WiseWomenUnite.com

General Category => Grab Bag => Topic started by: 2chickiebaby on March 04, 2010, 04:43:42 PM

Title: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 04, 2010, 04:43:42 PM
I want to tell all of you what this site meant to me in my life.  No matter what my day was, no matter what happened, good or bad, something I feared or something I was terrified about, confused about or happy about, I could come here and tell you.  Just you.  I knew I'd be understood and heard, my heart heard at last.

That's something I needed more than anything in this world.  I don't believe in all my life, I have been actually heard, really heard.  You did that for me.

I can't repay you....ever. This site was rare, so rare that there isn't another one like it anywhere.  You can search and search and never find another one. 

We were unique in that all were welcomed if they came with an open heart, trying like we were trying to just be heard and understood.

I would love to hear what this site has meant to you.  I know each story is different, maybe meant more to you or less....

Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 04, 2010, 05:25:26 PM
HOW DID I MISS THIS POST!

What a wonderful place to start!  I believe I just posted mine on your post!  HAHAHA! 



Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 04, 2010, 06:19:46 PM
I hope you read my post too, Chickie.  The one I wrote tonight, probably while you were writing this one... LOL! 
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 04, 2010, 07:07:37 PM
Imagine that!  You were writing this post while I was writing one about how thankful I was for you! 
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 04, 2010, 07:08:40 PM
It is amazing....an unbreakable bond we have :)
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 04, 2010, 07:17:24 PM
It really is, Chickie! 

You know what?  I think Luise needs to ping us all with her magic wand, so we can all remember getting over something hard and never forget this bond we all have here!

I hope she does.  She is all we are missing here right now!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 04, 2010, 07:35:16 PM
Well, lets see...what does this site mean to me? Hummmm....

I means that I was able to make an e-friend (Chickie) on my other website and then design this site for her. It means that together we went out into cyberland and put out the call to women who wanted to care and share. It means that one-by-one you all appeared in our lives, mine and Chickie's, and an extended family came to be. 

It means that you have been patient with me, knowing that I didn't have a clue what I was doing...and that together we have created solidarity and loyalty. We have found strength in our differences.

It means that when one of us falls, the others come running and that aloneness is obsolete.

It means the world to me. And so I Ping away...there! Take that! Pings to one and all!!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 04, 2010, 07:37:32 PM
And we're "PINGING" you back!  All of us...

You are our fairy godmother, in every sense!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 04, 2010, 07:45:38 PM
I sure hate to hear that about ex-friend, Chickie
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 04, 2010, 07:49:51 PM
Well, Luise, you didn't have to buy a shopping cart and deal with ASPdotnetstorefront.  Be thankful, be very thankful.  For sure, they speak language that is foreign even to Hieroglyphics and more expensive than the Washington Monument!

(not really, I exaggerate 8)
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: Pen on March 04, 2010, 07:54:57 PM
I've said it before, but I'll repeat: This site has saved my life, many times. I love you all so much!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 04, 2010, 08:26:21 PM
Thanks! And sometimes I trip over my long, Fairy-godmother dress.
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 04, 2010, 08:43:35 PM
Guess I'd better go to bed, Didn't understand about the "ex'friend" or the shopping cart. Had difficult day
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 04, 2010, 08:45:09 PM
you said "my ex-friend, Chickie".....what did that mean?
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 04, 2010, 08:49:33 PM
What? I would never say that. Never. I said e-friend...like e-mail and ether, Magical...
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 04, 2010, 08:52:51 PM
G'nite you guys. I love you all but I'm so tired I'm weeping for no reason. Need to recharge. This, my life, is hard.
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 04, 2010, 08:57:19 PM
I must have missed that, Luise.  It looked like ex to me.  Goodnight and have a better tomorrow. Thinking of you... :)
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 05, 2010, 02:25:29 AM
Quote from: luise.volta on March 04, 2010, 08:52:51 PM
G'nite you guys. I love you all but I'm so tired I'm weeping for no reason. Need to recharge. This, my life, is hard.
Dear Luise,

I hope today is better for you.  And yes, if we were so concerned the past few days, I know you were too.  I'm sorry we didn't help there and I hope it is easier now and feelings are mended.  This is still a wonderful sit and always will be!  I stand by that, and you - do you know that?

