is going to end up being a longer post than usual.

My Seeds

First off, I figure it would only be right to pay homage to my heirs. The Lords and Ladies that will inherit Hive and the things I am building now that they are just barely starting to grasp. Some more than others.

Each of them have an account here. Some of you may even be following them. My oldest prince is @dr460n3y3. My youngest prince, who plays Splinterlands and is sometimes seen throwing up a post, is @b34w0lf. And then the ones that are most often heard and seen giggling, dancing and what not on discord with me or in videos and pictures here, are @lunamoon, @khaldeesi and @freyamber. I love all of you and over the course of my life of being a dad, I find the sacrifice of time and possible experiences have been worth it. Know this, everything I have done over the past decade, has been a calculated maneuver to ensure each of you never have to go through some of the things I did. #truth

Across Hive

I have been more fortunate than most to have made so many friends (and even call a bunch of them family) through Hive. Even new to me peeps like @nickydee and should already know better ones like @dbooster have touched my heart in multiple ways. This includes meeting them face to face, as I have organized 4 different events, and attended even more. Not to mention just meeting up with someone for the day like @thekitchenfairy! I am actually heading to Las Vegas in March for the (now annual) #silvergoldstackers numismatic society show(s). Will be bumping into some loved ones there like @dfinney, @silverd510, @brian.rrr, @summertooth and (hopefully) @fat-elvis. Last year, we had @thedamus with us and we all love you too dude, you will be missed! I think @davedickeyall would love attending, I know he is a shiny fan.

Now Dave, got love for him and Bethy (@bethvalverde) down there in Puerto Rico. I'm sorry I wasn't able to recover the account, I can help fund a new one if you like. I first met them out in Colorado along with some other cool cats like Michael and the fabulous faces of @mariannewest, @prettynicevideo and @jayna. Hope you lovely ladies are doing well!

This was also the place I first met sister @snook and bubbly @dreemsteem and will write a little more about those two farther on in this post. @jayna was also at The Writer's Block meetup I went to in Knoxville with @rhondak, @sircork and (in his first ever American experience) @gmuxx. Wonder how that cat is these days? Do you all remember the bear that I scared off? You know, because I'm so manly. 😂

@sircork? Love that cat. Hope you well my man. He was in attendance along with Rhonda and @katrina-ariel in Nashville for the 'Hots or Shots' show that some of you may remember. Also met a side of @lukestokes that some of you will probably never see. @freedompoint and @freedomtowrite also came to Nashville that year! Wonder how they are? I remember I made friends with the cool and collected @daltono that year. Cork and Katrina both also made it down to one I had arranged in Atlanta where I first met @michaeldavid. Love you man! I also met with some others like @ameliabartlett and 'mama Cori', @crescendoofpeace. She is an amazing woman and if you happen to see this, I hope you are well and a big hug to you and Merrick!

In Atlanta was also the first place I ran into @papacrusher. Super happy he went out of his comfort zone and showed up. He was and is only one of two people on Hive (minus my offspring) I have gone fishing with. Some of you know how much I like fishing, so to jump in that water with me is a new level. He also came out to The Block Party II this year where we got to meet all kinds new and interesting faces. The other person that I've gone fishing with - who even camped out on my property for a minute - was @ambiguity. Mad love for you fellas! You my dawgs. They were both at The Block Party II (sort of) as well and I'll drop a little more on that shortly for you lovely people.

I wanted to touch on Krakow a bit. This is where Katrina and I had an absolute blast exploring with the likes of our beloved @yidneth (Hope you good girl!) and I hooked back up with Muxxy and Rhonda again. I also met and shared hugs with @elizacheng! She is awesome. I shared several beers (and will again one day) with @detlev. I met the fun attitude and demeanor of @ura-soul and got to sit a spell with @soyrosa. I shared a stage with and wrote a song with my dawg @edprivat. Hope you good, son! I also met @jongolson, who I knew right off the bat, had a huge heart because we clicked and cut up real well. There were also smiles and hugs shared with guru @derangedvisions, the boisterous @roelandp and the indomitable wizard @gtg! Most of you know the amiable @arcange, who, like me, loves to get pictures with everyone. I got to meet Luke's entire family that trip and at the request of sissy, linked up with my brother-in-arms @nathanmars.

