Still Breathing

 2023 is here, and I'm still breathing.  I haven't had much to say in the last couple of years.  Life is sorta just passing me by. I work too much, and play too little.  

My sons and my dog Shadow are still the guiding force in my life.  Without them, I would not be here.  

It's been 10 years this month since I answered that knock at the door, and was handed divoce papers.  10 years.....what a shame.  I'm still nowhere near having closure on that chapter of my life.  I'll die wondering what went wrong.

I don't know why I decided to check on this blog tonight.  I'm glad I did.  Looking through post from days gone by, certainly put a smile on my face.  

Life is too short to not let everyone you love know it.  Peace.

Oh So Precious Time

Earlier this evening I was given awful news.  My former brother in law went into cardic arrest and passed away.  He was only 51.  While he did have health problems for the last few years, including a heart transplant, his death was very unexpected, and his family is just devastated.

His sons are only 18 and 22, and far too young to have their father taken from them.  I have known both of them their whole lives, and I am so incredibly sad they are having to go through such a terrible tragedy so young.  They are both great kids, and I hope they find peace.

It makes me very sad knowing the his children will no longer get to see and enjoy their father.  I know first hand what it's like to lose a father unexpectantly, and nothing can prepare you for that pain.  I was 31 when I lost my dad.  It was, at that time, the lowest point in my life.  I was a mess, and only with the strength of my now ex wife propping me up, was I able to handle the pain.  I'll owe her for the rest of my life for that comfort she provided in such a dark time. 

Time is precious, and each moment you spend with a loved one a blessing.  In today's world, I belive it's too easy to lose sight of that.  

Let the people you love know it. 

 William 

Hello 2021

 Happy New Year everyone.  Glad we can finally say goodbye to 2020.

I turned 55 in December, and life is moving fast.  I feel like 2021 holds big things in store.  I'm looking forward to the changes.  

One of my many resolutions this year to to blog more often about me and the boys.  Here I am at 1:15am on the 1st day of the year starting off right. Oh yeah!!

Have a great year everyone!

William

Full Speed Ahead

 Well, in a few days, it will already be September.  This year has gone by so quickly.  2020 has been a challange to most.  With all that has happened this year it's easy to forget the good times.

Aidan graduated from high school in May, and he has now moved on to college.  I was certainly sad to have him leave.  He has been my confidant ever since Lori divorced me, and I have come to rely on him for many things, including his ear.  I am going to miss our conversations.  I am proud of the young man he has become, and I expect great things from him.  Here he is after we moved him into his college dorm.

Christopher turned 13 last week.  I can't believe he's already a teen.  He is growing up too fast.  Here is picture of Christopher, on his birthday, blowing out the candles on his cake.  His brother Aidan looking on in contemplation.  Look at the curls on both of them.  I wonder where they got those....:-)

I can't wait to see what's in store for both of them.  They are the lights of my life, and my reason for happiness.  Godspeed boys.  I love both of you and can't wait to see what happens next.

Dad

Wow, Already May

I wanted so much to blog more often, but obviously that has not been happening.  Life just gets in the way most of the time, and laziness rules the other.

The Thornton boys are doing OK.  Aidan is a senior, and about to graduate.  It's so hard for me to type that.  When I started this blog in 2008, he was just 5 years old.  12 years have gone by in the blink of an eye.  It's been a tough senior year for him.  Your senior year is always special with all of the activities, and life long bonds you form.  Unfortunately, with classes on being online, and staying home for quarantine, he has not gotten to experience all of the wonders of being a senior in high school.   In a few months from now, he will start his journey through college, and I will miss him dearly when he leaves. 

Christopher is doing great.  He was inducted into National Junior Honor Society during a Zoom meeting last night.  (Thanks Corona)  He has done so well with his school work, and I am beyond proud of him.  He has taken only the hardest advance placement classes, but has still maintained an A average.  It's been especially difficult this school year for him, with classes only happening online.  He has handled it like a champ.

Me, well I just keep rolling.  Hopefully there are some bright days still in my future.  I sure hope so. 

I hope to have some graduation pictures to post soon.  Aidan has grown into a fine young man.  I'll throw in a picture of Christopher too from his ceremony last night too .  Both are my handsome special boys.

