Below is a comic strip I sent to my brother Raymond years ago (in 2005).
When I see a comic or an article I think Raymond will like I save it.
Then I give him a big envelope of goodies that will make him (hopefully)
laugh (at least SMILE
)

Raymond is an artist (metal/sculpture)
and he loved this comic so much he hung it in his studio.
In April of 2008 his studio burnt down & he lost EVERYTHING.
all his work for the past 20 years, all his current projects,
his machinery/tools, his studio ???
like i said EVERYTHING .. and to make things worse…. h
e had NO INSURANCE….
Saying it was DEVASTATING is an understatement.
Saying it was DEVASTATING is an understatement.
BUT the comic survived sort of.. I don’t know HOW it survived.
Metal MELTED
but the comic was only singed & charred yet still readable.
WHAT I DID was ~~~~~~
I wrote the comic strip illustrator/writer ( Rick Stromoski)
I wrote the comic strip illustrator/writer ( Rick Stromoski)
& told him Ray’s story.
Rick sent RAY the ORIGINAL of this strip. (and signed it too).
Ray got the original framed with the charred one below it –
I think it is all pretty cool because
one – THIS comic survived
two – When i contacted the creator he graciously offered
I think it is all pretty cool because
one – THIS comic survived
two – When i contacted the creator he graciously offered
to sign & send the ORIGINAL to Ray!
I mean we were total strangers to him he really DID NOT have to do that
That’s the story –
so EVERY TIME we see a cardinal we say
so EVERY TIME we see a cardinal we say
I guess it’s a GREAT DAY. I saw a cardinal!
THANK YOU Rick Stromoski 

What an awesome story! Love it!!
Jackie – Glad you liked the story. It is pretty special…….
AHHH. Finally I read your Cardinal story. Very cool. Once again, an animal friend saved the day! It’s the little things that matter, ey?
Yes Denise! Little things DO matter. Glad you enjoyed the cardinal story. It’s one of my favorites.