The other night, a client asked me how I came into this business. As I was telling my story, I mentioned how other providers helped me from day one, and this surprised him. Since it did, maybe that part of the story is not told often enough. So let me say...  
   
 Thank you to the providers who helped me get started ten years ago...you know who you are! To the one who set me up with my first website...at no charge. Another answered all my questions and even sent me some of my first clients. They just did it to be kind. I would not have had the positive start I did without their help.  
   
 Thank you to the ones who helped me have fun! To the ones I met who made me laugh, to the ones I played pool with at M&Gs, to the one who got me drunk on Appletinis and the ones who then half-lifted, half-poured me into a car (I didn't drive), you have my gratitude. Those are great memories I won't forget soon.  
   
 A big thank you to the providers who post on the board here, and on the provider's board, and the ones I PM to decrypt the sea of acronyms and answer questions. I've learned so much from you and remain impressed with your generosity, humor, and good nature. You know who you are! You're the best!  
   
 And finally, thank you to the providers here and all over the country who provide verification of clients when asked, sometimes within an hour or two! I can only remember a couple of times when I didn't get a prompt reply when requesting verification. That's just an amazing response rate for any business line. I feel like we look out for each other. Personal safety is huge in this biz, and I know I can count on you.  
   
 I should have written this ten years ago...but better late than never! Thanks, and a big, warm hug to you all