2020

I am always astonished on how quickly each and every new year arrives.  2019 went by in a blur.  Hell, I'm ashamed to say, that I did not blog one time during 2019.  That was ridicoulous.

2020 will be different.  I'm not saying I'm going to be writing a novel this year, but I would like to share my thoughts every once in a while.

My life is essentially the same.  I work, I come home, I play with my dog, and I get to see and take care of my wonderful sons every other week.

I still work too much, but I have cut down on my hours a bit.  No more of those 70 hour weeks any more.  I'm trying to keep it under 45 hours a week now, and I'm enjoying my weekends more now.

I am still very single.  I married the love of my life and it did not work out.  While that stinks, I'm grateful for the memories.  I am certainly not looking for a replacement.  It just doesn't make sense to me.  I gave everything I had, and it wasn't good enough.  I do not have more to give.  I am just going to concentrate on being the best dad I can be for the remaining time I have above ground.

Speaking of being a dad:  What a gift.  It is the greatest feeling in the world.

My sons are growing up.  Aidan will graduate high school in 4 months, and begin college later this year.  He will also turn 18 in September.  Hard to believe.  If you look back on when I started this blog, and was just 5 years old.  So much has happened in these last twelve and a half years.  One thing that hasn't changed is the love that I have for my first born.  I will be super sad when he leaves for college.

Christopher was just 4 months old when I started this blog.  He too has grown up too fast.  He is a big 7th grader now, and smart as a whip.  I couldn't be more proud of him.  He is a straight A student, taking all of the hardest advanced classes.  He is plays the piano, and also plays violin in the middle school orchestra.  I am looking forward to having him for 5 more years before he too will be leaving for college.  I am proud to be his dad, and I love him dearly.

I have plenty to say, but that's enough for now.  Thanks for sticking by me all these years.

William

Two Volumes Of Pure Joy

About 5 years ago I had all of my blogs made into a two volumes of bound books.  I just wanted to preserve all of those memories in case something happend to the electronic version.

This evening I picked up Volume 1, and began reading from the beginning.  It was over 10 years ago when I started writing about my wonderful family.  As I was reading the words to each blog, I realized how much joy I had in my life at that time.  And not to toot my own horn, but I also realized that I was a pretty darn good writer.

I'm sure that I will never again experience the type of joy and happiness like I perpetually lived in when I started blogging in 2008, but reading the words of those blogs and looking at the pictures lifts my spirits, and inspires me. 

What a wonderful gift.

New Year New Fear

Here we are in 2018 already.  Haven't posted much I see.  Still looking for my new muse I guess.

Boys are growing up so fast it scares me.  They will be grown and gone before you know it, and I will be lonely.

Got a couple of years left with Aidan until he's off to college.  Typical teenager right now.....caring more about his phone and his friends than anything else in his life.  I try really hard to still teach him things, but he's at that stage in life where he knows everything.  I guess we were all that way when we were that age. 

Christopher is still young (10), and let's me still be a dad.  I like that.  Makes me feel needed.

I hope to start writing more.  I always have things on my mind.  I don't get to express myself much, so I guess I need an avenue.  I don't think anyone reads this blog anymore, so I'm probably just waxing poetic to clouds.  Oh well....

Until next time.

William

I'm Still Breathing

Half of the year gone by, and I'm just typing my first entry in 2017.  Wow, what a strange time in my life.

To be honest, the sad truth of the matter is writing hasn't even crossed my mind.  I used to be filled with so many things that I wanted to share.  So many stories that I thought were worth telling.

I've found picking up the pieces of ones life at this age is much more difficult than expected.  Emotionally, I'm still stuck.

Work has gotten better.  I'm not putting in the 60+ hour weeks anymore.  I knew if I kept that up, I would not be well.  I have cut down my hours, and come to the realization that I can only control so much. It has certainly helped with my blood pressure and stress.

My sons are my life.  I live for the time I get to spend with them.  I still deeply regret that I only get to be involved in their daily life half the time.  Kids need both parents 100% of their childhoods.  Don't get me wrong.  Both boys are great kids.  I would never say otherwise.  They are just different kids than they would have been had both parents been around 100% of the time.  I get sad knowing that I'll never meet those boys.

