How do we fix SOS?
 

I am not privy to everything that is said 'behind the scenes' of SOS. So, I hope I make sense here.

There seem to be concerns about how SOS is handled on a day to day basis. Rather than PM back and forth between a few members, why not discuss this openly and decide on how SOS should be handled???

There are people who feel the daily posts are too frivolous and don't address the needs of lurkers and members alike. Some feel that certain posts do not get the attention that they should.

I've been looking at all the other forums here. I see a lot that are not that active and those that are...well, such as MS. They have different needs to talk about. They can talk about medicines, cures, what helps, what doesn't.

In SOS, we don't have different medicines to talk about, really. We don't have different 'cures' to talk about, really. Or am I wrong about that.

We don't have a 'Stumble Inn'. We don't have a group of people with headaches to talk about medicines and such with. We don't have a group of people with arthritis to discuss current meds and events with. We don't have MS. We don't all have fibromyalgia to discuss cures for.

What we do have is, mostly, people who have been touched by suicide in one way or another. So...how do we approach that on a daily basis?

So, I ask again, how do we fix this?

Do we need a 'Stumble Inn' for SOS people? Or is that what the Wonder Threads are supposed to be for? Do we need some kind of sub-forum?

I don't feel that the SOS people have ignored others. I really don't. But...some people do feel that way, so again, I ask...

How do we fix this?

Instead of messaging back and forth behind the scenes, can we as a group of SOSers come to some kind of agreement as to how the SOS forum should be run?

Do you have a suggestion for our own 'Stumble Inn' type of place?

Should some of us not be here?

I'm totally confused, so I do believe someone here should suggest how to fix this. Do we need a room set up where we can all discuss it? A private room? A social room?

I come in here on days and am met with total confusion because I don't know what is going on, BUT I do know something is going on.

So please get in here and tell me what it is you envision for SOS. Or tell me where we can all discuss it like the adults that we are rather than talk in private.

We're all involved in this here. How in the world can we help when we don't know what is bothering our friends?

The potential and current members are important to ALL of us here!

sos is a support forum. that differs from a forum such as ms or pd or any of the medical type of forums we have here. ms is the most active forum here. they have an on topic forum and a social forum, which is stumble inn. there is no need for sos to have a sub forum.

imo support comes in what a person needs the most. for some it's the light hearted posts, for others it's the more serious news articles or inspiration quotes.

all are fine. i get pm's of complaint from members who complain about one type, then post that same way later. :rolleyes: you can't please every single person.

time for the sos to stop being so judgemental on people's posting style and support needs. that includes the way they offer support.

all need to remember and read the guidelines. this forum does have special needs, but so do all of the forums here and no one is exempt. asmin and mod desisions are not to be discussed on the forum.

Since I am the one who started this, I won't be part of the problem.

To be honest, I don't think a separate "social room" is the answer to the problem. I think Doody hit the nail on the head by saying that Sometimes just saying things out in the open is the best thing. I found out that some people have been put off by some things that happened while I have been gone that I was totally unaware. Since these were administrative issues, there are to stay admin issues so I will not dwell on them.

Do not let these types of things divide the group, it is times like this that this group should pull together and become more cohesive instead of dividing up into different camps. That is not good for anyone. Maybe that is what I am seeing. And I am just going to say it...I will support you, but not you. I don't know who any one of you are as I have not met anyone. To me you are all members of this forum equally and I am saddened by what I am seeing. I felt very sad by what I saw when I had been absent from this forum for almost a month because I was busy with getting ready for my trip and opening my new shop. I saw a divided group.

IMHO if everyone went back to being a cohesive group, more like the Wonder Thread that Curious pulled up, and stop bickering, and be supportive to everyone then all this would be a non-issue.

Sorry to be so blunt, but not having all the information, which I don't want, makes it tough to make an informed post. I am flying blind and making suppositions here so for that I probably should apologize from the gitgo.

I came here to support and learn how to deal with suicide in the family. I have not seen any of that lately. And I am sure that I am not the only one. I have found it very difficult to do more than say thanks and offer hugs in general...that's not me. I feel like I am walking on eggshells and that's not me either. I don't want to walk away but the atmosphere in here lately makes me want to and I truly do not want to...so as Doody has asked, let's all work together to bring us "all" back together again. We all need support and we can all give support. :hug:

I think that all the forums here are support forums. I see people say that all the time, we are here for support.

But several times I have seen in SOS that folks get concerned about how SOS is handled. And members get hurt. That's what concerns me. I've really never questioned that myself, but there are folks who do.

