Rush Limbaugh never met me. I never got through any of the 1,000 times I tried to call his radio show. He never knew name, likely never read the fawning emails I sent him. But he was my friend. (1/?)

From Noon to 3, Monday through Friday throughout most of my life, his voice behind the Golden EIB microphone greeted me, cheered me, uplifted me and educated me. In high school, I had a shirt that proudly proclaimed Rush Limbaugh for President.

In Middle School, I snuck up to watch his tv show. I've beamed every time my dad described me as being "to the right of Rush Limbaugh". I read The Way Things Ought to Be, and See I Told You So when they were released.

On election day, without fail, I turned on his show to get through the nerves. I was listening and had to pull over the day he announced he was stepping away due to addiction issues.

I'm one of the millions who got to hear his talent on loan from God, and while Rush never knew me; I certainly felt like I knew him. Rest in Peace, lovable ole El Rushbo. You'll never know how many lives you touched. Your voice will be missed.

My prayers and condolences to Katherine and David and all of Rush's family and friends. Today is a sad day.