I’ve mentioned this in the past and thought I’d write something quick about it today. The quick is because I’m lacking time, not because the topic isn’t important or worthy of exposition.

Anyone who has spent much time at any PASS events such as SQL Saturday or Pass Summit has an inkling of what #SQLFamily is.

At its base, it’s a group of professionals who all have SQL Server in common. That might be a start, but it’s hardly a good definition. It’s also:

• Professional contacts
• LOTS of people willing to give SQL help when you need to solve a problem
• Folks that will fact check your blog or post
• It’s the folks willing to step up for a User Group Meeting talk

And that might be enough, but that’s not all it’s also:

• Someone who loves bicycling as much or more than me.
• At least one amateur radio operator (and quite the ham in other ways at times)
• Several with 3D printers making mask band holders and the like
• Several that sing karaoke
• Someone who makes more homemade pizza than I do
• At least one with cute puppies she’s been known to have on her webinars

But, honestly, it doesn’t end there. In this time of Covid it’s been more.

• It’s been the folks who I get together with on Friday’s for a long-distance social hour
• It’s the ones I’ve been able to talk about fears of COVID and schooling and kids
• It’s been the ones I’ve reached out to to make sure they’re ok
• It’s been the ones that have checked in on me
• It’s the folks that write blog posts, sometimes daily, about how to support others

In short it really is a family. We’re not together by blood but we still share our thoughts and feelings and support each other. And you know what, right now I’m extremely grateful for that family.

So to my #SQLFamily, if I haven’t said it enough, thank you for who you are and for being there, especially during this time of Covid. I know I’ve needed it. And I really appreciate it.

And I can’t wait to see you all in person again at some point.

P.S. – if you’re shy or don’t think you’re welcome in the family, don’t worry, you are welcome. Pop in, say hi, or even just reach out to one person and say hi or ask for an introduction.