Well, it's been a little over a year now since I first logged on to JTO..... I figured it's about time I try this.

As long as I can remember JT's music has always been a part of my life. My Daddy was a big fan when I was a little girl, and I don't remember ever NOT listening to JT. I learned to play the piano by practicing with a JT song-book that I found of my Dads. I fell in love with JT all over again when I was 18- and I found myself living in a nightmare far away from anyone I knew.... lost and alone, JT was always there. I could turn on his music, and forget about everything else for just a little while...... lost in the lyrics and his terrific voice....... There has just never been any other song-writer/singer that touches my heart like JT always has.

Throughout the years, I've come to love JT..... his music, his style, just everything about him. When I was first learning about the internet I logged on to JTO looking for concert information... and was amazed to find so many other fans out there !!!!! I don't know what it is about JTO..... but I know I'm sure glad I found it.

Like many others who first log into JTO, I guess I became "addicted at first"..... still sometimes I can't pass the computer without wanting to log on and just see who's chatting..... and through the last year, I've taken a lot of critisism from people who just don't understand..... I'm amazed at the people who see all chat rooms as "evil" and places that should be avoided. But they just don't know JTO !!!

During the last year, I've had many changes in my life.... and it's been anything but easy. I've ended a marriage, had to fight for custody of my two beautiful babies,and I've lost many "friends" because of my choices.....and sometimes it seemed that I'd never see the end of all the hard times. But I made it through..... and JTO has been a big part of that !!!

From the first time I logged on, the room seemed special to me. I'd lurked a little in some other chat rooms, and felt somewhat uncomfortable. But JTO was different.... and it wasn't long before I started making some truly special friendships with the people in the room. Now, a year later, I can't imagine a life without JTO..... the people there have been so good to me, so caring, and loving..... and I've always loved the special way that you can get to know people. I've made friendships in JTO with people that I might have passed on the street and never even spoken to, and these are friendships that have passed the test of time. I fell in love in JTO with a man that had I met him on the street, I might have been intimadated to speak to him, yet through the chat room we spent many beautiful hours just getting to know each other from the inside. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything in the world. It taught me so much about myself......and about love. I met the MacFam in JTO..... and we have built a friendship that defies all the odds, but they are my best friends in life. And I know, if I ever needed anything, all I'd have to do is pick up the phone, and regardless of the miles between us, they would do anything for me. I've come into the room upset and feeling lost, and had a person who's never even met me in real life offer me a place to stay and friendship beyond belief.... I've watched many times as people come into the room right after a loved one has passed away.... and been amazed at the caring and love that's shown among people who supposedly don't "Know" each other..... and doesn't it make you wonder... if there is anything at all "evil" about this chat room, why is it that people, when they need someone the most, choose JTO to turn to? We've been there for each other through tragedies, losses, births, marriages, divorces...... people who found a common bond in JT and it's just grown from there. There have also been so many good times..... and many nights I've stayed up all night just laughing and singing and having so much fun with my (((((((((((((((roomies))))))))))))))))))))))). And the NC gathering...... any one who doubts that people are in "real life" what they seem to be in a chat room should have been at the beach for the gathering...... it was an experience I wouldn't trade for anything !! And I don't think I've enjoyed anything more than sitting on the beach all night listening to JT's beautiful songs (thank you Guit and Lurker Bill) while watching the moon-lit ocean. Wow !!!!! I guess what I set out to say here was that JTO has come to mean a lot to me. Thank you to all of the roomies that have offered me such wonderful friendship !!!! Thanks especially to my MacFamily. Guys, I don't know how I would have made it without you !!!!!!! You've never let me down !!!!!!!!!!!!! I look forward to many more gatherings.... and many more good times just chatting with my roomies. Thank you all- and I just want you to know that I love you !!!!! And thanks to JT........