Triibeard,
Oh, how I love your story! Thanks for posting this. I also give you a hearty welcome to the Board! You, sir, are a true bearded gentleman as you describe above. Congratulations on that! I must agree with you about your sentiment about what makes a bearded gentleman and the respect that comes from this. I believe that I garner great respect from others for my bearded state and for the man who I am and how I try to help others in my many walks of life. You obviously subscribe to these same prinicples!

Please show us your growing beard in the way of pics. I for one, now having a big beard, would love to see you venture into the world of the big bearded. But wherever you stop growing, may you now be a mentor to others to grow their beards, now that you are a member of this illustrious Board!

Best Wishes,
Patrick