So Long, and Thanks for All the (Swedish) Fish

[yardwork]

281. So many thoughts are going through my mind.

I started reading DU in 2004, I think. Maybe it was 2003. I lurked for a long time, mostly in the Lounge. I remember the day I picked a handle and joined, and eventually started posting.

Over the years on DU I realized that I was gay, left a marriage, got married again, built a new career, bought and sold and bought a house, watched my kids grow up.

I got into big fights on DU, got banned for a while, got reinstated with amnesty, watched the Admins evolve on gay rights and watched DU become a friendlier place for gay folks. There are still too few of us here. And still way too few people of color. But despite everything, DU has been and still is my home.

I'm particularly grateful, David, for those times when I've reached out to ask something and you responded quickly and graciously.

Thank you. I wish you the very best in all your future endeavors. Thanks for leaving us in good hands.