Hello to All!

So often, a new member will post an initial note of introduction on this message board and then, after perhaps a response or two from fellow members, you never hear from them again. Obviously some are just getting into treatment and quickly come to the point that they are unable (or too sick) to post updates or new questions on computer.

Unfortunately, as soon as I read a person's first post (usually laced with fear and uncertainty), I begin caring about the person and naturally think about them and wonder how things are going. With no further communication, one is left to only speculate and hope these folks are managing in their own worlds. I also look back at old entries from a year or two ago (before I ever joined this forum) and wonder if those people are even still with us today. It would be great to see a post emerge from someone who was perhaps one of the very first members of this site... preferably announcing that they are well and happy today, and have had no recurrence. Once in a while an old member comes back online, but I haven't seen it occur that often.

I just wish we could follow up on every single person ever to reach out on this message board, but know that is not possible or reasonable. All I can do is pray that everyone is okay.

The Web is such a unique and priceless avenue for connecting and sharing and helping others... but also quite limited in that, without the continued clicking of keys, people that you "meet" and start to care about simply become "lost" in thin air. All that remains is an outdated written post with a name and a subject line... but with no tangible connection any longer... unless that person resurfaces one day down the road.

Well, I do hope that these fairly recent new members (and not all were named in the subject line) will know that I am still thinking about them... and, it will not be long before they (or a family member) might post an update. I am interested to know how you're faring and if there's anything I can say to help you. Don't bear it alone... If you are well enough to sit at the computer... I hope you will continue seeking support and posing questions. There are people on this website who CARE ABOUT YOU!

From my heart,

Melanie