‘Tis neither promise nor prayer nor show
Will settle the finding for ‘ee.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine of ’em go
By your looks or your acts or your glory.
But if he finds you and you find him,
The rest of the world don’t matter;
For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim
With you in any water.

You can use his purse with no more talk
Than he uses yours for his spendings,
And laugh and meet in your daily walk
As though there had been no lendings.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine of ’em call
For silver and gold in their dealings;
But the Thousandth Man he’s worth ’em all,
Because you can show him your feelings.

His wrong’s your wrong, and his right’s your right,
In season or out of season.
Stand up and back it in all men’s sight—
With that for your only reason!
Nine hundred and ninety-nine can’t bide
The shame or mocking or laughter,
But the Thousandth Man will stand by your side
To the gallows-foot—and after!

Julie, thank you for being that one in a thousand. You looked for and saw the best in those around you. You challenged them to be their best, supported them in the crash of waves, and the still waters of life. You championed what was right, and guided those who had done wrong--all with grace and mercy.  You didn't care for their silver and gold, but in the people around you--"you had the ability to walk with kings, but never lost the common touch (If, Rudyard Kipling)." Every person here is better because of you. But for me, my life is richer, my mind is sharper,  and my heart is stronger.  Thank you for being the best leader I have ever had the opportunity to work for--and I am blessed beyond measure that it didn't take all of my days to find you.

~ Nate