I have not had the desire to start dating again.  I think the pain that I still feel from the divorce blocks any thought of ever being back in "the game".  I just don't think I'll ever take that chance again.   I'll never say never, but I consider myself lucky knowing I met the love of my life, spent 17 great years together, and had two fantastic boys.  Sure I wish it could have lasted a lifetime, but I wouldn't those memories for anything.  Most people never get to experience such happiness.  Was it fair it ended the way that it did?  No, but such is life.

I'm looking forward to Father's Day weekend.  I get the boys, and we'll do something fun.  I know on Sunday we'll be going to a baseball game together, and I always look forward to that.  I love baseball, and I love my boys.  Put them both together, and it just doesn't get any better.

Hopefully I find a little more time to share some stories about my adventures with the boys.  There hasn't been as many adventures or stories as their should have been, but I'm starting to climb out of the financial whole I have been in since the divorce, and I can see some trips in our future.  I of course will blog about it when it happens.

Oh, best of all...... I'm still drawing breath.

Thanks for reading.

William

20 Years

Well, today marks the 20th anniversary of my father's passing.  It's really hard to believe it's been that long ago.  I was a 31 year old kid when he passed, just starting to get my feet under me.  Still looking for my path in life. 

So much has happen in the last 20 years.  Some good days, and some bad days.  I still wish each and every dad that dad could have been around for both. 

There have been many times I could have used his wisdom, and many times when I thought to myself "he would have loved this".  I still tear up thinking about how much he would have loved meeting his grandsons. 

I can still see his smile, and hear him whistling.  Oh how he loved to whistle.  I've got a picture of him, holding my dog Dante sitting right next to me on my desk.  I look at it daily and think about all the good time we shared.  I know that is one of the reasons that I am so good to my children.  I hope one day, long after I've left this world, my sons will look at a picture of me and remember all of the great times we had, and feel all of the love I have for them.   If so, my dad did his job.....and did it right.

Rest in peace pop.  I love you.

William

Happy Holidays

It's been a while.  It seems I type that every time I log into this blog.

I wish I still had the motivation to blog like I did in the past.  I loved to tell the stories of our family, and writing about it came easy.  It's not like that anymore.  I struggle for inspiration.

Well, it's Christmas time again.  I am blessed to have the boys this year for Christmas.  I rips my heart out when I'm not around the boys on holidays.  I'll never get comfortable with that. 

We are all looking forward to traveling to Grandma's house for the Christmas break.  It's going to be fantastic to have some vacation time, and spend it with the boys, Mom and my brother.  I certainly need the break.

I'll try to take pictures this Christmas and post them.  It's unbelievable how much the boys have grown. 

Happy Holidays! 

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward the center of the stage]
Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.
[a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not:"
[Linus drops his security blanket on purpose]
Linus Van Pelt: "for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
[Luke 2:8-14 KJV]
Linus Van Pelt: [Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown] That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

The Greatest Nation On Earth

As Jack Burton once said "May the wings of liberty never loose a feather"

Another Day Another Month Another Year

I am 50 years old now.  It's hard to believe.  That wonderful birthday arrived last December, along with a nice AARP invitation peeking out of my mailbox about the same time.  AARP......Geesh.....

Where did all the years go?  For the first time in my life, I am starting to feel my age, both mentally and physically.  That thought scares me to death. 

For the last couple of months, I have been devoting on average, about 65-70 hours each week to my job.  It is certainly taking it's toll.  My kids have started telling me that I work too much, and that is never a good thing to hear. (it actually breaks my heart)   Trust me when I tell you that I do not want to work myself to death, but I'm afraid that's what I'm doing. 

Work should not occupy 90% of the hours that I am awake.  It's not healthy.   It's cost me friendships, relationships, and now it's starting to interfere with time with the boys.  I can't have that.

I fought tooth and nail to obtain as much time with Christopher and Aidan as I could.  Even with all the effort, I still had half of their childhood stolen from me.  I'll be damned if I let my job steal any more.

