Aquestion came up a few days ago "how did you find this site?". It got me thinking about how I found this site.
I was spinning my wheels on Yahoo Answers as a way to feel like my world was a little larger than my own situation. So I asked about sites for tose involved with elder care.
Only one person answered, and this was one of three sites she listed. Often I have wondered if she is active here, if so, consider this a personal thankyou note.

Any one else want to share? Were you just surfing and fell in here, or did you follow a recommendation like I did.

I know it wasn't too long ago that I found my way here, but I don't remember how!
Sure am glad, though. Even if my caregiving is over for the moment, it just feels so good to keep coming back, because everyone is still so supportive and knowledgeable.
(Happy, work is slowing down. I think I'll be able to send the rest of the quilt stuff sometime this week.)
Hugs to all.

I found this site through a google search while researching my book.

The "Fickle Finger of Fate" found this for me!
I could kiss his/her hand!

as far as finding this sight, i didn't. i had never used a computer before so my husband taught me how to use ebay. $2,000 dollars later and he figured i was ready to move on so he searched for something that would fit my situation and presented me with this gift. i was scared at first and still at times feel overwhelmed by all you do and know, but it was the nicest present he ever gave me. hats of to all of you and to H. next time you're in harry's raise a glass to him.

You are quite the hot ticket yourself CJ. I thank you for your kind words and friendship. They both mean a great deal to me. Thank You

I too was surfing the net... I was desparate to find out info to help my Mom and my Dad who is helping with her care. I looked up support for families and found this site. I read the posts and saw the warm response to peoples questions. The immense information. I then went to the chat room and sprig was there... we got to chatting and her humor was fanastic... bobcat came in and joined in the conversation. They both gave me good advice on how to engage my Moms mind with cards and other things.
I am so grateful I found this place. Everyone shares and cares. Dealing with my Mom would be unbearable if I did not have this support. Love you all.

Amen to that Mae! Janie may not know it but she is the reason I stayed on here, she said something to me my late mom would have said, so Janie where ever you are hugs to you! (((Janie)))
Oh Mae ya feeling a little left out? No worries my love I gots one for you too! ((((Mae))))

I found this site by invitation from Janie.At the time I had web tv and was putting together a site.I found BUTTERFLY POEM SHE HAD WRIITEN AND ASKED HER IF i COULD USE IT.oF COURSE jANIE SAID YES.tHEN WE BEGAN TALKING AND i SHARED MY CIRCUMSTANCES WITH HER.SHE INVITED ME TO THE FORUM.IT WAS THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME.I had been to a few others.Two were full of people who could not to relate to anyone who was not well off and able to travel all over.The other was excellent but the moderator and I came to blows and I was asked to leave.I met many good people there.
This forum was the corner stone for my moving forward in so many ways.So many wonderful people have come and gone.So many funny stories that will stay with me.I learned so much from everyone who was a member.
If it were not for Janie and the wonderful suppost I was given I would have fallen on my face.They began to know me like a book , very scarey, right.I made friends that continue to be friends.It just opened so many doors for me.Seeing others who were dealing with caregiving allowed me to stop being so self absorbed.
Now when I come here I see the same happening to others.Why, because the members truly care.They are not self absorbed.They do not flaunt what they have.There are a few who speak their minds like I once did and when provoked , still do.
This form gives a great service to everyone who needs a shoulder.
All of you should be so proud of your selves.You have welcomes everyone with open arms and minds.You have acknowledged everyone who has come here to be heard.

I, too, was surfin' and found this. I was going through a very difficult time with my mother and just knew there must be some answers out there -- and WOW!!!! This place is amazing. It was comforting to know that someone will respond to even a mundane question and so many of you have been there done that in one way or another. It even helped put things in perspective -- there are many others out there with much greater needs than I.

Dats Hawaiian baby not Californian although Iv heard a few in LA try an talk like a local but it just dont fit em sounds like leftovers Yes it was surfing that brought me here

That must be Californian for something. I wasn't there but 3 months, didn't pick up all the lingo. You were surfing, right?

Like a Kama 'aina (native born) wahine

BG, so you were surfing when you found this site?

How did I find this site? Lets see.... between the pounding and screaming (my own AND MIL's) Was I having a good day? Well not exactly... frustrated and cryin in my coffee wits end with hunny boy (did I says wits end?) I meant I was gonna pulverize his happy a.. and that denial train ride he was on, between moments of guilt... head pounding heart racing...did I mention stress levels were at an all time high I think I just kilt the baby monitor that kept me up for over a week cause I could hear the daggum crickets over in the next county on that thing.... I punched up eldercare and Waaa Laaa ECOnline.
After an initial ya gotta pull yourself together wake up call I eased into a routine that was a lifesaver for me (as well as hunny boy cause did I mention I was gonna pulverize him?) Yeah well hes still alive by the grace of whomever still he takes a side trip every now an again and I wrestle with that dang word detach but all in all I am soooooo grateful to be a part of a supportive community that understands gives me a kick when I need it

Robin, you got here almost the same time I did. Seems like a lifetime ago. Never knew I could feel at home and make friends like it happens here. Maybe Sprig wasn't over board with "God's Gift", after all.

One day late at night I thought there must be other people out there going through the same thing I was so I Googled and found this site. I was impressed with how friendly and supportive everyone's answers were.

When I first posted a question, I was pleased and surprised that so many answered and not just cursory answers but very honest and meaningful answers and comments. I cried just out of a sense of relief knowing this was a genuine community of people who want to help each other.

Also, I realized after reading some posts that many people had it harder than me. That was an eye opener. It made me grateful for my life.

Maybe "God's Gift" is a little heavy, BC. I'll go with Blessing.

Thank you Sprig, You have added alot, including a challenge or two
Don't know about "God's gift" , but it is a blessing we got here together.

I remember exactly how I found this site. It was on June 1,07. I remember sitting in front of my computer, tired, burnt out, confused, hurting, and so very lonely. I so much needed someone to dump all my problems on. I googled cg's web sites. A list popped up. I checked out a couple others before coming here. They had nothing I was looking for. I came here. It looked very different from the others and I figured I had nothing to lose. I took a deep breath and posted. I have no recall of what I wrote. What I do remember is the unbeliveable and quick response by so many people who seemed to understand what I was going through and so many offers to help. Questions - answers - real people who were not judging me. People who WANTED to help me. People who CARED. I was floored. I was scared to respond but I did and I am so glad I did. I have met some of the most wonderful people on the face of this earth here. Even though my loving husband has since passed, I see other family issues on the horizon so I plan to stay. I have made loving friends here and I plan on staying for a long, long time. Thank you to all. You are God's gift to me.