Quietly Reflective

chenheart
chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Dearest Sisters,
I come into these amazing, insightful boards perhaps a dozen times a day. It is practically the first thing I do in the morning, and the last at night. I am always humbled to be counted in among you...you inspire me every day. I don't always respond to the posts, not even those which touch my heart in ways I never even knew existed. Sometimes it is all too much, too poignant, too emotionally -charged and beautiful for me to even think about responding in a way which could do the poster any justice.

In those times, which are getting more and more frequent, I find myself quietly reflective, and basking in the thankfulness which I feel for having all of you in my life. You have encouraged me, taught me amused me (!) humbled me.

For all of the times I have not responded, it is not because I am not touched by your posts. Quite the opposite; I am left speechless. That having been said, please know I love you all dearly, and wish you the happiest of holidays, and the best new year ever imagined.

Hugs,
Claudia

Comments

  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    #2
    Speechless
    I do the same thing. My health problems prevent me from being as active as I used to be. I hate the telephone so coming here is like support when I need it. I don't always post because I have an agreement with myself that I should only post when I can be helpful and do no harm. Does that sound vaguely like the Star Trek code? Sometimes I don't post because I just am speechless. When I first posted I didn't know the message board protocol. I just jumped in. Didn't know I should introduce myself. No one said anything but probably wondered who I was. Sometimes I wonder that about myself. Anyway, thanks.
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #3
    Happy Holidays To You Too
    Claudia,

    I too log on right after I wake up to see what is happening, throughout the day I check it again and finally just before bed; so glad I am not alone in my compulsion to be in touch with each of you.

    I sometimes feel guilty when I do not answer a post, but sometimes when I review what others have responded with there is not much more I could add because they have done such a splendid job. You are right there are many loving,caring people who come here and you are certainly in the forefront of that group.

    Thank you Claudia for simply being the warm and caring person that you are.

    Hugs right back at ya,

    RE
  • NorcalJ
    NorcalJ Member Posts: 187
    #4
    RE said:

    Happy Holidays To You Too
    Claudia,

    I too log on right after I wake up to see what is happening, throughout the day I check it again and finally just before bed; so glad I am not alone in my compulsion to be in touch with each of you.

    I sometimes feel guilty when I do not answer a post, but sometimes when I review what others have responded with there is not much more I could add because they have done such a splendid job. You are right there are many loving,caring people who come here and you are certainly in the forefront of that group.

    Thank you Claudia for simply being the warm and caring person that you are.

    Hugs right back at ya,

    RE

    Happy and Healthy 2009
    When I first found this site, I thought I knew a little about BC. Turned out what I knew could have been put in a thimble and still had room for the Gettysburg Address.

    Since a mastectomy, 8 rounds of chemo, and almost 6 weeks of radiation, I now know about 2 thimbles full! But my experience has only taught me how little that really is. Coming to this board with all you amazing and really knowledgable women is better than any textbook or web site because of the compassion and empathy. No one knows better than someone who's been there!

    Some of my friends would argue that I'm not hesitant about voicing two cents, but when I read what you all post, there's not much I can add, but, instead, just be in awe.

    May you all have the merriest of holidays and wonderful New Year!

    Jan
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #5
    You are such wonderful support!
    Even in your quiet ways....you are a great help!

    I wrote this on my 'other' board...

    A mysterious thing happened at 'The Happiest place on Earth' (Disneyland). The whole day was:

    Hustle and bustle and kids getting cranky.
    Goofy and Sneezy and go to the banky.
    Waiting in line, and waiting in line.
    And sitting and eating (a $10.00 fine!).
    But oh! at the point when the white stuff was falling.
    A miracle happened, and I started bawling.
    All the mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters.
    Grandkids and wee ones and misses and misters.
    Reached up in wonder as tiny flakes flew.
    And smiled big smiles, through tears for a few.
    The scene was idealic, the music was soft.
    And there, in the sky, was Tinkerbell aloft!
    When all of the snow, like a memory was far.
    We smiled at each other, and trekked to the car.
    But before we split up, you could hear thru the night.
    Merry Christmas to all, for this glorious sight!!!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • kbc4869
    kbc4869 Member Posts: 159
    #6
    Listening More
    Claudia,

    I agree. I've been listening more than talking these days. Sometimes I just need to step back. It all gets to be too much sometimes for me. It doesn't mean I don't care. I still check to see how everyone is every day, but more and more, I feel like it's time that I focus more on my living my life than on the cancer.