I have never been a "clock watcher" when it comes to working.  I have always done whatever it takes to get the job done right.  I still carry that same work ethic now, but something has to give.  I cannot continue the pace that I currently maintain.

Starting Monday, I am going to turn over a new leaf.  I have to allow time for the few precious important things in my life.  My health and my children.

I am going to start updating this blog more often.  It will serve as my chronicle of change. 

I will still give 100% effort to my job, but only during business hours.  As Harry Callahan once said:

"A man has got to know his limitations"

William

From My Fingertips

It's been awhile huh?  Only 5 post this year.  Pathetic.

Writing used to come so easy to me.  I would sit down at the keyboard, and wonderful words would just flow through my fingers.  Obviously that doesn't happen anymore.

I doubt anybody even reads this blog anymore.  I don't blame them.  There has not been very many updates on the boys and me, and the blogs that I did write this year, seem to be one big pity party.

I certainly hope that one day I can find the kind of happiness that allows me to once again want to express my thoughts and feelings in prose form.  In the meantime, I will update when I can.

If anyone is still reading this blog, thanks for checking in.  I appreciate the thought.

I leave you with a new picture of my boys.  They are my life, and I love them dearly.

William

It's All About The Boys

Aidan and Christopher are still in Tennessee with their mom, and I miss them more than any of you can imagine. Life is just not very much fun when they are not here. I decided to post of few pictures to help cheer me up. Here you go:

The one above is my favorite.  My dog and my boys!  All are beautiful and healthy. 

Don't grow up too fast.....OK?

William

It's Nice To Be Excited!

Once again, it's that time of year. You know....come on you know......BEACH TIME! Yep, heading down to Galveston with the boys tonight, and I can't wait to see my friends, and play with the boys in the ocean. It's going to be fun.

I believe this will be the 10 year anniversary of our traveling down for Memorial Weekend. It started with Lori and Aidan and me so long ago, and now it's up to me and Aidan and Christopher to carry on the tradition. As always, Lori will be missed, but we will still have a blast.

I'm sure its only going to be a couple of more years before Aidan decides he is too cool to hang with pops, so I better make the most of our time while we are there. I've still got many years left of frolicking on the beach with Christopher though.....Woo Hoo!

I'll have great pics when we return.

Maholo

Intertwining Of Life

As I look back on my life, I have too many regrets to count. Missed opportunities drift like dandelions on a windy spring day. Tangents forever capped by forgotten decisions.

I'll be 50 years old at the end of the year. I'll reach that milestone just as lost and just as confused now, as I was 20 years ago. Oh don't get me wrong, I am definitely smarter and wiser than I've ever been, but my hopes and dreams have been altered so profoundly, I find myself on a route that I would never have chosen for myself. It's a train that seems to be speeding forward, and I can't seem jump off or alter the path.

I know that I have to try to turn my life around. If I don't, I will certainly not make it to 60. The thought of living only 10 more years or less, makes me distressingly sad.

I want to see my boys grow up. I want to see them fall in love for the first time. I want to see them succeed in whatever they choose to do with their lives. I want to see them marry, and I want to do what my dad never got to do.........I want to hold my grand children in my arms, and tell them I love them.

I am currently in the worst shape of my life. Wallowing in self pity seems to be very fattening. Who knew? My job is more stressful than any I have had in my life, and the 3 hours I spend on the road commuting to and from work, is sucking the life out of me, one bumper to bumper mile at a time. Tic Toc.

They say that the world is what you make of it, but I have found differently. The world is just a backdrop for the intertwining of life. Too many external factors seem to have a say on direction, and too much time is spent on the convalescence of being.

I need to make changes, and only hope that I am strong enough to conquer my own stubbornness.

Wish me luck.

William

PS. The next update will have a much more jovial tone, and pictures of the boys are guaranteed.

What might have been

17............

Ruined

I stopped at a gas station the other day to fill up my truck. Gas stations seem like my home away from home nowadays. Between driving 90+ miles round trip to the my office each day, and making frequent trips to the job sites I am now running, I spend far too much time seeking a new home away from home every 2 to 3 days.

