Thanks for all the kind replies EVERYONE, it really means a lot.  In fact, I would've probably NEVER made it to this milestone had it not been for this compassionate community and all the supportive camaraderie.

This Beard Board is SERIOUSLY one of the BEST communities / message boards on the internet.  With so much hatred flowing through most people's lives, it's DEFINITELY reassuring to know that there's still some great folks left in this world.

I tip my hat to everyone here.