All,

I have come to the realization (once again) of just how valuable this forum, and its members, are for me. More than just the sharing of information and opinion, y'all have been a refuge for me. Through my time in Baghdad, New York, and Australia, this forum has been there. It has been a place for me to go and escape my solitude. It has distracted me from the dangers and hardships I otherwise had to face. It has been a link back to my roots; to my home, my family, my friends, and a way of life that held great value to me, all of which I had to leave behind over two and a half years ago. This forum has given me a place to express a lot of my personal values and to share a lot of my personal experiences. In turn, you have also shared with me a lot of yourselves. Believe me, this is a big deal, and something I really appreciate beyond any words.

I am not one prone to many "Share the love" moments, as many of you may have come to understand about me and my style. Today, however, I am compelled to convey this, my gratitude, to the hosts of this forum, and to the members with whom I have shared so much, even though we have never really met.

Today, I will gladly accept a big dose of humility and freely admit that I may not be the easiest guy to "cuss and discuss" a lot of issues with, but I hope all of you have been able to recognize that in every response, whether in support of or contrary to your own positions, I have the greatest respect for all y'all. I've tried to make that point clear, but sometimes when I read my older posts, I am not so sure that comes out so clearly. So I am saying it now; all of you who take the time and make the effort to post here on a regular basis have my respect and my gratitude.

Anyone up for one of those "Mary Tyler Moore end of the series group hugs"?