[Mingo]

yes,  hummmm.  something to think about  next time I don't feel like I can post or say something.

thank you  aoife

[Louise]

Aonther great idea from your wondrous head Aoife my sister.

God how terrifying posting was as a newbie. I feel so much for others when I see that tentative fear operating in them. I used to read 100 times before hitting submit to make sure I didn't sound too know-allish, idiotic, wanky, needy etc.
You know, girls....I've been counting up the number of times I've posted in the last fortnight about me and thinking, "ok Lou time to reel it in a bit now, you've had enough attention...."

Yet always I'm glad I stepped over the fear and posted, because I feel so supported, immeasurably better. And that is once of the functions of this board, n'est ce pas?

I particularly want to address the little lady from England who has been writing to me. You'll know yourself, H. H is a guest who reads our posts but is sure that if she posted, nobody would respond because she isn't worth it.

I'm pretty sure you'll read this thread, and once again I ask you to reconsider, my friend. I know it's scary, but I guarantee you'll find support and friendship amongst the great people here.

Sisters, it's it's really important that we put out our thoughts...haven't we been silenced enough? And don't some of us continue to have such a dearth of support in our offline worlds?

What Natalie says is so true too; there's always somebody who will be able to know where you're coming from. It's amazed me that it doesn't matter what the problem is, somebody will always have some understanding of it.

It is true that some of us have come to know eachother well and forged friendships; that happens in all communities both virtual and offline. But I don't see it as exclusive or rejecting of new members....it often vexes me that it might be felt to be that way. I think it takes time to make a place like this your home, but in the meantime there are hands to help welcome you.

((((((Michelle))))) ((((((Pen))))))))) and ((((((others)))))) you are all incredibly important, and I suppose I've often wondered why you, Pen, don't post oftener....I know I smile when I see you on.

Lick those fears and get posting, friends, ok? This message board is for you.  

Love

Lou

[Cathy]

Ok, I'm replying for two reasons, first I want to boost it.

Second, I've needed to post for myself for about the past two weeks and I just cannot do it.  I've been here since March and posted 784862 times about myself and now I just can't.  Part of me is scared and the other part of me is, well, I don't know.  Somewhere along the lines I decided I was unworthy or something.  I'm rambling.  Nothing new about that, really.

Cathy

[kiwi]

Sometimes i feel like i will say the wrong thing, and then even hugs seem wrong.  I really want to help people or aleast give support.
And i just wanted to let people know that don't be afraid to let me know what you think,feel about my posts. And if you ever feel ive said something wrong, PM me with what it was.
((((hugs to everone)))))

[Amilee]

((((((((melissa, deadwhispers and sessha)))))))))

Like always, it is sad when someone needs this place, but it's one of the best places I've found to deal with such things.  I've got nothing but support and love from all the members here and I know you'll get the same.

Melissa, I think you have amazing strength to have even raised your daughter.  I don't think I could have ever done that (and I didn't) but I'm sure that she is a wonderful girl and deserves all the love you've given her.  And I'm sure you know that already.  :)  The one thing I'm not sure about is if it's a good idea to NOT tell her what happened.  It just seems to me that children are not taught early enough about assualt and abuse.  Perhaps though, you're right, that it's not a good idea to tell her that SHE came from such a situation but I do hope that you don't hide those situations from her.  Being sheltered is never good.  You are doing so well though, I know that losing your friend and trying to figure out the best way to handle this is wearing down on your endurance, but don't give up.  You love your daughter immensly, I can see that.  And she'll see that.  I wish you good luck and send lots of (((((((safe, comfort hugs))))))

((((((dead whispers))))))))

dealing with it in general is hard, anniversaries can be even harder.  you've made it a year though, and there are plenty of beautiful years to come.  It's okay to not be able to talk about it....though life is a little lighter load to carry once you do.  Good luck darling and welcome to pandy's.  :)

Sessha  (((((hugs))))  I hope you're finding it easier to post and to get to know us.  When I'm not drowning in work and school issues I'll be around more often to get to know you too.  :)