Yes, we all have 'cliques' if that is how some choose to see it, but every forum has a group of friends. That's just how it goes when you've posted in a certain forum for a long time.

So I still wonder, do 'long-time members' from the other forums have a suggestion as to how we should handle the SOS forum.

Maybe we do need a special sub-group for 'frivolity'??? But for the life of me, I can't think what that sub-group would be called. Do you all think that is what we should use the Wonder Threads for? And save the rest of the forum for strictly suicide related posts?

I am not looking to step on any toes here. Just looking for suggestions. I for one am proud of the support that we find in SOS, I am most definitely, without a doubt, not saying that I am not.

I just know there are concerns and I don't want to see people hurt.

Oh ((Flygirl)) no no no! Please do not think for a moment my question for discussion in anyway involves just you! Yes, you did post recently about how sos works, but...it happens more than you think.

I love you and everyone here, please don't think for 1 minute that this is about only you! :hug:

I'm not in anyway talking about what goes on with admin issues, not at all! Those are private issues and yes, sometimes people involved with a situation get hurt. It's our nature.

I guess I hadn't seen a division of people, one group being mad at another. I'm not sure from where that comes.

I'm just totally confused by it. I don't want to be someone others are upset with and not know about it.

Maybe any 'frivolity' at all should be kept to just Wonder Threads???? I don't know. Although I often 'wonder' about how others are doing in wonder threads.

if I may intrude....tho I guess I am not really "intruding" as I also have a family scarred by suicide ...............:(

I tend not to post much tho as I know that some cant see past the admin label and I dont want to ever make anyone uncomfortable by my presence here

whenever I do visit here, I see love and care and support offered in so many ways. sometimes in serious threads and sometimes in light hearted ones. I never cease to be amazed at how a group that often carries such a heavy load can still stop to lift another member who is hurting:grouphug:

sometimes there are threads that include support for all and sometimes a specific member is cared for with a thread dedicated to them

why would that need to change?
I am puzzled that something that doesnt appear to be broken (at least to me) needs to be fixed:confused:

I dont think it helps when members are made to feel that the way they offer their support is "wrong"
IMO offering support (and receiving it) should be allowed to be spontaneous and in the style that each member feels comfortable with, and not regulated.How can we possibly say there is a right or a wrong way to care:o

anyways that's my 2c worth as a member, not a mod

((Chemar)) thanks. Maybe I'm seeing things that aren't there. That is a much needed affirmation from you (admin or not :D ). :hug:

First off, I never took anything personal! What I said was just an observation after being gone so long.

I came back and saw all these individual threads and wondered what was going on :confused:...where was the Wonder thread that had been so much fun and no postings on it. :confused: Where was the "group" support? I saw a divided group. I saw a post to help a new member with very little activity and wondered what was going on. :confused:

I also sent postcards to the SOS group and was a little disappointed that not many people commented about them, even after I posted :o. Granted, I removed myself from the list but that was because I was going to be gone and am so darn busy right now I felt I could not send out postcards to all of you and felt that I would be neglecting everyone. That is the ONLY reason I had removed my name from the list.

The support from the group has been lacking. As Curious stated, this IS a support forum.

I am sorry that I opened this can of worms. (where's that wormy icon when you need it...someone go fishing?) I never meant to hurt or offend. I was just trying to bring the group back together. I am a very open person and ask questions when I want answers. Openly. Not behind anyone's back. I don't tend to PM and ask questions, I put it out there. And that's what I have done. This is by no means aimed at anyone. :hug: It cannot be. For "I know nothing!" (in my shultzy voice from Hogan's Heroes) That's my story, and I am sticking to it! :D

Now, could we get back to business...or rather, let's get back to being friends here. Stop all this...please. :hug::hug::hug: I think I know where there is some chocolate hidden...:eek:

Good luck with tomorrows opening Cheryl. I think I remembered that correctly. :hug:

Well alrighty then! I think we're all good about Wonder Threads. When someone is MIA for a day, a week, a month, those here pick up the slack, they really do.

And when I say or don't say something I should or shouldn't have, I welcome anyone to post to me individually to sort it out! If I hurt someone's feelings in some way, please do PM me and let me know! But I can't fix concerns if they're about me if someone doesn't let me know. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Love and hugs for all.

