My mother, who has always loved us and helped us, she guided me through all the troubles in school, and helped me to have confidence in myself, and not to give in and act like someone I wasn’t. She’s always there to give advice, and taught me about what it is to do the right thing. She taught me to love books before I could even read, and patiently put up with my reluctance to learn to read and lack of confidence in my own reading abilities until I finally broke through, and she started me reading LotR, which was one of the only things that gave me enough strength not to give in at school, gave me enough strength to not start doubting myself and who I was. Without LotR, and without my parents, I would never have survived elementary school being myself until KC came. Mom, along with Dad, raised me to believe in God, a belief which has been a major part of my life.

My father, who has always been there with love and support, who rocked us on his lap in mornings, while we listened to music, who often would come into our room and play and sing lullabies to us, and on those nights, I would go to sleep easier and happier, knowing he was there. He’s always believed in me, and encouraged me to do the things I love, and to go further with them than I would ever dare go on my own. He, without making things seem easier than they are, if I express an interest in something to do with my life will look up how I can do it, and tell me how difficult it would be, then say that if it is what I want, to do it, and go through the difficulties to achieve my goal. He showed me how to stand up for what is right without anger or fear, without yelling, or insulting, but how to simply stand and say “this is what is right, and I will do it” calmly. He gave me strength and confidence in myself, and filled my life with music, so it surrounds me wherever I go.

My godmother, who I can say anything to, who always has had confidence in me, who has brought me to expand my craft skills, to push and test and learn new things, and do things I would, who made me love doing these things, and learning new ones, because I knew that they would be presents for her, and every bit of work I put into them would be worthwhile when I saw her face as she opened them, and heard her say “oh, Anna!” Whenever I am troubled about something, I know I can go to her, and she will make it come clear, and her sponsoring me before I decided not to get confirmed was a major source of inspiration. She’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met, who gives all of her time and effort to helping everyone around her, and who brightens a room just by being in it. When I am unsure of what to do, I can think of what she would do, and act, and be confident that it is right. Our relationship is something very special, I don’t even know how to describe it, except to say how very much I love her, and how much I know I am loved by her.

My aunt, for teaching me how to crochet, for always loving us, and over protecting us, which even when annoying is nice, because we know she cares. It is wonderful to spend time with her, just talking, or crocheting together, and we always know that she’s there for us.

Sticker Goddess, who is the most amazing sister anyone could ever have. She’s funny, and fun to be around, and is more like a close friend than a sister. We always talk together, and share the same friends and books. And it was she who ordered me to read EG, and told me about this forum.

KC, who is my best friend. She was my friend when I was alone. She brought me to love jewelry-making, and to read new authors, she pushed me into reaching out and trying new things when I would have stopped and hidden. When school was horrible, it never mattered, because after school, I knew she’d be there. When she moved, it was like the end of the world, I was so afraid our friendship would die out, but she was so sure of it that I could never stop trusting it. It was because of her moving that I first talked to God and it was a prayer for her that was the first time I could see God answering.

My extended family, my grandparents, my cousins, my uncles and aunts, especially on my fathers side, who always were so much fun to be around, and with whom I always knew I belonged, and that I was wanted.

tIM, who was the first friend I made after KC left. She’s such a wonderful person to know, brilliant and talented, but never showing off because of it. She’s a great friend, and it’s been so much fun knowing her, and teasing her, sharing jokes no one else would understand, and, best of all, watching as she starts to tease back.

Jane, who’s been my partner in going to see FotR and TTT over and over, and with whom I conspire to do such odd things as put up signs during class elections saying “vote Peter Wiggin Senior Class Hegemon” and others saying “vote Achilles Senior Class Hegemon” and who helped make shirts for us all to wear saying those things. We often come up with odd plots like that, and they’re a lot of fun to implement

Lacey, who I started being friends with after a debate in which I annoyed her extensively by insisting there were fishies in nuclear reactors, and she stopped me in the halls afterward to tell me how annoying I’d been. Somehow, from there, we started being friends. We share books, and make jewelry together, and in whatever classes we have together, we tease the teachers and each other and enjoy ourselves a lot.

My philosophy and logic teacher, who with his wonderful teaching and enthusiastic manner introduced me to the wonders of philosophy, and made me love it. It’s because of his teaching that I know I want to major in philosophy, and because of his teaching that I started reading philosophy (a thing which before his class, I’d never have thought I’d enjoy)

The kids I baby-sit for. They’re such wonderful children, and it’s incredible to know them. It’s because of them that I know I want children, and their enthusiasm and joy for life is amazing. I would do anything to keep them safe, and kill anyone who threatened them...

Human, who’s a wonderful friend-I’m glad we started that blue-sword-like fight in the chatroom that day-it’s so great knowing you, and being friends. Thanks

And then there are all you people on Hatrack. There’s so much I learn from y'all every day, on every subject. I never quite belong anywhere, but here, it feels close to belonging. And thank y’all so much, for posting, for talking, for being such wonderful people.

It's okay to be nervous about the places without trees...but to me they feel like home.

I'm mentioned! I think I'm going to faint...

Oh, and Toretha? Happy B-day, and happy 2000th!

Happy 2000th Post. (2000 posts and 1/2 my age. I feel old and useless today.)

I love the idea about "Vote Achilles School Hegemon" Half of the teachers will think you have a classic Greek hero in mind, and give you credit for that. In reality, you want to take over the world.

Dan, I'm emailing her right now, and thanks

*pats self on shoulder

I loved your post - it made me so happy!