Six years.

(Well, actually four years. Those four years were preceded by one year of lurking and working up the courage to post, and of fumbling around until I luckily connected with some wonderful Redditors and joined some awesome communities. And then followed most recently by one year of being a mod and commenter without posting. But that’s nitpicking. Let’s call it six years.)

How do I sum up six years? How to put into words the gratitude for all the support, especially this past year of change and challenge? How to describe the confidence and validation and (dare I say) love I’ve been gifted with, from so many wonderful friends? How to tell of the excitement of visiting my favorite posters and subs, of feeling connected to the communities that have welcomed me and which I’ve been fortunate to contribute to? How to spell out the deep emotions—happiness, joy, belonging, sadness, concern, empathy, awe, desire, lust, arousal—and all of the many times I’ve experienced them here with you? How to list the many self-discoveries I’ve experienced because of conversations and ruminations and thoughtful, honest questions?

A single post cannot do justice to my time with you. I can only—inadequately, insufficiently, endlessly—say “thank you” and hope that I can continue to share this connection with you.

~M