You are very important here, and I would always want you considered!  You are my favorite role model.  At one time (don't know if you remember this), I stated, "now I know what I want to be when I grow up.  I want to be you!"  I meant those words then and I still do.  You are caring and loving in  every sense of the words, and I would trust you with my life.

Feel that?  - Me hugging you again! :)  I don't believe I've done that lately and I'm sorry.  Wait!  Here's another!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: RedRose on March 05, 2010, 05:16:45 AM
When I started having a problem with my dil I went searching for answers.

I found lots of sites that were mainly for dil's. Even the sites that were for grandparents.

I needed to find a place that would listen to my side and understand me and what I was going through. I needed a place that could be understanding.
A place that would be on my side...no matter what. A place I could come to to vent without being told I'm wrong or evil because my dil was right all the time. A place that wouldn't jump on me when I told my story of my contolling manipulative dil.

I needed a place that would calm my nerves...I found that place right here.

We are the best.
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 05, 2010, 05:44:28 PM
C/C - Thank you.

My issues are pretty much on the home front. Val is failing rapidly and it's hard to keep up. Each day I take on more and then the next day my plan is obsolete and I have to regroup.

My poor, old footie is really sore long before the day comes to an end and I find all of it pretty overwhelming because I have to go on no matter what.

The good news is Kirk is here! I was so glad to see him when he arrived that I walked into his arms for a hug and them couldn't let go. And then, I started to cry (which is not me.) So much has happened in the five months since he left. I'm a wreck.
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 05, 2010, 05:55:15 PM
I've been worried.  I know you are taking care of Val with your foot too!  The thought hit me that it was an awful lot to take in for anyone!

I'm happy Kirk is there with you and I hope you are smiling and feeling lighter!  I can understand not wanting to let him go!  I can also understand that he probably didn't want to let you go either, and I just wan to say one thing...

Happy Birthday, Luise! ;D

We love you here so much and want you to have the best!  After all, you've given that to us!

The best, that is...  I mean it!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 05, 2010, 06:10:38 PM
Luise!  I am so very sorry!  :'(  I am sorry that Val is in this condition and thankful that Kirk is there.  He's your angel right now.  Let us know how you are in these days ahead.  We are thinking about you and love you.
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 05, 2010, 06:43:14 PM
My ankle is throbbing and I'm fighting tears. Typical evening. It all went to heck and gone here about two weeks ago when Val left the house in the middle of then night in his pajamas. I caught up with him but I have had to put in an alarm system to protect him since he's starting into dementia.. And now he can't walk the dog any longer because he might have another dementia episode and not be able to find his way home (we are next to a huge summer camp with lots of woods) or he could wander off campus and onto the arterial. I am having to walk the dog,,,and Val...because Val needs his exercise and will become too weak to walk if we don't keep it up. That has set my foot off...big time. It's an avalanche of events.

On my birthday, March 9th, I hope to put up a positive post about the things that happened that were great over the last year...WWU being one of them! Maybe in the Inspiration/ Bio category.

I love you all...I'm just up against it.

Kirk is coming tomorrow to do a dog/Val walk for me. I'm so gratefu.

Please keep me in your prayers.l
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 05, 2010, 06:47:33 PM
Absolutely!  Done...

Sending you healing and loving thoughts too!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 05, 2010, 06:48:00 PM
Bless your heart, Luise.  You are in our prayers...we made a pact, all of us. :'(
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 05, 2010, 06:59:47 PM
Yes we did, and guest1 too! 

Everything works out in ways we can't imagine.  And, without challenge, adventure is impossible!  That's Your signature line, but it is also true.  We are all here to be examples of it! :)

You just enjoy your son and relish the moment, Luise. 

