I've just spent the last several minutes reading and then re reading the last few pages. I've paced and wandered for 24 hours now trying to get my thoughts to gel into something that makes sense. I am so bad when it comes to putting my thoughts and emotions into words, but I'm going to give it a shot anyway.
Ack. I have so many thoughts rolling around in my head, I'm not sure where to start... bear with me.
Well... like Betty, obviously I'm another one of the old YaYas that although I've been a part of the "new" YaYa thread (off and on) for awhile now, I did take a bit of a CB/YaYa break. There was a division of sorts that was really tough for many of us.
When it happened, I don't think anyone involved meant for it to happen quite the way it did, but anyhoo, none of that is pertinent to this. The point I wanted to make is...despite it all, this place has continued to thrive and it's because of the dedication of all of you that have posted here all these years. It's because of people like Elaine, Nancy, Beth, *others too, but I'm having a brain fade moment, forgive me* that were the "oldies" that dug their heels in and refused to let this place die and because of all of you that came in, posted, shared, laughed, cried and made this place your home. That all may sound very sappy, but you know what... friendships are important. They're special and that's what you have here. That takes work. It takes a kind of unconditional love especially in a situation like this where the only form of communication you have is text. To keep a relationship alive depsite the limitations you're presented with due to this medium is not easy, yet you've all done it.
It's funny... even after being back here after my break from the Dis ages ago... In some ways I found it difficult to find my niche in YaYa land and to this day, some days I still struggle to determine whether I "fit" all that well. Why? I haven't a clue! Because I'm a twit I guess. LOL!
But... that aside, I've lurked here enough to know ya'll are a sweet, fun loving, caring group of people and each and every one of you contribute so much to this place.
All of you that love this place and find that it holds a special place in your heart... keep coming here. *This coming from someone that hasn't posted in ages... nervy of me huh?*
Whether it be every day or once a week or on summer break... come by... because it's each and every one of you, your hearts and the contributions you bring here, that have given this thread its life, its legs, its heart, its longevity.
I saw a post of Suzanne's out there on the CB regarding what the CB/Dis has done to change or affect your life. If I were to list everything that this place has done for me... oh my! The list would almost literally be endless. The most important thing though... I have made truly life long friendships. YaYas... almost each and every one of you have affected my life in such profound ways. You know who you are. There are no words to describe what the people here over the years have meant to me. Some of you I haven't had the chance to really get to know yet. I would dearly love to though!
Elaine: I've said this before and it won't be the last time either. You were the first person on the Dis to reach out to me. That is something I will never forget. Not to mention the fact that you continue to be a very very special friend. Much love. I saved a trip?? I'm glad. {{{HUGS}}}
Betty: Snork. What can I say? Chicken Coop Road. Spaghetti, long talks filled with encouragement and assurance that all was well. Thank you.
Beth: You are a long time friend I feel I haven't had the chance to visit with much lately. Makes me a little sad.
I love you much!
Nancy: No words can express what I'd really like to say here. You are one of the vital, very integral parts of this thread. Your dedication to this thread is something I admire greatly.
Alan, your posts bring much sunshine and smiles to YaYa land! You're so much fun to have around. Thank you being part of YaYa land.
John, we haven't had the opportunity to talk a lot, but your contributions here and on the CB have always warmed my heart. Thank you.
Kimmar, always love your pictorial contributions! They decorate the place soooo nicely!
Tara, your way with words is priceless. Never stop sharing!
Pam, I miss your presence terribly when you're not here. Talk about a way with words! You are a treasure!
Suzanne, sadly you are another YaYa I feel I haven't had the opportunity to talk with much yet. I hope someday to meet up with you at WDW! I'd love to say hi in person!
Lily, you make me smile! Your posts are so full of sunshine.
Sherry, even though it was ages ago I still think of the day we spent oodles of minutes chatting on the phone like old friends even though we'd never spoken before. I'll never forget Elaine asking if we were "DONE YET"! LOL ....and I still thank you every time I look at my Aragorn charm.
Paula, I love your sweet ways and tender heart. Your dedication to your children is beautiful. I look forward to more IM chats with you!
Karen, you seem so very full of life and your posts are so much fun!
...and I cannot end without also mentioning Jennifer, Jodie, Marilyn, Jay, Bonnie, Betty, Debbie.... some of the early YaYa ancestors...
no words. Just hugs. Ya'll know I love each and every one of you in a way that words cannot express.
As for a few of the others Elaine mentioned... Beccy, Apolo, (had to put their names together... knew Beccy would like to have him close) Jeannie, Todd, Amanda, Kristy, Auriel, Tony, Liz, Tina, Dave, Caroline, Deena... ya'll are missed very very much.
Sigh. Okay, I guess I'm done. Not sure if I said anything helpful, but just wanted to let ya'll know you are special to someone. Me. ...and that I hope with all my heart that YaYa land continues to be a home for all for many more years.
PS Alan those pictures are priceless! Love the shirt! It's very you!!
...and your girls are gorgeous!!!
Amazing how much stuff tastes like chicken! 
) and then I laid down on the couch and fel smack asleep. Slept for an hour. I guess I was tired.
Love ya, bro!!
AMEN!!! Maybe not every day, but as often as I can.
Oh, the stories you used to write for us!! 
It seems ever since I became the acting store manager, I haven't been able to keep to my scheduled hours, either--I usually run over at least 1 or 2 hours a day. And ya'll were wondering why I didn't really want this job??!! Sigh........why corporate scheduled this conference next week, the SAME week they scheduled the big semi-annual sale (so we have 60 zillion items to put mark down stickers on!!), I will never know! Oh, yeah, and on top of that, we have the Great American Scrapbook Convention in town this weekend, which brings in extra traffic for a good week since we exhibit there and pass out coupons for a free gift with purchase, too! Suffice it to say, I may be scarce. And by July 1st, I may be a gibbering idiot, since that is my next day off. 
Good luck?
