Giving Thanks

[leigh.bess.toad]

I have so much to be thankful for this year -- more so than any Thanksgiving in my life. 15 months ago, I joined this forum and it has changed my life. Through this place, I have formed friendships with the most amazing men I have ever known. I was supported and encouraged as I started my coming out process. A few weeks before last Thanksgiving, I came out to my wife. Without the support and love of many friends here, I don't know how I could have handled this. The fact that my wife has been understanding and in many ways supportive of me after the initial shock has been an incredible gift to me.

 

During the last year, I have hired 12 incredible escorts. I have become very good friends with quite a few of them. They have been an incredible support for me as I have found may way in my brave new world as a gay man.

 

I organized the DC luncheon last January and attended the Palm Springs weekend where I met many forum members in person. In all, I guess I have met approximately 3 dozen different forum members in person in the last year. Although we can sometimes be an unruly crew, there still is, for the most part, a comraderie we share: our "unusual hobby" as it was called so magnificently put by Epigonos.

 

Then six months ago, the most amazing thing happened: I went on my first date as a gay man. As I got to know him better and better, I realized I loved him and now want to and plan to spend and share the rest of my life with him. Again, I don't think this would have been possible without the support and encouragement of my forum friends.

 

So to all of my forum friends -- you have become more than friends. You have become like family. As I share part of my Thanksgiving with my wife and another part with my boyfriend, know that I will be thinking of many of you and I am thankful for all that you have given me.

 

To all the forum members, please have a happy and joyous Thanksgiving. It is a day to remember and give thanks for the gifts we have received. Hopefully, this simple little tune will remind us all that it is the simple gifts that mean the most.

 

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone. And thank you for being here.

 

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[justaguy]

Lee, I hope you have a great Thanksgiving. Two dinners? Even I'm impressed. But then, you seemed to have taken a shine to large portions of meat. Again, have a great one.

[seeker630]

Lee, that's truly a year to celebrate! Congratulations on your journey thus far and may the coming years be even better!

 

And Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here! May we all appreciate the blessings we have, even in hard times.

[JT Brooklyn]

Happy Thanksgiving...Many More! JT

[+ Charlie]

Happy Thanksgiving, Lee.

[adriano46]

Lee, what a warm and wonderful message and then you added that great American song made famous by Aaron Copland. Nice classy touch. And who cannot but remember nd love Mariln Horne (she and Sutherland singing NORMA have never been out-classed).

 

Thanks are due to YOU, my friend. You have touched many lives in your journey this year and have been a great source of inspiration, fun, laughs and joy over the past year. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[+ Travis69]

Best wishes for the holiday to everyone.

[happyguy2]

Happy Thanksgiving Lee. I always sensed that you were a special person, but I never thought for a moment that you had gone through all you have in only fifteen months. You are an amazing human being.

[jackhammer91406]

many blessings

 

Lee,

Thanks for starting this thread and sharing your story. I wish you all that you hope for.

 

I too have so much to be thankful for. A few on this board know of my struggles to battle cancer for the last 2 years. Their support, cards, emails, jokes, and prayers are part of why I am thankful. I had surgery 5 weeks ago for the 3rd cancer (after beating AML Leukemia last year) and as of today the doctors tell me I am cancer free. I still have a long way to go in recovery but the support of family and good friends and the fact that I am still here make me very thankful.

 

I hope everyone has a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.

[+ Charlie]

Great news, jack!

[nate_sf]

At the risk of being gushy, one of the main reasons I continue this work all these years later is the great guys I've met through escorting. Both clients and other escorts, these are guys who I would not have met otherwise and it is such an interesting, varied group. I've learned so much from so many people and am grateful for the acquaintances and friendships.

 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[leigh.bess.toad]

Lee,

Thanks for starting this thread and sharing your story. I wish you all that you hope for.

 

I too have so much to be thankful for. A few on this board know of my struggles to battle cancer for the last 2 years. Their support, cards, emails, jokes, and prayers are part of why I am thankful. I had surgery 5 weeks ago for the 3rd cancer (after beating AML Leukemia last year) and as of today the doctors tell me I am cancer free. I still have a long way to go in recovery but the support of family and good friends and the fact that I am still here make me very thankful.

 

I hope everyone has a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.[/color][/size][/font]

 

Jack, that is really wonderful news. We have never met (and I hope we can change that fact in Palm Springs this year), but many on this forum I know have kept you in our thoughts for some time. Your news may be the best reason of all to give thanks on this holiday. Thanks for sharing this great news.

[Guest countryboywny]

Jack, I never knew the reasons behind why you started the Friday Funnies thread, but I have enjoyed it very much. Now that you have gone public with your health issues, well, now I get it. I'd like to compliment you on the way you have handled your illness and the accompanying discouragement.. with laughter. We either laugh 'til we cry, or cry 'til we laugh.. either way, you feel better afterward. You're in my prayers for a full and speedy recovery. Thanks!

[Bosguy]

Jack,

 

You have been an inspiration to me since shortly after I joined the Forum having gone through major life threatening surgery. I bounced back at a rate my doctors and friends could not believe. How? By determination, positive outlook, and the friendship and support I found from so many Forum members and still do. One of my biggest supporters was the marvelous man known as Oliver.

 

Keep up your wonderful view of life and things will continue to move positively forward.

 

Thanks for the laughs and so much more.

 

Boston Bill