Hi Dale!

I wanted to say goodbye.

Dale, I don't suppose there is any one thing I could say that could convince you to stay.  So I won't try.  But I can't express enough how much Susan and I are going to feel the loss more than most.  We're going to miss you and Jeanetta more than you can imagine, and frankly I hope someday you move back to that farm, and build your dream house because I feel that is your destiny, and in some strange way you belong there and will be happy there.

Meanwhile, it would not be an exaggeration to say that you rank in the top, very top, of male role models that I've come in contact with for the past 10 years.  You are rare and unique.  When we moved up here, it seemed like you and Jeanetta were the stability missing in both my life and Susan's.

We will also miss hanging out at the farm.  I know Missy will welcome us, but it won't seem the same without you guys there.  The farm holds many fond memories.

I hope you check out the two newest photographic additions to the web site- Melissa's Wedding, and Dale's Farm.  The wedding pictures are great! The Farm section pictures are stunning.  When I look at the Farm pictures I can't believe you're leaving.    The Farm is beautiful in the summertime!  The sky pictures at sunset are my favorites.

I know that you're going to have a blast in Texas.  It is a great place.  You have all the qualifications to succeed in any corner of the earth.  But remember that moving back up here would bring much joy to the hearts of the many lives you have touched here.  You are a part of the land and one of the few that really understands it.   You belong here in way that few do.

In the next year, I hope you check my web site www.marktrainer.com frequently because I plan on updating the content regularly.  Also it may be one of the easiest ways for you to see what is happening up here- I take pictures of everything, and put the best pics on the site.  Also, I plan to archive the site by year, so that "1998" will eventually be but one link of many.  Nothing that gets posted to the site will ever be deleted.  It simply is not necessary since server space is getting cheaper every year- at a faster rate than I can fill it up.   In 10 years, renting a terabyte of storage could cost pennies.  So use the site as a means of seeing what I'm seeing, reliving the past, sharing with friends, and keeping a handle on what is happening in my little corner of Illinois.

The entire clan here is going to miss you.  Michael will be completely different next time you see him.  I feel sad that he won't grow up knowing you as he has so far.  If things don't work out down there, please move back and let's work on a long-term future plan for the farm that keeps it from eventually being sold outside the family.  It is too good to loose.

Good luck, and Godspeed.

Mark Trainer