Reply #13: I don't think folks realize the importance of this place. [View All]

[merh]

Yes, I have a life outside of here and of course, my life would be so much simpler if I didn't have to deal with my real world issues. But I do have real world issues and it was wonderful to come here and find the love and support I found. I can truly say that the relationships I have so fortunately been able to form here have made a difference in my survival.

If I didn't have one particular friendship on August 29th, I would have been so lost. I reached out to my friend and she reached back and pulled me out of despair, let me know I wasn't alone and that she cared and that many here cared. I truly believe that the love and support, prayers and positive energies that came from so many on DU, thanks to the friend's efforts to keep folks informed and to "keep me alive" on DU did in fact keep me alive.

And now, the friend is no longer a part of DU and we are the ones that are made poorer by her absence. Because of the petty jealousies and emotional baggage of others, I cannot even refer to my friend by name for fear of a flame fest or getting my post deleted or this thread locked. It goes without saying that I will not be able to come her and read her posts and bask in the warmth that could be found in them and laugh at the wit and marvel at the spirit that freely posted with such energy and love for the enjoyment of all. I've never envied another's spirit, I have found pleasure in letting the spirit touch my life and honor if that spirit called me friend.

Months ago I wrote this thread, Ripple Effect, and it so applies to the love and efforts of my friend. The stones tossed by my friend caused waves of humor, love and laughter that have kept me from sinking when my burdens have been heavy, that made me feel connected to something when I had lost so much and was so alone. And now, that friend's words will not be read here and her spirit will not be felt. I, for one, believe that this community is poorer now that the riches and love so freely given by my friend will no longer be found in the lounge.

I will miss my friend in the lounge and I so regret that past bitterness and petty jealousies have caused my friend to leave. I will try my best to not adopt those feelings and cause the type of pain that my friend felt. I will try to ignore those that I believe caused the pain, all I can do is try....

:-(