Thank you.

Doc John has done some amazing things by having a goal/dream/inspiration a few times in his life. I've known him (or of his work by being a member of online communities he either created or helped to create and maintain) for about six years now. Early on, I would ask myself "Who would want to help to such a huge degree...because?" Over and over and over again in these years that question has been answered with, "John Grohol, that's who." He's been more than consistent in his care, concern and help...unwavering. For the last year and a half I've been volunteering in an attempt help him achieve only a part of his visions and goals for others. I can only say, in all honesty, that he's remained unchanged in his care, consistency, dedication and concern. He's never surprised me...never been unavailable or uncaring...never been far away in a sense of separateness. He has my respect and then some. I just wanted to say that.

I wanted to help in any way that I could to bring people in need (even to the smallest degree) together with like people for sharing, caring, helping each other. I wanted to help because when I was going through some of the most difficult times in my life I found relation, caring, information and concern when I needed it the most by participating in an online community created by John Grohol. There were people who could understand. I found I wasn't alone and haven't felt that way since. There were people who wanted to care about me and share with me. Those people would not have been there, though, had they not been given a "place" in which to do all of those things. I knew I wanted to help, but that it was also my calling to do so; to use the skills and life experiences that I've acquired in this life to help/care/share even in a small way.

When I was given the opportunity to help here, I didn't hesitate. It wasn't only to help, though; it was also to participate. Once again, I've found a caring, sharing and help that I hadn't previously known. Once again, in an area of my life where I felt isolation and alone, I see and feel that I'm not. See, I've lived with Trigeminal Neuraligia for 22 years now. I'd never, ever spoken to another person who lived with this diagnosis. I never knew that people could understand or even better, share and once again help me. Once again, because John Grohol gave a place, I found understanding, caring and sharing.

I'm thankful to Dr. John Grohol on many levels, and for many things.

I can't say how much the moderators have helped this community to run smoothly. They're caring individuals to also want to help...because. They bring their knowledge, experience and understanding and lay it on the table to help in any way that they can.

The members not hesitating to speak about their needs here for comfort, or dislikes and concerns, is key as well. I have already found so much valuable information and ideas that apply to my life. That couldn't happen without participation, giving, caring and a desire to help...because.

I really like my chair. It's so good to see all of this come together in a workable, helpful way with all doing what they can as they can, determined to build and maintain this community.

I'm so excited to be here and honored as I get to know more of you. As this continues I see what an extraordinary and exceptional community we're becoming. We're all volunteering ourselves in some way to both give and gain; to share and care...because.

I know this may sound korny or simple. Most of all I hope it sounds honest, respectful and appreciative.

KD