Ha ha. I was just catching up on all the posts as well saw this one. I was about to do the same as you and off on one about my 20 year wait and starting my second year in the pool when I thought I would read on first. By the time I'd read all the comments I was just too tired and my frustrations had gone.
I guess people don't and ultimately can't know what journey each other has had to get to this point. It's a bit like the people who don't want to pay for the nominations and the extra hoops they have to jump through. I bite my tongue to be honest when I read that, as I would pay in a heartbeat. But that's seeing it through my eyes where $1,500 isn't that much. But I understand the arguments that those people make, I just don't agree with them and that's fine.
But the real point I'm trying to make is that I've been reading this forum since 66 and contributed (for what my contributions are worth) since 67 and the reason I do is the people. There's such a great bunch on here (with possibly one exception, Dsxxx but he's gone). This is a long and hard road for us all and having friends like you guys on here to keep me motivated has been immense. I won't always agree with all of you, but I will try and put myself in your shoes.
This is the Ray of Hope thread and to me that means optimism, encouragement and above all friendship. God bless all of you. (Except him who's gone
).