Oh Andy, this is just the dearest, sweetest (without being sugary, don't worry
) thing!
I don't know about the others who post here, but I don't see you as 'other' or 'different' from any of the other regulars. You're just our Andy, who very much belongs here.
Your post reminds me a bit of my church. I wasn't interested in going to one at all until last summer, as you may recall. When I finally became interested in trying one out, it was because I felt I had something to give. So I started going to that church in order to give to the community there, and instead I just received this huge wave of affectionate welcome and caring. It's like they fed me. (Which, actually, they did do a few times.
)
Ain't that the darndest thing how that happens? And it always does.