I guess there must be something to the fact that my 1,000th post should fall on my 3rd anniversary as a survivor. In some ways it's hard to believe that it's been 3 years and in other ways it seems like it's been 10 years.

In the past 3 years I have made many friends here and unfortunately, have lost a few, too. I am so thankful that I have learned so much from my family here and that it has made me a better person and a better dentist. Some of these things I should have learned in dental school. Others should have been taught in continuing education courses. I know that my interaction with so many courageous people has helped me to become a more senstitive and caring individual.

There have been times that the sadness of someone's situation has compelled me to stay away from the forum for a few days. But each time I knew I had to come back. That's what this place does to me.

So tomorrow I go for my annual chest x-ray which I know will be clear and I'll continue to come back here everyday and hope and pray that in some small way, I may be able to make someone's experiences a little easier.

Thanks for "listening".

Jerry