I've been a DU member for 20 years today! [View all]

[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!