Dear Hornplayer.

[lliam]

Dear H.P, I would like to Endorse PETER&CLAIR'S posting.<P>Here is a quote from some one who must have felt the same as you are feeling right now. But he never gave up, once he had made his way through life he made a few, reflection's on his past. This is just a small passage from a book of his that I read some time ago, for the life of me I can't remember the Title of the Book. Anyhow have a look at this quote and see if it gives you some Hope for the Future! I would also like to add that you are in our Prayer's.<BR>Kindest Regards.<BR>Lliam&June.<P><BR>Under-estimating their own worth and potential<P>Without self-respect, ambition and a genuine appreciation of their own worth, most people are unable to overcome everyday problems which the true entrepreneur sees as challenges from which to learn and prosper.<P>Among the world's richest and most powerful men and women we find most are born into ordinary families, go to ordinary schools, have average intelligence. Very few were born rich. What they do have, without exception, is a belief in themselves and a knowledge that one day they would be wealthy.<P>American studies of the rich and famous agree on three main characteristics of self-made millionaires, being:<P>Never doubting that one day they would be rich.<P>Understanding that only positive action could help them achieve their <BR>ambitions.<P>An unconditional desire to succeed.<P>P.S,<P>Dear Hornplayer,<BR>even though this quote is about a person who became a self made Millionare. I think the same applies to all aspects of life, richness doesn't always mean monetary wealth. Quality of life is very important. Your richness could be that you have a very passionate yearning for music and because it isn't shared by other People in your life you get very frustrated. One thing leads to another and before you know it you become very Depressed. I do hope I have given you something to think about. And remember your girl friend will beleive in you when you get to know each other a little more.<BR>Lliam&June.<P>

[Peter]

You are spot on, Lliam. Very sound advice. We Brits certainly know how to deliver the sacrificial lamb (foot & mouth crisis & all!) to our friends, Stateside. We all empathise with Hornplayer (Andrew). He's a good kid, & he'll pull through.<P>I've not heard of the wooden spoon theory, Lliam, but I can tell you that I've been called a s**t-stirrer in my time. Ohhhhh yes!!

[EJA_2]

Hornplayer,<BR>Some of the greatest men in history have suffered as you are. Winston Churchill comes to mind, as does Alexander the Great. It is a common mallady for those who strive to be described by the superlative, rather than being content with the comparative, degree. Their greatness is not unrelated to their suffering. Suffering is a stern, but good schoolmaster for the development of that priceless asset known as character.<P>Some of the greatest composers were plauged by depression, and some of their greatest works were the result of it. Primarily I'm thinking of Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, and Rachmaninov. There are others, of course. Beethoven's writings, in particular the Heiligenstadt Testament and the Immortal Beloved letters, are full of the shadows of depression.<P>If you have ever read the book of Psalms, or Ecclesiastes, you know that the great men of the Bible were not exempt. Moses and Elijah more than once declared themselves to be complete failures and were ready to give up. The confessions of Jeremiah, as well as his Lamentations, fairly drip sadness, sorrow, and depression. <P>Yours is not a new or an unusual battle. Certainly it is little comfort, but perhaps it is a perpsective at least. Your Creator knows what He is about, but He rarely enlightens us beforehand as that would dull the effect of His actions, thus prolonging our suffering. Remember this, that whom He loves He disciplines, and chastens (literally "skins alive") every son in whom He delights. <P> -- EJA<BR><p>[This message has been edited by EJA (edited 03-29-2001).]

[~Leslie]

What a truly inspirational thread! Everyone here is terrific! I love this forum. Andrew, this place is an oasis. ~

[lliam]

Thank's Peter, <BR> for your vote of confidence, I do hope things work out for Andrew.<P>Ooohh yes the Wooden Spoon is a part of the Black countrymans way of life. In a lot of the Pubs in our area their is a wooden spoon hanging up behind the bar, you can bet that it has been awarded to the that particular pubs, biggest S...t- stirrer.<P>Peter,<BR> keep posting on the bulletin boards because I love reading what you and Shos have to say.<P>Just because you don't see me posting anything doesn't mean that I am not paying attention to all of the members postings.<P>I am always here even though I may be in the background.<BR>Lliam.