I wanted to say that this crazy fansite has been a blessing for me, personally, as I know it has been for many others.

According to the homepage, I have been a registered user for 13 years 8 months 2 days.

Many of you know that I went through a pretty harsh period with my Separation & such, beginning the Holiday season of 2010. My 40th birthday that year was definitely a highlight in my life - I had such a great time surrounded by family & friends. Then, about a month later, my world pretty much fell apart and I would say that was the lowest point of my adult life to date.

I had been increasingly posting on the Org until then (for much of the time prior I mainly lurked and posted pics of my kids). So when I opened up to the world, I opened up to the Org. I shared my struggles and pain with you all, sometimes just by venting and often posting threads that today make me shake my head in disbelief.

Well, surprisingly, I made friends. Real friends. Friends that I email, friends that I speak to, friends that I go to concerts with, friends that I travel around the world to meet...a few as recently as last month.

Today I turn 45, and my life is dramatically different than 5 years ago. Out of the houseful of people who cheered me on that day, a mere handful remain in my life. But thankfully I have a new circle of friends who have filled the void, many of which come from this crazy fansite.

And 5 years after that very momentous birthday celebration...as I prepared to spend a quiet day at home with my kids and my parents, I received a present in the mail from a group of Orgers.

A special Thank-you to those who were a part of it. This arrived at my door at the perfect time...to cheer me up when I was feeling down for nonsense I'm dealing with. I am truly grateful for this gesture. Thank You x 1,000,000 !

Thank you as well to the Orger who sent me a card.

I am also very thankful for ALL of you on the Org... for your crazy threads, for your your crazy comments, for the photowhores, for the photoshops, and for the shared appreciation for that skinny MF'er with the high voice that brought us all together.

[Edited 11/21/15 22:43pm]

orgers r cool. thankful 4 u. i'm makin homemade raspberry poptarts and enchiladas 4 thanksgiving just to keep it random, and will name the best 1 PurpleJ as a small gesture of thanks 4 your existence.

You do realize that we will expect professional Photo-whore-threads from you, right?

PurpleJedi said:

....our birthdays aren't that far apart, Jedi.... I hope *I* get to write something like that when I turn 45.....

you welcome...

have another,

You're very welcome dude. Don't think this means I ain't gonna stay on your case about your writing....

This is beautiful...

How cool!

It's been a pleasure to know you over the years. We don't converse much directly, but you're genuinely one of the reasons I continue to frequent this site.

Have a fantastic 45th year!

Aww....very sweet n Happy Birthday

Just glad to be a part of the ride...

they don't care about you...

all they givin is words,

i give you what you need

This is so sweet Many of my true friendhips were formed throught this site

Awesome

It was an honor! Happy birthday, and now that you are a professional photographer, let's see some selfies of you at the gym!

RodeoSchro said:

It was an honor! Happy birthday, and now that you are a professional photographer, let's see some selfies of you at the gym!

in the locker room!

Nice post. Don't know you that well but clearly you're one of the good ones.

PURplEMaPLeSyrup said:

orgers r cool. thankful 4 u. i'm makin homemade raspberry poptarts and enchiladas 4 thanksgiving just to keep it random, and will name the best 1 PurpleJ as a small gesture of thanks 4 your existence.

My first culinary concoction named after me!!!

dJJ said:

You do realize that we will expect professional Photo-whore-threads from you, right?

domainator2010 said:

....our birthdays aren't that far apart, Jedi.... I hope *I* get to write something like that when I turn 45.....

babynoz said:

You're very welcome dude. Don't think this means I ain't gonna stay on your case about your writing....

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

RodeoSchro said:

It was an honor! Happy birthday, and now that you are a professional photographer, let's see some selfies of you at the gym!

in the locker room!

Slave2daGroove said:

Nice post. Don't know you that well but clearly you're one of the good ones.

PurpleJedi said:

dJJ said:

You do realize that we will expect professional Photo-whore-threads from you, right?

Of course "artistic" nudes always appreciated.

kewlschool said:

PurpleJedi said:

Of course "artistic" nudes always appreciated.

I'll start canvassing the Org for willing subjects.