What's going on here????

[Josey]

Hi Y'all,

I just started looking aroung the forum and found we have almost ground to a dead stop. I know Shannon had a period of blow up and I am sure Sharon is also upset. I truly feel for both of them and hope their love can over come mere words. I know that Beauty has left us and I pray very hard that she changes her mind and comes back. Somehow, things don't seem right without her. The world needs her wisdom.

The point is that this doesn't mean we all should retreat into our shells. I know for some that may feel comfortable. I have spent most of my life hiding in that shell and there is a lot of comfort in familiarity. Here, we have a family. At least, that's the way I have come to think of all the members of this forum. I get a thrill when we get a new member. It is like suddenly getting a new sister. I never had one so this is wonderful for me. When one of our family members discusses a problem or some feelings, I also feel their excitement or hurt as you would that of a sibling. When Shannon wrote his post, I felt his worry over his feelings and his relationship with Sharon. I worried about him. At the same time, I could feel for Sharon. I also worried about her. I felt for Beauty but at the same time, I felt the selfishness that made me not want to lose her friendship and wisdom. These people are all our family. I cheered for Amber at the news of her successes in College. I have read most everything that most of you have written and I have felt your happiness and sorrow the same as any sister would.

Folks, my point is that we are all a family, brought together not by blood but by a common interest and a strong need to share it. That goes for CD's and for SO's. In this forum, thanks to Sharon and Shannon, we have found a home which was quite comfortable. It was that kind of home that you look forward to getting back to. Right now, it appears no one is coming home but we need to change that. Let's all come back home and share with each other. Please!

Thank you for listening to my rantings. I just hope you see what I am saying and it does some good.

[Loretta Ann]

Josey,

I agree, Beauty is very talented, not perfect, but gifted. She has a unique way of encouraging people, some what like you might expect a mother to be. (may be a little over protective in some situations) She was able to keep the conversations flowing, and that is what is missing now.

I would expect that as long as no one steps up to the plate she will be back, certainly for any one to try and fill her shoes, would be a tall order indeed.

[Elizabeth]

Yes, I miss Beauty already. I felt like she truely cared about what happened to me. She is very wise. She says things that are hard to say, but need saying. Beauty, if you are reading this? This place is bigger than any one person, and I hope you can find your way back here, as you are dearly missed.
I also seen that Sally said goodbye, I also found this upsetting. Sally is the very matter of fact kind of person I need. She seemed so comfortable with who she was, and where she was going. Sally, if you are reading, there are people like me who value your posts, and make me feel like someday I could be as comfortable with myself as you are with yourself. I don't need public anger either, but i do need people like you. Please reconsider?
To me, if even one person who used to come here, no longer feels like they can come here? Then what has anger accomplished? I am feeling very sad.
Elizabeth

[Jamie Ann]

     I agree with you completely. It should come as no surprise that Shannon and Sharon are human, with the same ups and downs as the rest of the human race. They are in my prayers.

     Any, yes, I hope very much that Beauty will return. Without question, she is among the very prettiest flowers in the meadow, a blessing to all of us.

[Lorna]

I know that Beauty has left us and I pray very hard that she changes her mind and comes back.

Hi Josey,

She will be back and will be back soon - fear not. She just needs her downtime for now as handling a forum such as this where everyone here has personal issues to air out every day - can be very emotionally taxing.

[Josey]

Hi Lorna,

Thanks for that reassurance. By the sound of the other posts, I'm not the only one who feels Beauty's absence. It also appears that I am not the only one who felt the sibling kinship that exists here and that is good. Thank you, my sisters.
Elizabeth, I agree with you about Sally. I do hope she changes her mind and comes back. Her wisdom will be sorely missed.

Thank you all. There is hope!

[Erica Shade]

....I really miss you Beauty....

Nuff Luv,

Erica Shade

[Loretta Ann]

"Special"
is a word that is used to describe
something one-of-a-kind like a hug,
or a sunset or a person who spreads love
with a smile or kind gesture.
"Special"
describles people who act from the heart
and keep in mind the hearts of others.
"Special"
applies to something that is admired
and precious which can never be replaced.
"Special"
is the word that best describes
"Beauty"

[Virginia]

Thanks, Sis,
Yes "Special" does describe Beauty, but I would have to add that it also decribes a lot of our other sisters here! I posted under "Fun Things...." but will reiterate here! This has been a very trying week for a lot of our sisters here. I have read some of the posts and sat here crying as I tried to respond. Others, I just felt so inadequate that I could not respond to such deep, complex issues. I did read most of the responses and they "took the words right out of my mouth," fortunately more eloquently than Deborah could have expressed.
Generally, I think I am safe in saying that there are those who did not respond to some of the posts, but please understand that it is not because "we" don't care, we do (speaking only for Deborah) we may just feel that there are those who are better equiped to offer opinions on some very complex issues than we are!
Love,
Deborah

[Alexandra]

Beauty was more than a moderator, she was the chief nurturer and set an example for us to follow. She's a heroine in my book!

[Beauty]

Wow!

I just read this!

You all are too much!!

Let's get one thing straight. It's ALL of us that made this forum what it is. You all inspire me. I'm nothing without you.

Bravo.

Love runs this forum!!!

Thank you all for this thread. I honestly had no idea you all felt this way.

Thank you!!!