    I hate to sound selfish, but it's a part of the healing process for each of us. It comes in waves and it doesn't mean that I'm gone forever. Just out here listening, following, and always caring. I'm one of you and I always will be.

    Thanks for bringing up the subject. I've been feeling a little guilty about it.

    Love,
    K
  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #7
    kbc4869 said:

    Listening More
    Claudia,

    I agree. I've been listening more than talking these days. Sometimes I just need to step back. It all gets to be too much sometimes for me. It doesn't mean I don't care. I still check to see how everyone is every day, but more and more, I feel like it's time that I focus more on my living my life than on the cancer.

    I hate to sound selfish, but it's a part of the healing process for each of us. It comes in waves and it doesn't mean that I'm gone forever. Just out here listening, following, and always caring. I'm one of you and I always will be.

    Thanks for bringing up the subject. I've been feeling a little guilty about it.

    Love,
    K

    I'm here frequently too!
    I also come onto this site early morning, afternoon and evening and I even take my laptop on vacation cause I am addicted! It feels so good to watch everyones progress! I am 8 years out and believe me, I rarely miss a day! I also sit back and read but don't often write anything! I am in awe at how wonderful and knowledgeable all you ladies(and gentlemen) are. Thank you all for being there and being so willing to help .I hope everyone has a HAPPY and HEALTHY Holiday Season! HUGS!!! Cathy
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #8
    I personally check this
    I personally check this board at least 4 times a day. Though I may not always respond because everyone has already written what I would have said, or sometimes I just don't know how to respond. But, I do want all of you to know that you are always first in my thoughts as I consider you all my second family. We've all come a long way and I think we are better for having had the experiences we've had and the friends that we've made along the way. I wish each and everyone of you the merriest of holidays and a healthy and peaceful new year. May 2009 bring us all health, happiness and peace. Love you all, Lili
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #9
    mmontero38 said:

    I personally check this
    I personally check this board at least 4 times a day. Though I may not always respond because everyone has already written what I would have said, or sometimes I just don't know how to respond. But, I do want all of you to know that you are always first in my thoughts as I consider you all my second family. We've all come a long way and I think we are better for having had the experiences we've had and the friends that we've made along the way. I wish each and everyone of you the merriest of holidays and a healthy and peaceful new year. May 2009 bring us all health, happiness and peace. Love you all, Lili

    Happy what?????
    Why does no-one say merry CHRISTMAS anymore?,,,,,,,,,Political correcness gone MAD!, Kathi I LOVED your post (as usual) Happy Christmas everyone!... Holidays bah! Love to all J xxxxxxxxxxxx
  • tasha_111
    tasha_111 Member Posts: 2,072
    #10
    tasha_111 said:

    Happy what?????
    Why does no-one say merry CHRISTMAS anymore?,,,,,,,,,Political correcness gone MAD!, Kathi I LOVED your post (as usual) Happy Christmas everyone!... Holidays bah! Love to all J xxxxxxxxxxxx

    Happy what?
    I don't mean to annoy any other faiths in here....If you wish to grant me Happy Eid or Happy Honika or whatever......I will just be glad of the wishes and the includement...........Happy Christmas To all ... Julia XXXXX
  • Eil4186
    Eil4186 Member Posts: 949
    #11
    You are all in my prayers.
    I feel the same. Often the responses have been so informative and supportive I feel that I don't have anything new to add. But my thoughts are still with all of you. I pray everynight for you and I am thankful to have you as friends to travel this journey with. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy and healthy 2009. Love and hugs. Eil
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    #12
    tasha_111 said:

    Happy what?????
    Why does no-one say merry CHRISTMAS anymore?,,,,,,,,,Political correcness gone MAD!, Kathi I LOVED your post (as usual) Happy Christmas everyone!... Holidays bah! Love to all J xxxxxxxxxxxx

    November thru January and beyond!
    Sweet Tasha~

    I was actually not falling into the trap of being either politically correct nor incorrect~ my wishing each and everyone of us Happy Holidays stems from it's original root word of Holy-Days. So for those who celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Ramadan, Being out of school for a Month, visiting with Family, giving thanks, for whichever reason these days are deemed holy or set apart and bring you smiles and togetherness... I say enjoy !!!


