Hello everyone...

Admittedly, it's been a long time since I've been a consistent posting member of our Forum. The caregiving life does have a way of consuming our time and narrowing our public contact. In any case, after my recent return to post two condolence notices, I was also reminded of how I felt when I first came on board more than three years ago.

I was hurting then but I was also hesitant in those days, leery of registering and sharing my life so publicly. Originally, I wanted to simply write to those I met on the Forum privately but was warmly encouraged by another seasoned member to also keep posting on the Forum and truly trust the system. Today, I am encouraging many of you to do the same.

By registering your posts, you open yourself to a world of advantages. The first advantage that comes to mind is the ability to make selective and safe personal contact with others via the Private Message system. Just as meaningful though, by registering and filling out the profile page, others can get to know you and your circumstances without having to continuously repeat yourself. This is very important, especially since Google does list our posts as public domain now and keeping your email addy private may be more significant to you than you immediately realize. Secondly, you can edit your registered posts for any reason. Lastly, you and interested new associates who may become terrific personal friends can catchup with you and your individual situation... again through the Forum's system. Do know that each of our posts reach countless others. What you have to say is important. What you share may just be the very thing someone is looking to find, whether it is information or the never ending value of acceptance and understanding.

And so, like I was warmly encouraged to do so long ago, I hope the visitors here and those who have chosen to remain unregistered will decide to expand their world. Take the risk, attempt personal contact, be forgiving of each other, and know that no one is alone on this journey when we reach out with a good heart and an open mind.

Wishing each of us and those we touch the best life has to offer, today and every day.

Joan Marie

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Casey,

I came across this old post and felt like bringing it up to date.

Here Here JM, Casey. I also was one of those that had been trollin around for quite sometime before I actually registered but found that the people on this forum were the same where the heart was concerned. They are compassionate, they share their feelings, whether it is anger, hurt or sadness...They share their hard earned wisdom and counseled their fellow members....What a wonderful family....I remember the day I registered I was fearful at first but I heard myself say... "What are you so scared of? The path that led you here was one of hope...Hope to find answers"...
Thats exactly what I found, I found answers and on that path I also found friends....

IT'S SAFE ........ Y'ALL CAN COME ON IN; WE WON'T BITE!!!

Seriously, folks. It troubles me when I see by the numbers who are visiting - but no one signs in to post .............

If those of you who don't post are NOT posting just because you don't know "what to do, or how to do it" ........ just do it anyway. If you need help, there's more than likely always someone here to help you get the hang of it.... posting, that is!

There are a LOT of you out there right now. After you've gotten comfortable about the topics, etc., it's my hope you'll come on in.

Don't forget, every morning we serve coffee and doughnuts!!

For anyone who is wondering where I"m getting the links I"ve posted today...

At the top left of the page it says ElderCare Online. Click on that.

In the middle of that page, you will see a box that says Select A Channel. Under that are several categories that deal with various aspects of caregiving. If you click on any one of them, you will find information and articles related to that category. Some of it is quite helpful.

Thanks friend Joan,

Friends are formed in the forum.

Billy G

My dear friend,Joan Marie, I am thrilled to see you posting again. I know your life has become very complicated over the last year and your focus has been on adapting to changes in your home, and it is kind of you to post here in the hopes of helping newer members given all you are dealing with.

I agree that it is helpful to have members register. When I"m replying to someone, it can be very useful to be able to look at their previous posts- and public profile- if I"m not familiar with their situation. It also helps if members can give a location. I've made a suggestion to someone before that turned out to be totally useless because that person lived in Canada and my advice was U.S. based. That is frustrating.

I understand as well as anyone on the Web that security is important. Revealing email addies, birthdates, any other private information is not necessary, but it really does help to have some information about new members in order to better help them.

The absolute biggest advantage to being reachable via Private Messages as a registered member has to be the connections you can make with other caregivers. I've been a member of this forum for about three years now, and I have made a circle of close friends who have enriched my life and saved my sanity on more occasions than I can count. Anybody can ask a question on the Forum and the advice they receive (we hope) can be a huge help in and of itself- but , for me, it's those relationships I"ve formed with other cgs that really made this forum my second home for so long. I may not be here as much these days, but I still love this place for giving me more than I ever expected from it.

Thank you, Joan Marie. I really do hope you might stop in from time to time again.

P.S. To my other slightly wacky friend -- I think youve dodged buying the coffee and donuts for farrrr too long. Your turn!

Hey there.... Just visiting. Where's the coffee and donuts?