We aren't going anywhere.  We are using our "heart magnets" now! ;D
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 05, 2010, 07:04:41 PM
Oh, that's lovely. Bless your hearts...Thank you.
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 05, 2010, 07:07:20 PM
Well, we don't have your magic! ;D

Except in our hearts...
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 05, 2010, 07:28:36 PM
Did I forget to tell you that anyone who has over 1000 posts get an honorary magic wand? And that's where you find them, in your hearts! Chickie? Find yours?
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 05, 2010, 07:30:53 PM
Well, then Chickie - you have one and a half! 

I guess I almost have one!  LOL!

Luise, yours is just magical.  Really it is!  I hope you have seen that!

You've created the magical site! :)
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 05, 2010, 07:37:47 PM
Yup,  C/C - You're right on the cusp with991! And you only get one magic wand! ;D  (You also have the highest average for daily posting.)

I have felt Chickie's Ping. I know we all have!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 05, 2010, 07:41:20 PM
Quote from: luise.volta on March 05, 2010, 07:37:47 PM
Yup,  C/C - You're right on the cusp with991! And you only get one magic wand! ;D  (You also have the highest average for daily posting.)

I have felt Chickie's Ping. I know we all have!
Yes we have!  At least I know I have!

I wrote a post about her last night "the woman who dragged me through the door".  Nobody noticed it, because she posted her own - at the same time.  Wouldn't you know the subject was "ALMOST" the same?  Mine was erased and forgotten, but it was about her.  I'm still glad I wrote it and don't regret that!

She deserved that ping!!! ;D
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 05, 2010, 07:44:14 PM
Better rewrite it. Don't let that eraser win!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 05, 2010, 07:54:33 PM
yes, I believe I have that wand right here!!  Thank you!!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 05, 2010, 08:24:54 PM
It should have been noted when you posted your 1000th post and you officially started the Magic Wand Circle (MWC) but I was no where to be seen at the time. 1000 apologies...and 1000 Pings! (I still get to Ping the Pingers!  ;D)

I'm headed for bed...just got Val down and am tottering around.
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: Marilyn on March 05, 2010, 08:25:09 PM
Luise my heart goes out to you,and i will keep you and Val in my prayers.
I'm so glad Kirk is there with you.You have to be physically and emotionally overwhelmed.
My neighbor's husband has dementia,she is 60,much younger than you,and it's to much for her.She has aides that come in 3-4 times a week to help her out.I'm not sure if the state pays for this or her own privite insurance,but i know it doesn't cost her anything.
Maybe kirk could help you find out about getting some aides to come in to help you.
This is too much for you to try to do alone.You need a break,mentally and physically.I hope you get some relief with that ankle.
I wish i lived close by,i wouldn't mind helping you one bit.

Sending you love and hugs
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cremebrulee on March 06, 2010, 05:05:02 AM
Dear Louise
I hope and pray all will be well...and so happy your son is able to be with you both...God bless...and let it be known, that your a fabulous loving and compassionate woman...wise and beyond your years in wisdom....strength beyond compare....along with a great sense of humor. 

Happy Happy Birthday!

Chickie...this site has been a God sent...for me it's been a communicative walk with loving understanding woman who genuinally care about others...many thanks to you all for that...

I have grown in understanding, about my situation...and it surely helps take the edge off a little...don't know where life will sail me to...but there is still adventure and love out there, and I plan on experiencing every minute of it, and feeling this way is due to all of you....we may not always agree, but the nice thing about you all is this...you realize, that even though others may think and feel differently, it doesn't make them bad people...I commend you and appreicate you all for that...and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patience, kindness and love...

