It doesn't take much. A word, a gesture or a simple "thank you." When someone cares enough about you to show you that you matter, it can brighten your day and literally lift up your soul, even if they only know you in a virtual sense.

When you ignore, besmirch or outright harm another human being, however, it not only does harm to that person but to humanity as a whole. You might not even think the person knows you are doing it but, since we are sentient beings, we do indeed know. We know it down to the pit of our broken hearts.

The Internet has created a place where the cowardly have become more emboldened and the kind are an easy target. Insecure bullies prey on the smallest of weaknesses. Instead of accepting one another, which is the only true way to love and evolve, reckless words and behaviors are becoming the norm. Judging people in public has now become a sport, though there honestly can't be a true winner of this sad and pointless game.

So before you act or react, please think of why someone is the way they are. Instead of judging others, try to imagine how you might feel if that judgment was visited upon you. Each and every one of us has the right to exist, be heard and be valued as a unique presence on this beautiful Earth we share. And on this forum, which has been gifted to everyone who is willing to share of themselves (thank you, John and Mods).

It's the choice to be kind that makes life worth living for everyone.

None of this is directed at any of you but, rather, is my reflection on the social media as a whole. It's become crystal clear that it is not a place where I feel at ease. Since a relationship, virtual or not, is not complete without both a hello and goodbye, I wanted to leave you with these thoughts as I go on to pursue other opportunities in my life, insignificant as they may be due to MG. Peace and love to you all.

All my best,
Annie

Annie, Thank you for your kindness on this board. I am hoping that this does not mean a goodbye from you. In my short time here, I've learned a lot from you and had planned on tapping into you as I go through this journey.

Annie, I certainly appreciate all the help that you are to me. You have been encouraging and helped me to go on.

Annie,

Thank you so very much for all you have done to help people in this group. I get the discomfort of social media and understand any decision to leave the media behind.

Please do continue to stop by from time to time as you feel able and say hello. That's pretty much what I've done in this group; I watch it and contribute when I can but am no where near as active as I once was.

Best wishes to you

Brian

Sorry to see you go for purely selfish reasons but totality understand. You will be missed and the rest of us are now challenged to become as knowable and gracious as you have been to help others who will be coming to this board for help. You have inspired me to hold out that hand of welcome and acceptance to others. I hope you pop in from time to time to check on us
Thanks for all you do
Sandy

I had missed your message earlier and wanted to write back (and can't)... I'm so sorry. I think it would have been the kind of thing to brighten your day and lift your soul.

I hope I can respond at some point soon.

"... the rest of us are now challenged to become as know[ledg]able and gracious as you have been to help others."

She has a lot of knowledge we would have trouble assimilating the way she has and qualities which would be near impossible to emulate.

Annie,

i am trying to work more & havent checked in for sometime. i saw your post & wanted to say that I have learned more about what is happening with me by reading your posts than any other avenue. You were very eloquent in your comments on your goodbye post & called it. i wish you well & thank you for everything!

Taking your advice & living better!

Laura

Annie, you will be sorely missed. I cannot even express what a positive impact you have had on me getting the proper treatment for my MG. You were always there with kind words and helpful information.

I will miss you terribly,
kathie

Annie,
I have only been here about a week and you have done so much too help me, I just want to scream, "Don't leave!!!!!!!", but that would be truely selfish on my part. You do however have an extrordinary gift at helping others! I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Thanks, Sarah

Annie – Thanks also for sharing the things that go beyond myasthenia – the natural wonders of the world and how to take time to step outside of ourselves and absorb the beautiful non-myasthenic world going on all around us. Anacrusis.