This seems like an appropriate time to say thank you to everybody on this forum, for keeping alive something much greater than the sum of all of us. The love and support here, not to mention the playful camaraderie, boggles the mind, and everybody should give themselves a pat on the back.

I've come and gone from this forum, sometimes an active participant, sometimes keeping a low profile, sometimes cynical (by nature), sometimes emotional (also by nature). I don't know all the people here, but I read every post, and it's always apparent that new life is injected into the conversation, that keeps a fresh perspective alive. Newcomers become experts and guide the next group of people through a process of dealing with this stinking disease. Old information is recycled, new information expands our possibilities, magic happens.

I'm particularly moved today because I received a bunch of birthday wishes from people I don't know. I know each of their id's, some details that came out in discussion posts and comments, but don't have regular interchanges. Nobody needed to do that, but you did. And, that's the magic. I don't acknowledge it enough, but always appreciate what you people do for me and for each other. Thanks especially to you lovely people who learned of my birthday and acknowledged it, but thanks also to everyone of you for being part of this group. You're wonderful.

Doug