On this particular day, I was parked on the far end of the station. Pump number 1 as it would have it. As I was getting out of my truck, a new Infiniti SUV pulled up to the same pump, but on the opposite side.

As I began to pump my gas, a man in his mid to late 40's got out of the drivers seat. As he was getting ready to pump his gas, I could hear him carrying on a conversation with a pretty woman sitting in the passenger's seat. I didn't pay particular attention to what they were discussing, but what caught my attention on this day, was how they were referring to each other.

Now, I have told many stories on this blog about my ex wife Lori, and the wonderful times we shared while we were married. Most were fun and cheerful, others.....especially during the divorce, much more cynical and raw. Regardless, writing always seemed to help me with some type of release.

I guess that is why I am on here tonight. Looking for some type of therapy. You see, last month marked a sorrowful anniversary for me. As of last month, Lori and I have been officially divorced for 1 full year. Hard to believe. I have done my very best to move on with my life. I have succeeded in some areas, and failed miserably in others. I still find myself far too fragile for my liking.

On that note, let me get back to my story. As I was hearing bits and pieces of this couple's conversation, I distinctly heard the man asking his wife a question. The question itself was of no importance, but his use of the word "mom" almost brought me to tears.

When dealing with Aidan and Christopher, I always refer to Lori as "your mom", but there was a time when "mom" was how I always addressed Lori. Hearing this man referring to what I could only guess was his wife as "mom" brought back so many great memories, and such profound sadness at the same time. It was everything I could do not to lose it right then and there.

How long will little things like that have such a hold on me. One part of me wishes it would last until my dying day, while another hopes for indifference. Who knows.

As I finished and turned to get in my truck, a pretty voice called out to her husband "hey dad, can you go in and get me a diet coke when you're done?" Mer.....that used to be me.............

I still think the world is unfair.


William

The Path of Least Resistence

Wow, it has certainly been a long time. A long, long time.

I was at my mother's house over Thanksgiving, and she asked me why I had stopped blogging. I thought about it for a minute, but I really didn't have a good answer. I would like to blame time. Time seems like a good scapegoat. I'm just too busy sounds like a good answer, but really, it's not.

Like it or not, time is going to keep moving along with it's own agenda. It doesn't care how busy we are, or how tired we are, or even how lonely we are. It's job, it's sole purpose is......to continue. To move along so to speak.

That is kind of where I am now. I am just moving along. Floating down time's river feeling as helpless as a leaf in the wind. I work, I eat, I sleep....repeat... Hopefully one day I will find myself.

The kids are growing older by the day. Innocence is fading away much faster than I hoped. Both boys are great kids, and I am very proud of each. Christopher is brave and stubborn, and I like to think I see a lot of myself in him. Aidan is sweet and manipulative, and too smart for his own good. He certainly takes after his mother more than me.

It seems so strange to me that two kids from the same parents can be so different. I guess is shouldn't. My brother and I are not very alike either. He is much quieter and much smaller than me, but he was born with that same Thornton "argument" gene. We can debate with the best of them, and Christopher and Aidan are well on their way to filling our shoes.

I am really tired right now, so I will move on. Hopefully this weekend with bring good weather, and good blogging.

William

Surprise

I bet you thought I forgot about this blog. Nope.....not at all. I have been smothered as far as writing goes, but I believe a small window is coming up. I have lots of pictures to post of my two favorite people in the whole world, and I'm going to try to post a long blog over the weekend. Life is OK. Just kinda going through the motions right now on a personal level. Not very motivated to explore......Seems unfulfilling.

Anyway, talk to you soon.

William

Tired

Work is absolutely kicking my booty. I am at the office and on job sites approximately 10 hours a day. Add to that a 1 hour and 15 minute commute to the office and another back home. Once I get home, add an additional 2 hours on average of work at home at night, and what do you get? 15+ hours every day devoted to my work. Ouch, no wonder I'm a walking Zombie.

One thing about it, no one will ever accuse me again of being lazy and "unmotivated". Ridiculous.

The blog has suffered, and for that I'm sorry. Hopefully after a while, my mind and body will adjust to the extreme demands placed upon it right now, and I will eventually have more time to write.

I can dream......

William

Echo

One year. A whole year. It's hard to believe.