- - -
So how am i supose to appologize to Koala if i am asked to not reply to a pm? or reply to them at all .how am I able to abide the wishes of a mod when asked to not reply when i think the best thing is to not go off in seperate direction upset and hurt? how am i able to stay with in gudie lines and of not mentioning things said by a mod or admin. when ALL i want to do is some how be understood not mis understood. and i can very well see I AM the problem at this very moment! as my whole wonder post was mis understood my whole point was missed. I just need and want to make peace not matter how long it takes me because I know it was not my intent at all to hurt anyone or have anyone upset with me . am I out of guide lines now by trying to discuss this ?????????????? am I about to be banned???????

Not sure exactly what is going on around here BMW but I did want to leave you a hug :hug: and a reminder that there is no way you are responsible for all this.

i'm not sure what exactly this is about, since i am unaware of a mod or admin issue where you are concerned. :confused:

not discussing mod or admin issues would have to do if posts had to edited or removed or any disciplary action that may have had to be taken with a member. these questions need to be done by pm. not posted about on the forum. nor are sly remarks or inuedos about them.

i don't know anything about you being asked not to reply to a pm, unless that is a personal issue between you and another. everyone does have that right to ask for no pm's or close down their pm box.

i do hope you realize that no one in particular is the problem right now. :hug:

it seems to be a few things that have been here, not addressed and piling up.

gotta remember sweets, its like a big ever growing family. not everyone is going to get along all the time. brothers and sisters squable, but we still love and care about each other. :D

you have my email and phone number. i'll help out in anyway i can.

(((((((((BMW))))))))))

I have absolutely no idea what you are referring to but let me totally assure you, you have done nothing wrong:confused:


You are free to PM anyone at any time so not too sure who has told you you are not allowed to PM:confused:

please remember that there are only three mods of this SOS forum: me, curious and Jo55.

I am not sure what this is all about but again I can only assure you that I am unaware of any problems here, and if I need to be made aware of it, I am listening

please also know that people do NOT get banned here for asking questions or discussing things. In the two years NT has been around there have been hardly any bannings and then only after long and repeated attempts to resolve matters, always giving the member the opportunity to turn it around. Bannings only happen when members refuse to co-operate repeatedly

I really dont like to see these upsets playing out on the forums as then people who are not involved become agitated and withdraw.

so please could you PM me to let me know what is happening and why and I will try to help solve any problems

if you prefer to post here I would really just ask for care in how you respond so we dont generate even more upsets.

again I emphasize there are only three mods of SOS. Me, curious and Jo
all others posting here do so as members, not mods:grouphug:

I guess the best thing is to turn my p.m. back on because Yes i am the problem right now . and curious i sent you email this morning (from versetmb)

i just emailed you back. i wasn't home and just got it.

you can keep your box closed if you wish and just add me and cheri to help you figure this out...or we can email. what ever you feel is best for you. :hug:

:hug:Tina:hug:

you are NOT the problem

it seems from reading more posts here that there is a problem.

but precious BMW neither you nor anyone else is IT.

seems to me there is a lot of misunderstanding and maybe mixed feelings on things but please please please know that you are not a problem:grouphug:

my PM box is open and I am also here to try to help in any way I can. This forum is way too valuable to many as well as to me personally to see unresolved issues fester and cause pain

all I ask if anyone decides to post to this thread rather than PM me, is please be sensitive to others feelings when naming names.

For what it's worth I'd like to add to this discussion............

Suicide is.... has been, and always will be a difficult topic to discuss.

Suicide has three faces.........

1. The untimely death of a human being.
2. The suffering grief, and irreplaceable loss suffered by those who have lost A loved one, friend or acquaintance,colleague.
3. Those who personally survive the attempt/lure of Suicide.

I myself am face [3]......a Survivor of the attempt of Suicide, I know many of you on this forum are Face number [2] and because of your discussions ...face number[1] is very much present in this forum as well.

The things face[2] and face [3] have in common are more plentiful than you may think.

1. Because of their situation new friends [even old friends] colleagues, neighbours, and acquaintances, often don't know how to talk to them about their dilemma...so they often don't speak at all. Suicide is very deep and such a taboo subject that your only ever likely to get a listening ear by someone who has had a similar situation themselves. Externally to those who have experienced the trauma of Suicide, it remains a dirty word, a weakness, a cowards way out, a cruel trick, a desperate cry for help, a tragedy yes a TRADGERDY.

2. Another thing these two faces of Suicide have in common, is they are both alive. .
Together they have first hand knowledge and experience in Suicide. Both faces have a story to tell and explanations to give. They don't always agree with each other.. but their aim is ultimately PREVENTION OF MORE FACE [1's].

