I do not remember what the date was when I joined here. At the time I lurked in the shadows too see then I came out and started talking, asking and enjoying the friendships that started to form. I was still apprehensive and did not reveal to much, now I trust all of you and your knowledge and guidance are great. Many many people here have become family to me and their words of wisdom are invaluable. There is not enough room or time to mention the members who fill the above family spots. Many of you I can see us gathering and eating a nice meal and talking about everything from apples to zoos because we are just that what loving, caring and supporting each other through thick and thin.
Many times people here learn about what is bothering me before I tell my wife. I see some of you nodding your heads at me as to say that is not right but you understand why I do this. Many of us have care takers who see the pain, frustration, and the other effects of CM. Just like myself, our caretakers can support us and be their for us but the can never fully realize all of the struggles we go through. MY wife tells me at times she has a bad headache and it hurts hurt. She continues to tell me that she knows it is not a bad as mine and usually I respond well sit down and take a break, you need it especially after all that you are doing. Taking care of 3 kids (I know I need to get new pics up of them) and me. I know she means the best and tries to do everything even things that I know she can do but I can do better (she usually calls her brothers and/or sisters to help with it). At times this greatly bothers me cause I start feeling like I am a invalid and at times it evolves int a screaming match and/or verbal argument. I know I need to calm down down and do the right thing and not work myself up so much as it does not do either of us any good. As much as I hate to admit it she is right and she wants me to get better so I will not be in pain. Sometimes she actually lets me do stuff then when I can not do it anymore or anything else she knows I feel frustrated but better cause at least I tried and she does not do the I told you so routine. She just tells me someone is on their way to help and/or finish. This is the way somethings just work out.m
Why am I rambling on like this and telling many of you what you already know because you either are doing what I am doing or something similar to this. Then again sometimes we thing that we are unique from everybody else, even people here. Yes we talk about CM and topics related o it like surgery prep, surgery itself, recovery, and other problems. I am writing this but i think many times we forget how the day to day stuff, maybe as easy as brushing our teeth to how am I going to celebrate my wedding anniversary when I feel like crap. just ordinary day to day stuff happens everyday (please forgive that pun) but really thing about it. The day to day stuff is what brings us here as well cause we know not everything is caused by CM and SM. But the day to day can still be frustrating and we sometimes need that extra does anyone understand how I feel about something so small. The answer is yes, we deal with it too.
So my family, friends, and new people here know that you are appreciated in all you do here for us. It does not matter if you are a moderator, greeter or anything else here except yourself. That is why we are are for each other, for people to be themselves and let their guard down. We are not going to judge, criticize, belittle, shame or anything else. We are here for you because even though we may not have the exact same daily routine; we are here for you for good and bad. Some personal example were when my youngest was born and had to go to the NICU. The support was overwhelming and comforting. Another is when my grandmother passed again the support and offering of condolences was greatly appreciated. A final example is when I have had regular doctor's appointment (good or bad) , members here just offered what has happened to them in their experiences.
So in conclusion i say this (and yes i know it is in all caps like I am shouting but that is the effect I want):
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO. WE ARE TOGETHER BECAUSE OF THIS TERRIBLE THING BUT TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER THAN CM AND SM. LET US CONTINUE TO BE HERE FOR EACH OTHER WITH LOVE, COMPASSION, SUPPORT AND FRIENDSHIP.
Have a great day all of you.