For the holidays - to the good folks here on DU - thank you, for this and other things:

[The Straight Story]

12 days until Christmas. Please, if you can, send a card (and you did):
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7219635


Looking for advice on something from my friends here on DU-and maybe it will help others as well
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7301292

And:
Parents of Boy, 7, Dying of Brain Cancer Granted Christmas Wish (Story Update)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7309767

And of course, thanks to all those who donated to DU's 4th annual Charity drive.

This holiday season I wanted to extend my thanks to all of you - not just for what you do during this season, but how you always seems to rise to the occasion no matter the time of year. I have been through some really hard times, both emotionally and otherwise, and no matter how people have seen me here - you have been a group I could turn to and count on. From encouragement to advice and other help over my 5 years here I have been able to come here and express myself.

Since I have signed up I have went from having a home and a good job to losing my mom, finding my kids (though I still have not talked to one of them, looks like I might get to this Christmas), learning that my X died, my mom's best friend, my now other X and I all I went through with her - from her brain cyst (she has two now) to her parkinson's, my boys joining the army, losing jobs and being on unemployment, etc and so on.

Maybe, to you, DU has just been a place to blow off steam about politics.

For me, and many others, it has been more - and it would not have been possible were it not for the many here (Not to mention the Admins and Skinner) donating each drive to keep it going.

If you think your time here, donations, etc, have not had an impact you would be wrong. Because it has.

We all at times have been a little harsh with one another, myself included (and yes, I have been a real dick sometimes), it happens because we get emotionally involved over an issue. Nothing wrong with that, we would be less than human if we did not. Can't promise I won't be again, heck I am sure I will be - but be assured I know that you mean well as do I. We make mistakes, we say things we don't mean or later regret.

At any rate - thank you. This is a bad time of year for me, for a lot of reasons. And it means the world to me to be able to have a place to vent. A place to turn to when I have questions, or need ideas/suggestions.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanuka, Kwanzaa, Happy New Year.

[Thickasabrick]

1. Great post and hoping 2010 brings lots of joy to Straight Story's Family

and Friends. Thanks for all the great and informative posts you've contributed this year.

Happy Holidays!!