I myself have the belief that this forum is a GOD-SEND....as it has helped me to understand so much more about myself and help me to deal with the demons of my past and at times the present ones.

I realise that by mutually supporting others, i genuinely support myself to heal as well. There are times i want to be alone, so if i choose i can just browse around, yet i can always post if i want to. That's the great part about it , i can choose to do what i like.

I'M not phased by individual support posts, .........like has been already said......... friendships form.........thats life. I'M not bothered by trivia.............at times it makes me laugh...when inside i want to cry,,,,,,,,,

What i am trying to say is SUICIDE is such a complex issue that whatever it takes to keep more people alive then that's fine by me.

I know in my heart that when a new member hits this forum whether they be face 2, or, face 3 of SUICIDE.............this family rallies around with support..........

I understand some members may feel the Forum has become a little less focused on the main topic, but please lets never loose site that SUICIDE is an individual experience. Some prefer to support in other ways, some prefer the light hearted side of life, others the more serious side of the subject.
Either way there is room for every aspect of support in this forum..... its what makes it to me, so unique.

After all if their was a magic pill available for every human to take just once.. that would prevent permanently the threat of SUICIDE.

We would have no need for this forum anyway.

The adversity of Suicide,requires individuality of expression, and yes at times humour and generality it helps to maintain a reasonable form of stability for faces 2 and 3 of this wretched frailty called SUICIDE.


This is just my opinion, and is in no way written to dampen the opinions of
others..........it has be written with sincerity and respect for all.


David:grouphug:

Yes, Alffe. Tomorrow is the big opening of the new flower shop! Thank you very much! :hug:

I would like to thank David for his wonderful post and use some of it to help put into perspective what I have been trying to get across to everyone.

Mutual support. I am not trying to break apart the friendships that have formed among you who have been here for so long. I am a relative newcomer to this forum and I know that. What I am trying to point out to you is that recently it has become painfully apparent to outsiders and new members that the support is not as forthcoming as it used to be. It has to be asked for, it is not freely given. I mentioned the new thread that was posted informing you of a new member who needed support. A few months ago that would not have been needed, it would have come natural to this forum.

Something has changed, maybe it's just the time of year, maybe it's people are busy, whatever, but it's very obvious to me who has been here for awhile that this is not as cohesive a group anymore that something is wrong. I am sorry I opened the door but it needed to be said. We are a good group of people who need to be back together helping each other. I, for one, miss all of you. We don't need to be laughing and funny all the time, that's not what I am saying, but I don't feel like the cohesiveness is here anymore for whatever reason and I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way.

As David said, suicide is a tragic event in anyone's life. It's not something you shake off easily. We come here to find a way to deal with it, not to come here to deal with "other stuff." I get way too much reality in my own life, what I need is to learn how to deal with the tragic realities. How do you deal. What comes next. I know we all have our own personalities and thank goodness for that because life would be boring, so please try to understand what I am so poorly trying to say...don't leave without trying to work through the reasons. This is an important forum. There are reasons why we are here.

Thank you all for listening to me and again, I never meant to offend or hurt anyone. I also did not point fingers at anyone nor was it my intention for anyone to leave...my wish is for you all to step back and take a look at the forum. Could it use some improvement? If not, then I am seeing things that are not there. I will admit that I have been wrong, and will be wrong again. I am not always right....OMG! Flygirl wrong :eek: Yes, tis true...

:hug:

I hope what I’m going to say makes sense. But I’m finding this whole thread quite disturbing. But first BMW, I’m so sorry what has happened and I hope things get sorted out. :hug:

But what has me disturbed is the comment about “individual” posts. Anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide or who has urges like I do knows that you tend to isolate yourself, withdraw, feel alone. But when I come here and see a thread started for me it reminds me that I’m not alone, someone really does care. True, sometimes I just hit the thanks button and can’t think what to say but most of the time it draws me out, makes me talk. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do? You’re supposed to talk about it, relive it no matter how painful it is. It’s no good to internalize it. I know that and I try but it’s hard. But now, I don’t know anymore. I feel like I’ve lost my family here. I have no family left and I hope things turn around and get back to the way they were. I don’t know what happened here, I don’t know why people feel out of sorts but I need you, I need to know that we’re all in this together. Please. :Heart:I wouldn't be here without you all, you've saved my butt so many times and no matter what happens I'll be eternally grateful.

