When I came to GA a little over a year ago, I was clueless. I just searched ,"gay stories, gay authors". Yep, I found us. My first month was me scared to comment, trying to decide if I wanted to become a paying member, and in awe of the acceptance here.

Then as some of you know from one of my other blogs, Nephy stepped forward when I went in chat and beckoned me in. She was so damn nice.

I am not going to rehash all of that. This is to remind everyone that a great place to be results from give and take. I am not speaking just monetarily, but contributions of your talent. There is a LOT of talent here.

When I was asked to join the WST, I was so happy. I wanted to contribute to something that had given me so much. It thrilled me that you all thought I was worthy of that.

People here have overwhelmed me at times. They came forward, friended me, asked me to beta, asked to meet me, and above all, molded me into the person that I should have been long ago. My husband tells me all the time how different I am. I am just me, thanks to all of you.

I am in awe of the youngsters here that have friended me and chatted, pm'd me, emailed me, etc. You are all awesome.

So, one day, I hope someone at fifty something years old, at a crossroads in their life, never being honest to themselves or their partner steps into GA and becomes who I am. I am happy, honest, and not scared of being who I am.

To all of you youngsters, I wish you well, hope, and the gift of being comfortable being who you are.

To all of you that are as old as I am, aren't we lucky? We have a wonderful place to come and relax, be ourselves, and relive our lives in these awesome youngsters.

I know I get sappy, but all of you do that to me sometimes.