I was the author of the Comfort & Joy posting on this year's Ferret Giving Tree. I registered our shelter, the Big Lick Ferret Shelter & Hospice, early enough to get everything done but as most shelter Op's know, things don't always go as planned. By the time I got around to sitting still long enough to write there were so many kids on the tree still needing Santa's and time was growing short. Thus I opted to hold off and penned the single post as a way to express my gratitude for past years bounties and so the others, newer & larger shelters, wouldn't be short gifted. I did so with out an agenda. It was very heartwarming to read the FML and see Comfort & Joy's posting referred to so often. Gave me a warm & fuzzy feeling that was so encompassing. I'd never had that before. Got me thru the holidays, which are bitter sweet for me since loosing both my parents two years ago. Then today (Thursday) I came home from work and to my surprise there was an unexpected package at my door for the shelter kids. It was from none other than another shelter mom, Barbara Carlson. I hurried inside with it and sat on the floor, calling to the furkids. For at least 45 minutes they rummaged thru the many wrapped packages inside. Barb Carlson, you are the best! I can't tell you how much my soul was lifted by that package! Thank you so very much! And the beat goes on! With deepest admiration to all who give without thought of themselves in these difficult economic times, Debbie Saunders A very thankful shelter mom. [Posted in FML 7303]