Today is the beginning of Week 2 of my post-AOL life. First and foremost, I’d like to thank everyone for your wonderful emails, FB messages, phone calls, text messages, etc over the past week.

It’s been absolutely overwhelming, but of course, in a very good way.  I think I received over 250 – 300 messages.   Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to respond to everyone individually but I want everyone to know how very much I appreciate the various messages.

With the popular explosion of text messages, Facebook, etc, there’s much more of an outpouring of communication when one goes through a major change in life – positive or negative.

I can clearly think of this happening three times in the past few years.  The first time it occurred when I was fortunate enough to be announced as one of the winners of the “Andrew Heiskell” award, Time Warner’s most prestigious honor for community service, back in 2006.   My email box over-flowed that week.

Then, early in 2008, when my Father passed away, I received an incredible outpouring of messages in so many various forms — phone calls, emails, text messages, cards, in-person visits, etc.   Every single form of communication was important to me and helped me  and our family get through a most difficult and trying time.   I can honestly say I gained so much strength from those many “touches” during that extremely difficult period in my life.

And, the third and most recent is the past 7 – 10 days.   I’ve been blown away with the so many nice things people have written.

As a young child growing up, I was taught to try to treat everyone fairly and with respect.  I’ve tried to live my life that way.  And, I’ve tried to teach the many younger people I mentor the important of doing it that way.   And, the reaction I’ve received from people during these three times in my life just goes to show that if you treat people well, give back and help others, the return is even that much greater.   Again, thanks to all for your many wonderful messages.   I am moved deeply.