In Memory of Charles M. Schulz. My Snoopy and I are eternally grateful.

In 1965, at the age of four, I remember finding a book that my mom had given my dad. It was a small thing, maybe six inches square, that had a wonderful picture of a small girl hugging a dog on the cover. My folks would read it to me over and over and now, thanks to the thriving trading community on eBay, I've read it to my son and gotten the same joy all over again. From such a simple thing did I learn many of the fundamental truths of life. Thank you Charles Schulz for imparting such a simple message of love and teaching this impressionable young child that indeed...

It was origianally my intention to write a good bit about Sparky so that you would know how I felt about the man that gave of himself for 50 years. I got my first stuffed Snoopy when I was five and loved it until there was literally almost nothing left. Today I find myself approaching my 53rd birthday but I tell you proudly, without fear of what you may think of me, that I still have a stuffed Snoopy on my bed who gives me comfort, and who's soft face I still cuddle when I'm feeling down. But rather than try to put my feelings into words, I decided that the words and images of Sparky himself, and others, could convey the profound sense of loss that I and so many others felt at his passing. God bless you Charles Schulz. We shall never forget.

The following group of comics was published on Saturday, May 27, 2000, in honor of the National Cartoonists Society awarding Charles "Sparky" Schulz a Lifetime Achievement Award.