Not just a forum...it's family

[4theSNAKElady]

I didn't expect the kind of support and community-type warm and fuzzy feeling I have gotten from this forum since the day I joined over a year ago. As a newbie, It took me awhile to "feel these folks out", these faceless characters recognized only by an avatar. However, once I got to know everyone, I felt as though I REALLY knew them.Folks that share the same passion and love to talk on hours simple snake stuff that would disgust or put to sleep my other friends that I actually hang around normally that don't belong or have no clue about the existence of this forum.With time, any newbie can feel they really belong. I have made a best friend,hooked up with other really awesome breeders, not to mention I have learned so much!!! What I have gained most, more than anything,is a sense of belonging.whenever i needed some laughs,felt sad,wanted to "schmooze", or just generally needed an "escape" to my own little part of the world,I knew I could find "release" at BPnet. I have gained so much more than just "extra data about balls that I didn't know". Getting that was needed and very useful, but the family of long timers that makes up this site make it so much more than that. I have in the last month had so much happen that my life has literally been turned upside down and scattered everywhere like litter. My heart has been broken, and I have had to make some very spur-of-the moment bittersweet life decisions. I won't be around for awhile for the next three to four months,while I start piecing my life back together and will miss you guys terribly.I want to thank five very special forum members who have helped me out so much, have been such great friends,allowed me opportunities I might not have gotten from anywhere else,and have made a lasting impression on me that I will never forget.A never ending thanks,admiration, and appreciation goes to Amber(ivvylea77),Mr.Glass,Chris, Joe, and of course Jedi Wysocki. My life would not be as full and interesting without them.

And for all the newbies who find it kinda tough to just "get" what some of these people,who can only be identified as a funny pic in an avatar,interesting threads,or seemingly "less than harmless" comments, I urge you to hang in there. These people, these long timers of this forum, may at first seem hard to understand,and sometimes even seem rude! . But, once you get to really know them, you'll love them....and think nothing less. I know I have.

Thank you everyone


The snake lady

[rabernet]

How nice! We hope that you'll be back as soon as everything settles down for you!

[jglass38]

Thanks for the kind words, Crystal. Hang in there and get back soon!

[Ginevive]

I am glad to read that. There is no other forum that I participte in that has this close-knit feeling..and it is not clicque-y like some forums where it seems like everyone knows everyone else and newcomers are shunned (like walking into a bar where everyone is in little groups glaring at you, lol.)
I wish you the best in your life.. please do update us.

[Laooda]

Best of luck with your new ventures, big hugs..... and come back soon!

[Gooseman]

This place truly is amazing. Not a single doubt about it. I've been here not quite 2 months and I already feel I know a few people on here. And even better, a few people know me. I've been a member of many forums before this one, but there is always some sort of rigid unspoken pecking order. On the lacrosse forums you have to be from new england, california or canada to be taken seriously. On knife forums you have to have a stellar collection of limited edition knives that even the plain jane model is $500. Here, sure people respect the breeders and long time members more, but they do everything they can to try to be as personnal as possible so as to keep everyone, even those with just one normal bp, feel like they belong. Which they do. This place truly is amazing.

[JLC]

Wow, Crystal....I'm sorry to hear that you're going through such a difficult time right now. But I'm glad to know that you know that we'll always be here for ya! Hang in there, girl....

[TheAudOne]

This is a great thread...I to feel the same way about everyone here...our passion for our pets has brought us all together...it's just one more thing I thank my animals for doing.

I've met some awesome people here and cant thank everyone enough for what they have done.....

[4theSNAKElady]

Thanks so much guys. I'm really gonna miss this place...

[ivylea77]

Ahhh...shucks. Crystal there was never a doubt, not a hint of should I, but a sincere desire to help as much and as quickly as I could. The unfortunate circumstances your life has turned into is an unbelievable nightmare. You have remained strong and have delicately started putting the pieces back into place. That takes courage. I fought this weekend (my rematch) for a cause true to my heart. How ironic my very own friend has suffered from the hand of another and the cause I fought for will help peice back the lives shattered by others.

For those of you not knowing, I am a kickboxer. I had a Title fight this weekend raising money for domestic violence. It was an all womens show and made a powerful statement. Who knew this event would have such strong meaning in my life.

Hang tough Crystal. I'll always fight for you.