While we have lost something along the way, I believe we have all gained, throught this website...and I for one believe it to be a life saver...along with Luise, and her son for giving this very positive opportunity


I also want to say, that my intention is not to hurt anyone...I've been on the hurting side as many of you have been...and I never want to make anyone hurt like that...so, please know, while my words may be rough around the edges at times...cut and dry...it's only b/c I am not understanding...and I"m asking someone to help me understand, by discussing an issue...here I can do that, thank you for understanding and your care....I am deeply thankful for all of you...

Creme
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 06, 2010, 05:36:59 AM
Good morning Creme!

I'm happy to see you, and just want to say that you have become one of those wise women here I look for!  You always add details I sometimes overlook, and I believe that has broadened my own view!  I don't know where we would all be without you as part of this circle and your detailed perceptions.  :-\

Sending you hugs, Creme!  I hope you're feeling them!

P.S.-  I'm happy your computer is up and running again!  HAHA!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 06, 2010, 05:49:40 AM
Dear Creme,
I'm very glad to see your name here.  I missed your posts.  It doesn't matter if anyone disagrees with us, everyone is welcome here.

I think if we just speak to each other softly we can get through anything.  So glad you came back!!  We all missed you. :)

We need your input in this place. 

Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 06, 2010, 07:15:09 AM
Well, look at that! Cocobars has the number 1000 under her name!!! That's 1000 posts! Like Chickie, she has earned her Magic Wand and the right to Ping away! They are the first two members of the Magic Wand Council. Long live the Fairy Princesses!!!

Yes, I have a Magic Wand, too...but I did not earn it...(yet.) It came with the territory and my honorary place as Fairy Godmother. (which I bestowed upon myself.)

Long live WWU!!

Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 06, 2010, 07:30:11 AM
I can't think of any other title that would be as great as Fairy Godmother.  To me, that is the best.  Thanks for being such a good one, Luise.  I hope this day is a lot better for you and Val.  :)
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 06, 2010, 07:34:08 AM
Chickie - There you have it...the principle that will keep our forum healthy and well indefinitely...and I quote:

"I think if we just speak to each other softly we can get through anything."

Profound!

I'd be interested in knowing how others do that...continue to "speak softly" when upset.

I go to Word, and I post there to myself. I'm serious! I know my anger is usually over the top of fear and I know that both are about me...not the person who triggered the response. So when I have any intense feelings here, I own them and let myself express them where I won't step on any toes. It doesn't happen often but when it does, I sometimes write several of those pseudo-posts on my Word program before I distill them down and get what I really want to contribute to my tribe. If one sneaks past me to the "Reply" box, and I'm barely holding myself back from using capital letters and multiple exclamation marks...I catch it because I re-read everything I post before I hit "Send."  I learned this technique in dealing with family matters and it's saved my bacon more than once.   
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 06, 2010, 07:56:08 AM
Thanks to all of you who have responded to my post about where I am in my personal life...because it has an effect, of course, on where I am here as I write about what this forum means to me.

I wanted our forum to mean that we have friends who are "always home" and who always have a cup of tea waiting...so that something in us sighs a long comfortable sigh. A place where we can put our feet up as we smile at each other; where we can share and be heard; where we listen and then respond from the heart.  I wanted a place that would guarantee that we're not alone and where we would be reassured that someone, someplace cared. A healing place.

I created WWU so that would be true for all of you and I have found it here for myself.

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement and for the wise advice and the sweetness of wishing you lived near so you could pop in and help.
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 06, 2010, 08:01:12 AM
We'd be there for you in a second, Luise, taking all the extra chores from you and doing them ourselves.  With one it's hard, with many it's a breeze.  Think of all we could do for if we lived nearby.  We'd be great to our Fairy Godmother. :)
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 06, 2010, 08:10:58 AM
You couldn't be any closer...you're in my heart. I will try to remember that as I do the tasks at hand.
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: Pen on March 06, 2010, 08:14:44 AM
Oh, come on Chickie, you know we'd all get to gabbing and then we'd get all sidetracked and before we knew it the house would be a disaster from all the projects we'd start and not finish - Luise would have to send us all (all? 200? how many of us are there now?) out for ice cream so she could get something done, LOL!

