For All of You!

October 8, 2009 Dear:  TMB Family, Where do I begin?  Four and a half years ago when Mark said “guess what, we are going to Sheppard AFB in Texas.”  I didn’t want to come here.  I was very happy in Florida, had good friends a good job and really did not want to leave it all behind.  I have been taught though that part of living the Military life is moving, and so we packed up our things, and off we went.   Three years ago, I decided I would look into having weigh loss surgery as I had now become a food addict and my eating was out of control. I went and met with Dr. Warnock, and he told me I was a perfect candidate.  We just had to wait for insurance approval.  In the mean time somehow or another I found The Texas Message Board on the OH website. (Divine intervention I believe) My first post was just expressing that I was new and waiting for insurance approval.  I could not believe the replies I got, welcoming me.  I can’t remember a time when I have felt so welcomed by people who did not know me from Adam.  You all encouraged me, told me to keep calling the insurance company and not to give up.  I did just that and within a few weeks I was approved.  After surgery you were all there calling and texting Mark to make sure I was ok. (not sure he quite knew what to think) Who does that for people they don’t know? That was the first of many wonderful things that TMB has done for me.  I can remember the first dinner I came to.  I had met Jenny through the TMB (she lived right down the street from me) and we decided we would go together.   I was so nervous, and had no idea what to expect.  Upon walking in and seeing Charlene’s, and Gina’s smiling faces first thing I found out there was no need to be nervous. The hugs from you all were again so welcoming and I felt like I was home.  Since that time, I have been to two conferences, a few dinners and a BBQ.  We have laughed together and cried together.  I am not sure what I would have done without you all over the last few years.   You have always been there to answer a question or to give support.  I know I won’t be a few hours down the road anymore but I am always with you in spirit.  I will NEVER EVER find people like you all again.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being there, for encouraging me when I needed it, and for just being my friends.  God truly has blessed me and I knew that from the first time we met.  You will all always hold a special place and when I think of Texas I will think of the TMB.  I love you all so much.  Michelle

Michelle, I agree finding the TMB has been such a blessing for all of us.  To feel the acceptance and love from those that get us is amazing.

I know you are on countdown mode to moving to the other side of the world, lol; j/k.....wishing you and your family the best.  Like Susan and I, just because we moved from Texas doesn't mean we are no longer part of THIS family.  A post away is all it is.

 Awweee...,,,,,Gee Michelle....now you have made me cry !!!!!  We are really going to miss seeing you in person.   Please still be a part of us when you get settled in wherever you are being sent.   You will always be a big part of us.   We love you so much and your family too.   Prayers will go with you when you go and I know that wherever  you go God will provide you and your family another extended family there too.   Good luck and we will miss you too !!!


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

MICHELLE- I can't imagine YOU ever meeting a stranger-you're going to "fit in" no matter where you wind up. I will ALWAYS treasure the photo collage you made for me last year, as I know CHARLENE will hers also. You will always be FAMILY to us, no matter where you sleep at night