I've been a DU member for 20 years today!

[AwakeAtLast]

I cannot believe it has been that long!

20 years ago, I was a teacher and a soldier's wife with a two-year-old. My husband was away at Basic Training and needless to say, I wasn't getting much sleep.

Computers were so different back then! I found DU because one of my substitutes left it in my browser history. I read the Top 10 Republican Idiots for awhile before I realized there was a whole website to explore.

Late at night, after my daughter was asleep, I decided I needed to sign up as a member. Because of the lack of sleep, I called myself "WakeMeUp". It was also a fitting name because of how much information I got from DU.

George W. Bush as President just about killed my husband in Iraq, our finances from 2008, and my will to continue teaching from Betsey DeVos.

DU kept me sane and helped me through many hard times. I have even met some of you in person! My husband is a disabled Veteran with PTSD, and my daughter and her girlfriend will be getting married next year. I finished my 26th year of teaching Music last week. We have persevered!

Thanks to Skinner, Elad and EarlG for creating DU!

Please kick in to the Tip Jar if you haven't already, this place is too valuable.

Lastly, thank you, dear members, for your contributions to this awesome place. Your participation is what truly makes DU special.



Edit to add: 14,136 posts. Not hugely prolific, but I do what I can.

2nd edit: I'm a fraud! I can't keep my years straight! I've been MARRIED 24 years, I've been on DU for 20!

I think I need a drink, LOL!

[BOSSHOG]

1. Happy Anniversary My Friend

DU is quite an education. And Fun. And sometimes contentious. And almost always friendly.

And I echo your Thanks to the brain trust.

Whenever I see a post like yours about finding DU, my thoughts turn to BARTCOP! Nuff Said

[AwakeAtLast]

2. Thank you!

[Aristus]

3. Congratulations!

I’m so happy you’ve been with us for so long!

And here’s to many more years!

[AwakeAtLast]

4. Thank you!

[liberal N proud]

5. Happy DU anniversary

I will have 20 in August

[AwakeAtLast]

7. Thank you!

[Deuxcents]

6. Enjoyed your 24 year experience with DU and I agree..this is a special place

I haven’t been here that long but I’ll be with you for the next 24 years 🤗

[AwakeAtLast]

8. Deal!

[2naSalit]

9. Happy Anniversary!

I started lurking around then but didn't sign up until much later.

[AwakeAtLast]

11. Thank you!

[IcyPeas]

10. I like how you found DU. ...

I found DU because one of my substitutes left it in my browser history.

This has to be a first.😆

Congratulations!!

[AwakeAtLast]

12. Thank you!

[AllaN01Bear]

13. hello fellow long time duer. the al gore v shrub 2 gaffe brought me here by accidente and what a great accident.

name chage due to the great du hack,, of 2016 and moving foreward.

[AwakeAtLast]

22. Hello!

[niyad]

14. Congratulations on yoyr 20th DUnniversary. And what a wonderful

piece you wrote. Thank you for being part of this great community.

[AwakeAtLast]

23. Thank you!

[Hermit-The-Prog]

15. Just 1 more year and you can celebrate with a drink.

[AwakeAtLast]

24. First one is on me!

[Hekate]

16. So glad you came -- so glad you stayed!

[AwakeAtLast]

25. Thank you!

[ProfessorGAC]

17. Congrats On The Milestone!

Glad you stuck around.

[AwakeAtLast]

26. Thank you!

[LetMyPeopleVote]

18. Congratulations

I also have been on DO for 20 years

[AwakeAtLast]

27. Congrats to you!

[Emile]

19. Congratulations

[AwakeAtLast]

28. Thank you!

[Niagara]

20. Congratulations on your 20th DU Anniversary, AwakeAtLast!

[AwakeAtLast]

29. Thank you!

[Phentex]

21. Congrats! It will be 20 for me too

later this year. Saved my sanity is what this place did

[AwakeAtLast]

30. Thank you!

And to you!

[DUgosh]

31. What a lovely post!

I was a much younger stressed out Mom with a son with disabilities ( the same syndrome as LilBit) who did not sleep approx 24 years ago when I joined DU. I can relate! I called myself OHGosh back then because life was so unpredictable. My son has long since past and I rarely post but I still cling to DU on sleepless nights! I’ve embraced the jar and you my awake friend! Let’s try for some sleep! 💤