[Idealist]

You know, there are times when I come here to this place for no reason at all except to get myself another dose of quiet support. I sit down at my desk...turn on my computer...log onto this site and then just sit there and stare at the screen.

Not reading. Not writing. Just knowing that somehow, through the miracle of this internet, I am connected to other people who actually kind of understand what I am feeling. They understand something about me and my challenges in life that I haven't been able to explain to a whole army of "professional" specialists, or the people who I live and deal with every day and who "really know me", in over four years.

And just knowing that those people are out there - that by just stretching out my arms and tapping with my fingers I can reach out to ask for their help or offer my support - makes me feel better. It's NeuroTalk now, and I kinda like that name. But it's not about the name. It's about the people.

There's Barbara, "Moose 53", who answered my very first post on the introductory board at OBT four years ago and, by that simple fact, became a name that I will remember forever.

There's Curious...with her curious ways. Who'd of ever thunk a southern gal from Texas could have ever traded so many laughs with an eastern guy like me over so many sleepless nights? Hoot-hoot.

There's Chemar, with her gentle encouragement and endless supply of (((free hugs))) to make everyone feel better.

Heck, I can't name everybody... These are just a few of so many people whose very presence here have had such a huge impact on me. Some know who they are. Most probably don't. There have been those whose posts I have followed for years, and who then just suddenly "introduced" themselves to me one day for no reason at all. And what am I supposed to say? I already know you?

And there have been those who I really respect but who, no matter how hard I try, I can never seem to connect with.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you all for being here so much of the time. I doubt that very many of you realize how helpful you all can be.