BJ

Thank YOU so much for pointing that out to me! I needed to hear that! :hug:

Dear BJ

i'm going nowhere my dear friend and intend hanging arround for some time, and your point is a perfect description of the individuality of Suicide in all its faces.

The sincere thread of '????? are you out there? is in itself a form of support. a reasuring call out to a friend.
You are one reason i stayed arround here BJ because we share a commonality and your strenght has inspired me so much.

David:hug:

There is a saying....don't fix what ain't broke. Maybe I am naive, but I wasn't aware there was a problem.

It seems that, though there may be bumps on the surface, that the purpose of this forum's existence is working as evidenced by the comments made by many.

I may not get in here that often or have time to read or post as frequently as some...but it is nice to know that when I can or need to...it is here.

I am grateful for each one of you, whether we have ever had direct interaction or not. Your words and stories have inspired, comforted and humbled me.

:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: :grouphug::grouphug:

Well I am not a regular poster of this particular forum I would like to share a couple of things with you that I have found related to my regular forum that I post to the bipolar forum.

I like being able to follow individuals threads....so that the history of their story is shared perhaps so that others can easily follow their progress as well. With so many different threads it is very hard to keep up especially for me with my bad memory. I know that we can do a search for members other posts...I do that to to get more information to beable to better know how to support someone. If they suffer with another ailment too it helps to put the picture together.

So perhaps an intro sticky area at the top of the thread where people can post a bit about themselves and how they fit into the picture, that way new members can go and read abit about some of us to catch up and not feel so left out...not knowing everyones history and which side of the fence they are on or both...I don't know.

Forums like this are invaluable.
People share what they are comfortable sharing at the time.
giving/Getting really personal information creates intimacy...which can be really uncomfortable for some....and forced for others.
When you have forums like this we decide how close we get to people, and we get to be as open as we like. Some may find it too open and they may not be that comfortable with that.
I don't know.....
for example...I have a picture of myself and my twin in my avatar.
I like letting people know who I am....maybe that makes me a bit naive...I don't know...I think it makes me feel more real. that is just me...
anyway, jsut wanted to share some of what I was thinking.

bizi

I like the idea of a sub-forum for more social and/or frivolous contact.

Change can be refreshing Flygirl - and open the door to improvements.

To add to Moss' saying... if it ain't broke-don't fix it, another saying my Grams use to say comes to mind. If it doesn't stink, don't stir it. LOL So, I am not going to stir it :p Just add my 2 cents :D

I haven't been here much myself this month... but looking over the posts I missed I truly do not see any problem here. When I first started lurking here in March, there were individual threads... there was obvious open support. THAT is what made me post here. I read the wonders, the off topic posts... but I also searched the threads that dealt with just suicide. I read and read... I SAW the connections, the caring, support and yes .. love here.
That is why I posted my first thread When I posted, you all came to my rescue! Nothing has changed as far as I can see.

True I came here that desperate night for support of my Dad's suicide, and nothing else. BUT, it was the "everything else" the love, caring and support on all aspects of our lives, be it a trip, a new baby, a new business, health issues, etc etc that kept me coming back.

I will have to respectfully and kindly disagree, . I DO see the same loving support. When new members come, I see us ALL rallying beside them. The only reason there was a post "new member in need of support" is because chemar was kind enough share the link to a post .. that was posted in another forum.... I believe most, if not all of "us" followed the link, posted there, and we posted here as well. The support here is AMAZING. I am forever awed by how I came here exploding with the need to share with others who understood.... how I found that support... yet, so much more!

Bizi, I like the sticky Idea. Another forum I belong to has one titled
"Introduction" another has one called, "getting to know me"
One doesn't have to share there, but can share their story if they
like. I agree it would be easier for "lurkers" to see that we do truly
understand their pain. When I was a lurker, it took me a great deal
of time to do searches on individual stories.

((BMW)) I wasn't here to read your post, but I know you have a heart
of gold. Therefore, I know you would never do anything intentional to hurt
anyone. Keep posting, I need you:hug:

there is an intro type of sticky, it has always been there:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread1687-2.html

i want to add that no one should ever feel obligated to post what brought them here.

Thank you ((curious)) I have read there when I first came here, but to me
it seemed to be more about those who survived attempting. I have to admit
that wasn’t what I was searching for at the time so I never have read the
whole thread:o Later when life calms down I will, and perhaps I will post
a link to my first post here for the “lurkers” and new members.