The Block Party II

The 'Steem Social' I did in Atlanta was great. The Block Party out in Colorado was amazing. But, I gotta say, The Block Party II was far more intense as we had people from all over the place show up. @papacrusher was there, @summertooth - with whom I attended our first ever Grand ol' Opry experience with and Dave and Bethy - who kicked our ass in the escape Room. 😁 My boy @b34w0lf, the talented @d-vine (who I have grown really close to since she came back to the states) and in his first ever trip to the US - @darrenclaxton! You crack me up brosef. Fukn budgie smugglers. I also finally got to meet a long time member of @thealliance - @blueeyes8960 and her mans @crypt-skip. Love both of you and hope your travels are still kicking ass.

And really, this is just scratching the surface of all the people I have actually met from and through Hive. There are also some I haven't met that I know one day, sooner than later, I will. People are on my list who will get a personal visit from me. People I respect and love for multiple reasons. They will be included in this next section mixed with a few others I have met. Shit, I love so many of you, this was kind of hard and I hope nobody feels left out by this. That's the last thing I want. But, here we go with some

More Love Letters

@latino.romano My guy. My brother from an entirely different mother. I've known you for over 5 years now and you have never failed to show love and help those in need. That is why I call you my brother. We are cut from the same cloth and even though the language barrier sometimes gets in the way of our conversations, know that I understand. I wish you and your family well. Amo a tu hermano. Take care of our niece and nephew @ismaelrd04 and @alina97 when they get there, ok?

@dreemsteem My girl. There are a lot of people that fake their way through life but I can honestly say, you are not one of them. You own a genuine beautiful smile and heart and I see it reflect in all you do. Know you are loved and keep my owls safe. I love their accent. Because #teamderrick is the only real team there is. You feel me.

https://images.hive.blog/0x0/https://cdn.liketu.com/media/shadowspub/images/cldg4pxl600wp2jsz8wtjbh67_Caturday6/cldg4pxl600wp2jsz8wtjbh67_Caturday6.webp

@shadowspub You are very knowledgeable and astute in your beliefs. I respect and love you for that. Our journey here is far from over and am happy to be doing it so long with you. You have a great sense of humor and believe it or not, are a mentor to me. I imagine one of these days, we'll share a cup or two of coffee and I'll listen first hand to some amazing story that will again resonate and have a life lesson intertwined.

@thekittygirl I liked you even before there was #boobsforwitty! I've seen you time and time again, without fail, find new ways to improve the Hive user experience and help people along on their journey. I would say I am not alone when I say I love you and keep on doing what you do. From fam to PIMPin to keeping the air oxygenated for the minnows and redfish, you are amazing.

@tattoodjay I really wished we talked more, but know you are loved my man. You were one of the very first people I ever met on Steem Hive and to this day, love the way you see the world through your lens(es). I really want to meet you one of these days, if nothing more than for a cup of coffee or to catch a quiet sunset by the beach while we try our best to capture in pictures what only nature can truly paint.

@wwwiebe Like me, you are a father and share your joys with your kids. I think a lot of people don't quite understand the level of patience you have and your dedication to succeed. Plus, you are hella cool loving skeletons and all that. Anyone that is a big of fan of Halloween as I am? They get my vote all day every day. Stay the course my man, plenty of good things yet to arrive for you.

@kerrislravenhill I love a lot of the stakkin' clan, but you brought it to a whole new level for me with your approach. Aside from being one of the most informed people I know in that arena, you bring a flair with your goth and pirate positions and passions. I absolutely adore you for that. One of these days, I'll look in your real eyes and tell you just that. Love you lady, today and all days after.

