Tom, thank you very much for taking the time to explain and to correct everything we incorrectly misinterpreted you meant to say to Natalia the first time, which we all misunderstood because of the auto-translator, especially that part about the African children. I, myself, have been misunderstood at times for the same reason. Just the other day, a lady thought I did not like her because of something I wrote. I immediately wrote to tell her that was not so and apologized for the misunderstanding. Real men not only change diapers, they apologize for misunderstandings.

Just my casual observation (and I only say this because we are friends, Tom), easy for people to misunderstand intentions here because of communication issues. I see this all the time. (Communication is not always easy when all speak the same language.) Sometimes better to revisit and re-read what we write and then try to empathize with how our words may be understood. Sometimes I wait to send and then later read to see how it may be perceived; I often change what I originally wrote to soften up a little. Also, easier to get it past the manager that way. 😉 This is probably good advice for someone who writes as much as you; you must be the most prolific writer on this site.

Please remember Tom, this was my original post and I started this thread to encourage our beautiful and precious friends here; to build them up, to stimulate their confidence, to make them aware of how special each of them are. Very easy for anyone to become discouraged with circumstances these days, and sometimes lose hope. Each of us has a unique circumstance, Tom. Many of these ladies may have deep hurt in their lives we know nothing about, and maybe something you or I can say will be just the words to warm their hearts and keep them going for another day. I know the difficulty of being a single mom, having a child who looks to you and needs you, but you are exhausted and discouraged and lonely yourself. Life is not always easy and we can all use help from each other.

You have told us all many times you are not a believer, so you may not understand; as a believer I feel we should always love one another, have compassion for and help one another, encourage and inspire one another, complement one another, be generous to each other, defend each other, sometimes even carry each other...but this philosophy of life should have nothing to do with belief in God. This is good for the entire world to consider, to make the world a better place wherever we go, one life at a time. We can each leave the world a better and happier place because we were here. That is what I try to do and especially in this forum. These girls are looking for fulfillment and happiness; so are you and I. We should work together...have fun, but work together.

Regardless of what you may perceive, Tom, I am always your friend and wish only the best for you. Your ships are beautiful. I tease you, I poke at you, I give you difficulty about many of your perspectives. Keep in mind, Tom, I spanked my own son when he needed it. I am perfectly aware of the hypocrisy of many claiming to represent God and believers; you are totally justified in some of your animosity toward them, but they do not represent me. I stand against all evil, regardless. My hope is not that people respect me for being a believer; I hope that because I am a believer, I can be a better person and people will respect me for who I am. Nothing wrong with that, Tom. As part of that piece, regardless of how much we go at it, there are never lingering bad thoughts toward you. Should we eventually meet for the pizza someday, I will still hug you and kiss you on both cheeks.  