I also agree 100%, only share what and IF you want to. My Dad's
death is still very fresh. Therefore it is still consuming me and I talk
more about it. I am sure years from now, if I ever come to peace with
it... I may not want to rehash and revisit the pain I am now in.
Good point curious:hug:

could that be retitled Like introduce yourself, if you want to share,
I never looked at that thread before.
bizi

i can change any title. :D

the majority just need to let me know.

I really do need to address this as there seems to be a misunderstanding about that thread...........

a new member posted on the Grief forum here at NT and it was clear to me that the SOS members would be the ones who best could support her.

I came here and posted a link to her thread on Grief and there was an immediate influx of SOS members to the other board to comfort and support.

It DID come natural to this forum to lay aside everything and go to support someone else.:grouphug:

Dear dear Doody...

I honestly don't think anything is broken... and I don't want to see another forum branch away from this one.... as this one is difficult to keep up with when we are individually busy.

I'm sorry that anyone would feel we have changed the forum by posting threads addressed to individuals...

I know, personally, that these threads mean alot to those they were posted about... and it helps separate the problems that someone might be experiencing.

What I do know is that some of us are missing people that don't post here anymore. For whatever reason, they are gone, and although I can't change that, I have to heal... I have to get used to it.... and I have to more on...

I won't be moving away from here... too many of you mean too much to me... and that will never change....

And as I get to "know" some of you better, I feel bad that you would misinterpret the written word and take things to be pointed at you when really, it wasn't pointed at you.... it was general.

:grouphug:

Thanks Chemar. Support is what the members of this entire forum are all about. :hug:

Several things have been pointed out to me that make sense and I appreciate everything and everyone.

Thank you EVERYONE for all your comments, PMs, and posts to my profile! It has been very educational and eye opening. :hug:

if I may chime in, I do lurk here, sometimes cause I am not sure what or how to say something, about sos, I do know the sos title suggest only survivors, but Dmack was right there are a few faces of it all.

I am not sure what has transpired here to cause this but I have MS, and yes we have a sub forum for it and all the advice and support, but the one thread I would be lost without is in the social forum, called the daily insights, it helps so much, I can not even begin to describe all that thread has done for me I have cried, cheered, prayed and laughed a laugh of life,

that thread in itself has done more for my mental and spiritual well being than any other forum here, and I know what some suffer from but will be honest I don't know what all that visit it suffer from, the common bound that we all share is we are here for a reason, help support, love, friendship, kindness, advice, and caring. Not because so and so has what I got or did what I did, but rather, I am here, can i help others feel better about life, issues or just themselves.

Like I said I am not sure what transpire to create this riff in here, but it can not be that hard to patch up with communication and forgiveness,

why not start a daily insights here for all 3 faces (like dmack said), like I said we all here share a bound of pain illness, heartaches, and a desire to belong,

Sorry if I have intruded where i don't belong, I just had to say something because we are all in this together, this bumpy path of life, it can be such a rough road, i have no problem being someones seat belt if that is what is needed,

I bid all a fair eve and a better morn


"Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine." Ralph Waldo Emerson


peace

Thanks for your input weegot5kids :hug: !

I think our "Wonder" thread is often very insightful. We all vent in there and share the wonders of our life as well as the questions and bad timies... its the one thread that I always make time for ....

I see the definition of SOS - Survivor of Suicide - as a place of sanctuary for those who have suffered through either the death of a loved one or someone who has tried it and survived.... OR as a place of sanctuary. PERIOD! I am here because this is a place of Sanctuary. I have learned to grow and love by interaction with the wonderful people here. We don't always talk about suicide. We talk about the pain in our lives... and you, someone who has MS - can certainly relate to that... so, we welcome you with open arms.

So many people think you have had to had tried "it" to belong here.... and that's just not true. Personally, I have lost family members and friends... but that isn't why I came here in the first place.

I came here because of Alffe... she "rescued" me from a forum that was pushing me, mentally, over the edge. I fit here better than anywhere ever... and with friends like the Mois, Scrabble, Ducky, Lara, Doody, Goofy ... well, we've all stuck around .... we disappear from time to time... but we're still here supporting the heck out of each other....

And we'll support you, too.... and listen to you when you have those bad times... and share and enjoy with you when you have the good times....

so, I hope people have had time to read this thread... cuz I wanna say that you do NOT have to be touched by suicide....
if you are touched by LIFE... you are welcome here.

:grouphug: so stick around weegot5kids! (gosh, do you really have 5 kids!! :o)

xoxoxo Addy

perfectly said Addy. I think your post with many others truly encompasses what the SOS forum is all about.............. LIFE!
Thank you everyone for just being you!