But seriously, I do wish we could 'ping' ourselves there for you, Luise, and anywhere else we were needed. It really puts things into perspective - some of those petty things I get "livered" about (love it) just don't matter. Thank you for reminding us what life is really all about. I need that swift kick in the attitude every now and then. Love you!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 06, 2010, 08:21:47 AM
But Pen!  Think of how entertaining we could be to Luise!! ;D  She'd be in stitches ;D
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 06, 2010, 08:29:15 AM
OMG! We live in 600 sq. ft.!!!  ;D ;D

And the truth about Pings, of course, is that you all here right now!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 06, 2010, 02:55:20 PM
I have to admit, if we all lived together there in 600 sq ft we might all be limping (from stepping on eachother's toes!) ;) 

But it is such a nice thought!  Any motels nearby Luise? 

Luise?

Luise?

Where did she go?  She was just here...

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 06, 2010, 03:02:38 PM
I was talking with building contractors about turing my quarter of this fourplex into a sky scraper!  :o
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 06, 2010, 03:07:32 PM
That could work! ;D
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: Pen on March 06, 2010, 05:32:20 PM
Luise, you've got some air mattresses to blow up - about 200, I reckon. *Huff, puff*
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 06, 2010, 05:47:04 PM
Oh, boy ;D...I may have to cal on my neighbor. (She's full of hot air!)
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 06, 2010, 05:51:55 PM
I have neighbors like that too!  ;D  They're good for stuff like that!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: 2chickiebaby on March 06, 2010, 06:06:15 PM
Call her, Luise, she'll fit right in. 
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 06, 2010, 06:24:48 PM
Lots of  ;Ds. You guys have me feel so much better. Tears of laughter tonight! Bless your hearts. Pings to the Pingers!
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: cocobars on March 06, 2010, 06:28:59 PM
Well good for you! 

Did you see the "peed my pants" posts? ;D

It's in the "just what she wanted" folder!  HAHAHA!

I hope you're smiling...
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: momX3 on March 09, 2010, 05:51:32 PM
I am new to WiseWomenUnite......but I need to tell all of you, this site is the best.
As I sat and read the posts as a "guest" over the past few days, I had this sense of feeling like I knew you ladies.
Some of the posts had me laughing out loud, while others had me bawling. Your pain is my pain.
So many times, I felt like I was the only person who felt like I did about certain family members, however, after visiting this site, I know I am not alone.

I am not computer savvy, so I am not sure I can figure out the posting, but I am going to try.
Keep up the great work.    :)
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: RedRose on March 09, 2010, 06:00:27 PM
Quote from: momX3 on March 09, 2010, 05:51:32 PM
Some of the posts had me laughing out loud, while others had me bawling.
Welcome momX3
I have been coming here for months now and I still feel the same way...We are the Best.
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: luise.volta on March 09, 2010, 06:21:08 PM
Welcome MX - You did just fine. I've been here since day one...Mother's Day of 2009, and I still have more to learn regarding using the software. We are here for you and our hearts are open!  :)
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: Marilyn on March 09, 2010, 06:37:17 PM
Welcome Momx3,glad your here.Your not alone with your pain any more.This site has been a blessing for me.It has helped so much knowing there are other women that unnderstand what i was going thru.
Title: Re: What this site meant to me
Post by: Hope on March 28, 2010, 09:20:56 AM
The slow poke is here again (I seem to be behind the times quite a bit).  It's amazing what this site has done for me.  I feel like I've met the most incredible women here and I look so forward to visiting with you all every chance I can.  I wish I loved exercising half as much as visiting with you all - I'd be in tip top shape ;).  I was laughing so hard last night reading your posts - what a great sense of humor you ladies have!  And dear Luise - what a gift you are to us.  You inspire me to no end.  I agree with the others - how great it would be for us to help you through your days in person.  When you said we couldn't be closer because we are in your heart, I was all choked up.  I love you all!