Thread: Award For Bravery & Courage - 2009

This year, we have a new award category that isn’t open for vote, but is chosen by a secret society of robed people who chant bizarre chants and cast chicken bones onto stone tables and then interpret them. The name of the award kind of takes the anonymity out of the whole thing, but this is the first year of this award so bear with us while we still work out the kinks.

This year, we would like to recognize JHC for her courage and bravery in looking adversity and life challenges straight in the eyes and telling it to shut up and go make her a sandwich. Because that’s what we’ve come to expect from JHC, faces the many challenges that life brings you head on and making the best of them, no matter how daunting they may seem.

Most of you probably know JHC as a fierce debater, either making your point in a way you never could, or getting under your skin if you were unfortunate enough to be her opposition. While you may not have always agreed with JHC, it’s hard to ignore that she could hold her own very well and if you challenged her, you better be prepared to back yourself up or else be pummeled.

Outside of her ability to challenge her opponents and send everyone from the most well educated to the ridiculously partisan crying to their mothers in debate, JHC is a strong woman, a loving mother and a friend to many. While knowing her, it often seemed like JHC just couldn’t catch a break and yet she faced her life obstacles with a sense of humor, a healthy dose of optimism and because of this, she was always an inspiration to her fellow posters.

So, here’s to you, JHC, the first recipient of the Courage and Bravery Award. You’ve certainly deserved it and everyone wishes you the best. We hope you well and hope that the strength and inspiration you’ve brought to others on this board continues to be shared with those around you in your life.

I assume this must refer to many things I know absolutely nothing about, but as I trust the judgment of you and Traveler I am sure she deserves it.

I was not aware that JHC was on the forum anymore. I take long breaks myself, so it may be she is here when I am not.

Tim hit it on the nose. If you've nothing constructive to say in the thread, just move on, please.

If you're confused about the thread, PM speakeasy, or just move on.

Matt

Thank you Matt.

This thread is not officially in connection with the annual USPO Awards (hence, the Traveler and Speakeasy label). Traveler brought up the idea of honoring members who have contributed to the forum and have faced adversity and I couldn't think of any reason why it would be a bad idea. We are all humans on this forum and we all face plenty of issues and challenges in our daily lives and being recognized for our personal achievements can certainly lift someone's spirits.

The members honored get nothing from this, besides a tip of the hat from Traveler and I and anyone else who agrees with our assessment.

It sounds like a fine idea.

The issue for some, like me is, what adversity is she faced with?

I can only use my past interactions with her as a yardstick. It might clear things up for those that may not have known her etc.

Originally Posted by Imperator

The issue for some, like me is, what adversity is she faced with?

I can only use my past interactions with her as a yardstick. It might clear things up for those that may not have known her etc.

Well, I wouldn't feel comfortable going into details of JHC's private life or information she shared in private forums. That was the difficulty in writing something up for this award, not overstepping boundaries by disclosing personal information, yet also highlighting them.

It can be said, though, that JHC certainly faced issues with her head held high.

There are plenty of members here who have also face adversity and overcome them with a positive attitude. However, we had to choose one and we felt that JHC was most deserving. We don't do this to belittle the challenges other members face, but to highlight that people can and do face these challenges head on, no matter how insurmountable they may seem. We hope that this not only lifts the spirits of the person we honor, but provides hope to others who are currently going through tough times.

There probably has to be a certain amount of mystery as to the details. It sort of goes with the territory, doesn't it? That sounds reasonable.

Originally Posted by Tim

There probably has to be a certain amount of mystery as to the details. It sort of goes with the territory, doesn't it? That sounds reasonable.

It's also made more difficult since JHC is no longer an active poster, so we are unable to ask for permission to go into specifics. Hopefully, in future years when/if we highlight active members, we'll be able to make a more comprehensive post about the issues they faced.