One year ago this week I was forced to move out of the house that I shared with my best friend and our two wonderful children. I wish I could say that everything is better now, and I was over the shock of the situation, but that would be a lie. Sure, I love my weeks with the boys. I love their laughter, their inquisitiveness, their challenge. They are the light of my life, and their well being is what drives me each and every day.

With that said, I still miss all of the other stuff. Sharing part of my life and my soul always made me feel complete. I know that sentence contradicts itself, but there is no other way to describe that feeling of belonging. The feeling like you are always in the right place.

I work and I socialize and I try to do things to help me forget how wonderful my life was, but so far I have not come close to filling the void that was left when Lori decided she no longer wanted me in her life. It's hard to explain. It's like standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon and yelling at the top of your lungs. You stand back with hopeful anticipation, patiently waiting for your echo to serenade you from the other side. Except in this case, the echo never arrives. You look around....pause.......and you think "how is that even possible".

William

Bittersweet

A little over a month ago, a woman in a 2013 Altima decided it would be a good idea to try to turn into a Walmart parking lot without looking for cross traffic.  I was headed northbound in my truck going about 45 mph and didn't even really have time to put on my breaks.  Luckily for her, I did have time to swerve to the right and I made contact with her car right in front of her front passenger tire instead of directly T-boning her.  Her 7 year old daughter was in the back seat on the passenger side, it if I would have T-boned her, the results would have been devastating.  As it turned out, my truck ripped off her entire front end past the tires, and her car was instantly totaled.   My truck was damaged, but at the time, it did not look totaled.  She admitted fault, but she used an insurance company that was unknown to both me and all the police officers at the scene.  Because of this, I decided to just let my insurance company handle my claim.  I knew I would have to pay the deductible, but I would recover it plus interest when State Farm collected their money through subrogation.

After two weeks, I was told that my truck would be fixed.  I was happy.  I had owned my truck for 14 years, and it was in fantastic condition before the wreck.  I just wanted it back.  Fast forward another two weeks, and I get another call, this time letting me know that they discovered that the frame was cracked, and it would now be totaled.  I was not happy.  I figured that would get screwed with the settlement, and I would miss that truck.

I purchased Old Blue in May of 2000.  Brand new Wedgewood Blue F150 Supercrew Lariat 4x4.  At the time it had every option, and the MSRP. was a tad over 35K.  I think I paid 32K out the door at the time.  I put 155K miles on that truck, and never once did it fail to start when I put the key in the ignition.  Other than routine maintenance, it never made or needed a trip to the mechanic.   It was rock solid for 14 years, and I kept it in very nice condition. 

After finding out it was totaled, I was prepared to fight with State Farm.  Instead, I was a bit surprised at what they offered.  Without haggling, I was offer $10,900 as a settlement price.  For it being a 14 year old truck with 150+ miles, I thought that was more than fair.  I accepted, and picked up my check the next day.

Now, I owned two F150s in a row, and loved both.  Both were totaled in wrecks that were not my fault, and I walked away without a scratch each time.  I wanted another F150.  I got in touch with 1ags, and he gave me his contact's information.  I tried to get close to what I had in options on Old Blue, but doing so made the price of a new one more than I could spend.  I'm a "all the bells and whistles" kind of guy, and there was no way I could afford a new F150 with all of those things.  I searched for other options.  I finally found an acceptable alternative, and I made a deal and picked up a new vehicle last week.  Here it is:

2014 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X in Metallic Blue.  It has every option they offer, and then some.  Leather, sunroof, navigation, bluetooth, Sat radio, skid plates, bilstein shocks, hill descent, sonar, reverse camera, Rockford Fosgate 10 speaker system, factory spray in bed liner with a their Utili-track system, roof rack, ect.  Everything!  

Rest in peace Old Blue.  Losing you was like losing an old friend.  We had some great memories.  Thanks for always getting me home.  I will miss you.

William

Slammed

No, I have not quit blogging.  I know it seems that way.  I'm sorry for the lack of updates.  I started a new job on Monday, and I have been slammed.  I hope to maybe get time on Sunday evening.  Again, thanks for being patient. 

William