[meteorite-list] West, Texas - Personal Thoughts & Experience...

[Greg Hupé]

A special reach out to the folks of West, Texas...

As most of my friends know, my primary interest for a good portion of my 
life has been with meteorites and all things related to them. In February of 
2009 a meteorite event woke up the small town of West, Texas and their lives 
were changed by all of us 'rock geeks' who descended upon their happy, 
slow-paced farming town. Before that meteorite fell, the baked goods may 
have been one of the most popular commodities to date. After 'we' showed up, 
rocks from space were for a short time.

During the months that followed that fateful day, us meteorite hunters were 
welcomed by land owners to hunt their land for these black rocks that fell 
upon them. The entire town welcomed us strangers from around the world to be 
part of their daily lives as we walked their lands with our eyes glued to 
the ground, searching for those prized stones.

Today as the black smoke subsides and the devastation reveals itself from 
last night's tragedy, I am so very saddened for the residents of this small 
town with a HUGE heart that welcomed me and my friends to be a part of their 
lives, if not for just a short few weeks, months and in some cases years of 
searching for those elusive rocks from space. What I truly value and 
appreciate is the open arms of friendship and family that the folks of West, 
Texas afforded the meteorite community.

I thought I would share my personal experience of being in West, Texas some 
years ago. My heart is heavy and am so very sorry for the lost lives and 
injured there. Knowing the strong nature of my Texas friends, they will not 
only heal and mend, they will rebuild and prosper. I know this may be mere 
words, but these are words from my heart and experience with these very 
folks I consider friends!!

Best Regards,
Greg

====================
Greg Hupé
gmhupe at centurylink.net