Wow - I was surprised when an email popped up regarding Mags (@ Magstoyou) 2 year quit. Since I know she is closing in on 4 years, it threw me. Oh course I had to investigate and quickly realized the new system updates allow you to see post that you have commented on in the past. I LOVE this feature as well as several others I see, like being able to tag and mention people.
First --- I love you Mags! You were/are my leader and I never doubted that as long as I followed behind you and stayed in your footsteps that I would succeed. You are very special to me and my quit! I am so proud of you, and the other Elders, that have stayed on the site as mentors.
Personally, the comment posted by #batmom resonated with me. Once the everyday urge left .... I was happy and didn't want to continue thinking about it. For me and many others, staying active on the site keeps "SMOKING" at the forefront of the brain. It hinders us more than it helps us 
I sometimes equate leaving the EX site to growing up and leaving home. I will always love my EX family, appreciate everything they did for me, and I miss them enough that I want to come back and visit from time to time. I just can't do it on a daily or regular basis.
I think that makes me appreciate, even more, the strength and sacrifice of the Elders. That includes the Elders that were paramount to my own personal quit (I hope I have let you know just how special you are to me) and those that came after me and stuck around.
I'm not going to try to name everyone, but we ALL know who they are! They are the bedrock of EX. They give their free time, without pay, to mentor the thousands of people that come here for help. They do this tirelessly, through sickness and strife, because they are beautiful and unique souls. They are our teachers, our support system. They stuck so they could be there to teach, give pep talks, helpful hints, pick us up when we are down --- and sometimes give a swift lecture if that is what we need to kick our brains in gear and keep us from doing something stupid.
To all the Elders out there, Thank You! Thank you for all you did to help me and all you do to help others. ♥
Marilyn (marmac) 3 Years, 7 Months, 3 Weeks - Money Saved $14,019.67
