I just wanted to say, that I've MISSED my friends here who were all so supportive when I was overwhelmed with caring for my mom.

I have been reading back some and I want to say that the energy and love coming from everyone here is an affirmation of the human race! Old age, illness and death are such hard things to face but the people here who are meeting the challenges head on, every day, and helping others through the process are just amazing.

All of you! So articulate, so unbelievably wise, and heartbreakingly caring. I really admire you all!

My caregiving of my mother is not finished. But it is so reduced in intensity at this point that I can try to care for the rest of my large family again.

Just want to add my two cent worth. I was just wondering how I managed the years before I found this place-There are so many members here that I now consider good friends-friends that don't desert when things are roughest. Thank you for being here. It has been over a year since I found you all. It will be 6 years the end of June since Mike came home and 7 years in Sept. since his stroke-all things considered the years have flown by. 7 years ago this month I was writing my last report cards before retiring. Think I'm getting old. Thanks all for the support and shoulder to cry on when I needed it. Sometimes we may even get advice we don't want to here-I often think about the time I wrote about Mike getting out of the car and falling while I was shopping and I took offense of Edyth Ann's comments about not leaving LO's alone in the car- I have not left him except for very!!short times where I can see out the window and make sure he is not trying to get out since that day. I don't know whether I am saying this right but I want to apologize and hope that some others that recently thought comments were inappropriate will grow to realize people are just trying to help. Sorry it took so long for me to say something, Edyth Ann Thanks. Gypsy

Wow two years!!!!! It does not seem that long at all. I am not looking at how long I have been here.

Next Sunday will be two years since I've been here - two years and 1600 posts. Not bragging, believe me, it just boggles my mind that it's been that long and I"ve talked that much.

Two years since my parents died and it's easier to remember how they were when they were healthy instead of ill. It's crossed my mind that if I left the forum I wouldn't be reminded as often of everything we faced together. But even though I've taken "siestas" from the forum for various reasons now and then, I always seem to keep coming back. I still hope that I can help somebody else who's where I was. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. But when you do make that connection - and I"ve made some purely awesome connections through the forum - it's nothing short of a miracle.

Love to every caregiver and their loved one(s) on this planet who are hurting in oh so many ways - Melissa

I feel the same way Sandmason.

What would we do without each other?

It's amazing how this forum brings such good friends together. All the experiences we can share. Such a treasure this connection is when we are so desperate to connect with friends who are experiencing the same pain...joy...familiarity. I don't come here enough...but appreciate your friendship.

Welcome back to us, Sandmason... and I'm so glad to learn of your mother's positive progress. This disease is so strange and often offers the darkest before the dawn, albeit the dawns are briefer but all the more appreciated.

Also want to thank you for your kind words, especially in light of some current on board discontent. It means a lot... especially for those who do work tirelessly to reach others, to provide information but, most importantly, provide meaningful support.

With love to you and your entire family... ...Joan Marie

Don't tell me you love me, don't tell me you care ...

Don't say that you need me, I don't want to be there ...

I am but one person, not big, but so small ...
that life overwhelms me and sometimes I fall.

The reason I'm here - I'm trying to decide,
for emptiness fills me for all that I've cried.

So don't say you need me,
and don't say you care ......
Tomorrow I'll flee thee ...
and no longer be there.