I have also noticed the decline...I do think we are all busy or maybe feeling good enough not to drop by maybe only to lurk...

Abasaki, so sorry about your loss. I know that friends can be so much more like family than some family members...at least its that way with me. I do love them all though!!

Sometimes it is so hard to post-for so many reasons. That's why I usually hit the Thank you button-even it it is meant for someone else-just to say Thank You (everyone) for having the courage to post. I especially admire people who are so consistent in welcoming new members. I try that for awhile but then I get so invested in their stories and many times they never return after a few posts-so I get worn out and give up for awhile. But there are some who are so consistent in being able to help the new ones, and it is so good that they do so.