Smitty,

Although I am sure you may not remember this, about eight or ten months ago, via a post on SOT, you and I disagreed about an issue (of which I cannot remember for the life of me).

After posting back and forth, you called my office to speak with me man to man.  After a while, I became frustrated over the miscommunication, at which point, I am very ashamed to say....I began mocking your southern accent.

I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I have carried that shame and embarrassment with me from the moment I hung up the phone.  My mother and father did not raise me to belittle another and I am sorry.

It probably does not mean much to you today, however, I just wanted to let you know that it has been in my mind for all these months and tonight, for some reason, I felt compelled to take a few minutes and say I am sorry.

I will never allow my frustration, anger or stress cause me to pick on, belittle or berate another human being again. 

JT