Thank you.

[Chovexani]

I don't usually like posting things like this because I feel weird about it, but I just wanted to thank everyone for the outpouring of love/well wishes. The past year has been pretty rough and I'm not exaggerating when I say that I deeply appreciate everyone's kindness. Sometimes when life is rough and you're stressed and you feel alone, being reminded that there's people who care about you is really heartening. So thank you.

I know that we always say someone is "family" when they are one of us, and many of us have our chosen families, but in the past couple of days I was reminded that we really are family here in GLBT, even when we don't always get along, despite our diverse backgrounds and life experiences. And despite all the junk that goes on and the trolls and the stupidity, my family is here and I've missed all the good things. So I'm going to try to stick around. We need each other, you know?

:grouphug:

(and since it wouldn't be one of my posts without a silly picture, have some Lafayette :D)

[Maven]

1. We are less without you here.

I'm glad you're back. I'm sorry you've had some hard times lately and am sending good vibes your way.

[Vanje]

2. Ah Good! I've missed you

[ruggerson]

3. That's very good to hear

:hug:

[Kurovski]

4. K&R.

Family always. I've called us that for decades. "They're family" "She/he's family" it's real. Even "Gee, do you think they might be family?"

The best to you. :hug: we're family.

[WillParkinson]

5. Yay!

Glad to have you!

[Saturday]

6. Here's a hug.

Just because....:pals:

[yardwork]

7. I'm really glad that you're back. We need your voice.

I keep harping on this, but the thing that bothers me most about the trollishness here is that young gay people are reading this. Young people who are living in non-supportive communities, with non-supportive families. And then they have to read bullying crap here at DU. It worries me.

So the more strong voices and the more that we can talk among ourselves even if we argue and disagree - like families, but still loving and respecting one another and having one another's back, like family - the more we show those young people that gay people are strong. We are human. We are here.

[mitchtv]

8. I'm happy you came back

we always need to have someone around that will stand tall.

[queerart]

9. Hugs....

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

[Jamastiene]

10. I'm happy to see you.

This place will be way better with you back. :hug:

[Behind the Aegis]

11. I am very glad to see you are back.

I am sorry to hear things have been rough. I certainly hope things turn around soon for you, in a positive direction. It is good to have you, and several other powerful voices, back!

[Zorra]

12. "We need each other, you know?"

Yes. I believe that most all of us feel the same.

Thanks for expressing in such a heartfelt way.
:grouphug: