Dear Dr. Crider

I know I usually call you Bill, but I often think I'll call you Dr. Crider just 'cause.  Just cause it seems to carry with it a bit of respect.  And I always think of you with respect.

You told someone one time during a conversation we were having at a mystery convention that you had never known me to back down from anything.

And it got me to thinking.

We're very different in a lot of ways, but also very much alike.

I tend to be loud and outspoken and brash.

You tend to be laid back and kind and gentle.

But strong.

A quiet strength people know they can count on.

You're one that we all know is always going to be there for us.

There's not a person in your world who hasn't received a quiet word of encouragement, a pat on the back, from you.

You don't do it in a way that's going to bring attention.

You do it in a way that's purely "Bill Crider."

I'm only one of many who has been on the receiving end of those kind, quiet words of care and encouragement.

And it means more than I have words to say.

This is my long, rambling "I'll get there eventually" way of saying I know you don't back down either.


And I know you won't now.


You'll fight and my money's on you.


So let's kick some cancer ass, what say?

You have about a hundred million beezillion people standing beside you while you do it.

And I think you can win.

In the meantime, here's a hug.

I love you to the moon and back, Dr. Bill Crider.

Get well so we can hang out at another mystery con and eat some more chocolate cake.


                                                  xxoo

                                                   Kaye