[JaneYoung]

Thank you for this reminder, Mike.

I spent a couple of years browsing Chief Delphi. A post requesting help prompted me to sign up but I didn't respond to the post because Beth Sweet did. I've always 'blamed' Beth for my finally joining the Chief Delphi community. Another reason that was happening simultaneously, was a post made by Kathie Kentfield about the NEMO forum. I wanted to learn more about that so - I also spread some of the 'blame' Kathie's way, too. Both reasons were to offer help or to receive help. The keyword was help. Not assistance, not support, not anything other than - help.

Since joining CD, I've found a community of wonderful people who offer advice, suggestions, help, support, and wisdom in all of the areas that strengthen FIRST teams. The community meets in the home, Chief Delphi, and I've often envisioned its welcome mat. Very large. Very deep. Room for many people with varied interests and opinions, but with common goals and dreams. The welcome mat is worn down with care but is not careworn. It may be a little crowded every now and then as folks carefully wipe their feet to enter the house, Chief Delphi, but, as the crowd thins, the mat is still there, ready to welcome those who approach with help or asking for help. And support, advice, friendship, sharing of knowledge and understanding. That is how I have always envisioned CD's welcome mat as I try to wipe my feet with care, each time I enter.

We are guests and should not take that for granted or forget that, no matter how hot the topic or strong the disagreement. We are also welcome to take the heated argument outside where it belongs when it is no longer a discussion of value - when we talk at each other, not with each other. We can all work a little harder to remember this.

Thanks again, Mike - please "come home" more often, you are missed.
Jane