((((((Thelma)))))),



Oh, I hate those people that only come to cause trouble. There was one awhile back that posted on one of the genetic disorder forums (trisomy) on OBT. I was furious. I sent him a email and told him he was horrible human being.

I just had a thought about what you said about "bombarding newcomers".

We can't really know if that's the way that they're feeling. But, my way of looking at it is sometimes someone will say something using "your words" -- speaking in the same way that you talk -- then you will get the message. Sometimes, one might have to read many different ways of stating the same thing in order to "get it". Do you think that's possible??

When I was dealing with the suicide of my Brother (and also my own attempts), I did a lot of reading about suicide. I actually wrote to an author once and asked him if he had ever attempted suicide. Because I thought that I recognized a "compatriot" in his words. He actually wrote me back a very long letter explaining why he would never do that. I still read that letter sometimes. I got more out of that man's one letter than out of hours and hours of therapy. Because, he used MY WORDS.

Do you understand what I'm saying, Thelma. Sometimes, the key is a different word.

I, personally, would never want newcomer questions answered by just one forum member. I would be afraid that the person with the questions would not be getting a wide enough view of the possibilities.

I, for one, think that as long as someone's intention is to help -- even if it's only to say "I understand" or "I wish I could hug you" -- then there's nothing wrong with that.

I wish I could hug you, Thelma. You have no idea how precious you are to all of us -- how much love and caring you've given that's been well received. You are a treasure.

BIG HUGS (and love).

Barb