@brisby You nutty ass little squirrel! Love your fiery ass for multiple reasons including my dog and other girls L & C. I'll be through there again eventually and we can go for hike. You have one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen and considering what I know you have been through in your life? It's very commendable to retain such a positive attitude and keep being the super mom that you are. Much love Briz and hug my girls.

@wesphilbin You my dude man. Love yer fuckin' guts. You have the perseverance of Hercules and heart of Hephaestus. You have to be some kind of super human or god to continually wear a smile day in and day out.

When you first popped the #thoughtfuldailypost grip? I was hooked on Wes. HA! You have a few more challenges than most as tomorrow is the goal, I encourage you to not forget about what memories can be made today. You've inspired hundreds or more people out here and feel you will continue to. One day at a time.

@inthenow My cookie chef these days. A million thanks from me and the princesses for the dozens upon dozens we've gotten from you. You know what I love most about this guy? He gives selflessly and never asks for anything in return. A far cry from a lot of the people in this world. Love you bro, keep ya head up and everything will work out splendidly soon enough.

@marybellrg Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary. Love you lady! When you first invited me to the @ondapositiva show and asked me to be a guest, I was a little shocked. It was entirely out of my element being the foreign tongue. But, just as warm as your heart is, I was met with a grand reception and still carry that with me.

You have a way with words and show so much tenderness in your posts about the ones you love, that it bleeds lovingly on to all the people that happen to come by and witness them. I am honored to know you and have been pleased to see you grow on Hive along with some of the older family members in @thealliance. Keep smiling girl, you have a lot to smile about.

@grindan Of all the people on this latter list, I have known you for the least amount of time. However, you have shown you care about others and are not afraid to put your face to a name and did so with my sister! Gotta admit, I was kinda jealous. But, you have also proven to be a solid member of the fam and are out here supporting others in a fashion that not many can sustain. I love you for that. Plus, we both have weird brain things that come up with random thoughts and not many people can understand the darker side of my humor. Well met young padowan.

@katrina-ariel

I miss you. I really do. We don't talk as much as we used to. My lovely dragon rider and kindred wandering soul. I'm looking forward to the games! You are one of the few people that has actually taken the time to play with all of my little princesses at once. I admire and adore you for that. The mama bear spirit in you is so strong, it can hold a torch in the darkest of caves.

We went to Poland together and you came down to Altlanta and since some of your family is close, you've taken the time to hang out with me on multiple occasions. I sometimes go back to older media you shared and 'Still My Mind' so I can think clearly. You are loved implicitly. I strongly am longing to see and hug you again. Namaste.

@snook

Miss and love @jackmiller too. Hope that fucker is ok. But you my dear, have been with me through so much here on Hive and have helped me to maintain my sanity. When I wanted to say fuck everything and just quit, you talked me down. And here I still am now. I love the shit outta you and all you do for others without asking for a thing in return.

Plus, I've actually slept with you. On mutha fukn marshmallows. How many Hive denizens can say that? None. HA! 😝 I've seen you grow and share your happiness and make people smile that have worn frowns for days. Even if you made them do it. Like, with a cane or something. You embody what family is and are loved by many beyond just me, I'm sure. You care deeply and genuinely and I love talking to you. Big hugs sis! 🤗

@saffisara

My tried and true Huggaboo. My Silver PIMP. The unofficial Queen of the Castle. I remember how shy you were when you first came into the server and kicked off what has bloomed into an absolutely beautiful friendship with myself and countless others. You shine brightly love, and are probably the most generous and adorable person I have ever met.

From the antics of Bobby to showing off some sexy ass #silverporn to writing poems and sharing your week in pictures - getting to know you has been a total treasure. Like many, I hold you near and dear to my heart and wish you only the best because I love you more! 😜 Just try to keep the sassy zombies at bay and never hesitate to follow your heart.

In Closing

I'm sure I forgot several (par for the course, right?) as I started this about 2 a.m. in the morning and have been drifting in and out of dreamland. I don't sleep much these days, but one thing I can tell you is to REMEMBER TO BE YOU! I always am, even while trying to touch the Earth.