Eddie wrote:

Cloe Z wrote:

Mike's family and boyfriend are fucking champions, by the way.

I'm glad you mentioned that.  The big takeaway from me that evening, outside of actually seeing Mike, was seeing Mike's dad.  He was obviously in shock, obviously torn apart inside, but he had such dignity to him and was so appreciative of us being there.  The strength of that man is almost incomprehensible. 

As I mentioned on twitter, my son Ryker was born on Friday.  After I left the hospital and saw Mike that first night, I came home and instinctually my wife knew how shook up I was, and without saying a word, put my son in my arms.  It was absolutely what I needed, and I just wept.  I wept because I thought of Mike's Dad, and how unnatural and fucking horrid it is to contemplate the notion that you will outlive your child.  I thought of how absolutely in love with both my sons I am, even the one I just met four days prior.  Four days, and the thought of anything happening to him..I can't even type it.  Mike is a grown man, and an outstanding one at that (obviously, which is why we're all here), and if my boys grow into half the man that he is, it'll be a flawless victory of parenting.  So for Mike Sr. to be there that night, processing it with the rest of us, and still be on his feet and to be as gracious and kind to us as he was, is the kind of miracle that doesn't get celebrated enough.

So yeah, the fact that Mike has been clawing and scratching his way this far in such a short period of time is extraordinary, but not surprising.  It's not surprising because we see that strength from his father, mother, brother, and sister.  I have no way of knowing if I'm that strong, but they inspire inspire strength in me, and I think I can safely say, all of us.

Well said, Eddie. As a parent, I can't imagine that pain of his parents, or the rest of his family and boyfriend. But, you framed in a way that made it quite parable, and, I'll not lie, tear up. But, well said, regardless.

I apologize that the three videos I posted containing work I'm proud of in a thread dedicated to sharing my work offended and overwhelmed you so. If there's any way I can ease the obvious pain you suffer at my expense, please do not hesitate to tell me.

The preset's not loading for me in CS5. I guess it's not back-compatible. Might I trouble you for a screenshot of your effects tab?