Update: Oh my god I'm so blessed and surprised that this diary is on the rec list. I really just want to thank so many people because this is a great honor, and it means a lot to me because I didn't really try very hard with this diary I just poured out my soul. Thanks to everyone who recommended it and thank you for putting me on the list. This is my first time and it's a great honor. My faith in this community has been rewarded finally with some exposure.
Update 2: Some people are commenting that this diary goes too far and is too emotional. I withdraw and walk away from most of the things I said above, and I will change the diary to reflect the comments below, because I can't just leave what I said up and let it stand the face of criticism.
Update 3: Props go out to Mark Warner is Jesus, who wrote an earlier diary on this same subject. I won't delete mine, because mine covers the subject of thanking you for reccing me from a different angle. Many commenters have complained that this diary is duplicative but I'm going to leave it up because it's already on the rec list and it would really suck to delete a rec-listed diary. This is my moment in the sun. Why would I delete it? Mark Warner is Jesus can take down his damn diary. I came up with the idea first even if I clicked "Publish" later than him. I had to go to the bathroom, I would hve published it earlier.
Update 4: I know this is off-topic, I just want to take this opportunity to tell you how really really really important is is to vote. We need to like vote, people. We need to like vote for Democrats. It's a great thing to do, and when you vote for them, the votes are tallied, and they win. I know this is off-topic, but I wanted to use my platform on the rec-list to address other important issues, since most of my diaries suck and won't make the rec-list.
Update 5: I also want to plug my ongoing lecture series at the GW University. Every three weeks I talk to students about squirrels. Please come - we have a great time, and you'll learn tons about squirrels.
Update 6: Please please please, refrain from racial slurs in the comment section. We don't need that.
Update 7: What did I just say about racial slurs? Stop it, folks. It's uncalled for.
Update 8: Lots of people are commenting and expecting me to reply to their comments. But since I wrote this diary and then walked away to be surprised by it being on the rec-list later today, I'm not available to answer those comments. So please be patient. I will respond when I come back from being away.