    Hugs,
    Claudia
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #13
    chenheart said:

    November thru January and beyond!
    Sweet Tasha~

    I was actually not falling into the trap of being either politically correct nor incorrect~ my wishing each and everyone of us Happy Holidays stems from it's original root word of Holy-Days. So for those who celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Ramadan, Being out of school for a Month, visiting with Family, giving thanks, for whichever reason these days are deemed holy or set apart and bring you smiles and togetherness... I say enjoy !!!


    Hugs,
    Claudia

    mmmm....hot chocolate and marshmallows day!!!
    ....And SNOW day!!!

    My beau is Jewish, so we came to an agreement (I said it, he had to agree...lol!):

    During Hanukkah, I wish everyone 'Happy Holidays', December 26, 'Happy Kwanzaa', but for the rest of December, it's 'Merry Christmas'....

    And EVERY day, for each of you, 'I love you lots!'

    Hugs, Kathi
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #14
    KathiM said:

    mmmm....hot chocolate and marshmallows day!!!
    ....And SNOW day!!!

    My beau is Jewish, so we came to an agreement (I said it, he had to agree...lol!):

    During Hanukkah, I wish everyone 'Happy Holidays', December 26, 'Happy Kwanzaa', but for the rest of December, it's 'Merry Christmas'....

    And EVERY day, for each of you, 'I love you lots!'

    Hugs, Kathi

    That's a great idea Kathi,
    That's a great idea Kathi, but this year Hannukkah is the 22nd. LOL Anyway, Merry Christmas to all, Happy Hannukkah to all our Jewish friends on this board and Happy Kwaanza if you celebrate it. I love you all, Lili
  • mgm42
    mgm42 Member Posts: 491 Member
    #15
    My sentiments, too.
    Claudia, I share your sentiments as I'm sure many, many of the other do, also. Thanks for saying it so well. I love all my sisters and wish them all of the best in the upcoming year. Merry Christmas and hugs, Marilynn
  • Joycelouise
    Joycelouise Member Posts: 482
    #16
    A beautiful post, Claudia.
    A beautiful post, Claudia. I am grateful for all of the sisters like you here. We are so many strong that sometimes I get a lot of comfort when I see that someone else has posted beautifully to a new member and let me rest. Other times, I want to do the posting and let others rest a bit. This family is just so wonderful, and works like a family...a unit, not just individuals.
    And, as a Jewish girl, let me say that I just love to hear people talk about Christmas. I want everyone to be getting a lot of happiness from it and I want to be included in the happiness! So, count me in for a few hearty Merry Christmases! And pass the Christmas cookies...
    love you all, Joyce
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #17
    mmontero38 said:

    That's a great idea Kathi,
    That's a great idea Kathi, but this year Hannukkah is the 22nd. LOL Anyway, Merry Christmas to all, Happy Hannukkah to all our Jewish friends on this board and Happy Kwaanza if you celebrate it. I love you all, Lili

    Yup...Monday the 22nd at sundown....
    Kwaanza is the 26th...sorry for the confusion....

    MAN! If I EVER was wrong about a JEWISH holiday...my beau would have my HEAD!!! ROFL...

    This year, part of the candles will be lit in America, and the last part in Holland...sort of an international celebration, don't ya think???? And then, on New Year's Eve, the entire country of The Netherlands explodes in fireworks!!!! Last year, over 52 MILLION (!!!!) Euros were spent on the celebration...it goes on, and on, and on...My late FIL said it best: It's like WWII all over again!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #18
    KathiM said:

    Yup...Monday the 22nd at sundown....
    Kwaanza is the 26th...sorry for the confusion....

    MAN! If I EVER was wrong about a JEWISH holiday...my beau would have my HEAD!!! ROFL...

    This year, part of the candles will be lit in America, and the last part in Holland...sort of an international celebration, don't ya think???? And then, on New Year's Eve, the entire country of The Netherlands explodes in fireworks!!!! Last year, over 52 MILLION (!!!!) Euros were spent on the celebration...it goes on, and on, and on...My late FIL said it best: It's like WWII all over again!

    Hugs, Kathi

    I am so happy you will
    I am so happy you will celebrate the New year in style. Just remember to say a wish at the stroke of midnight. Wish I was going also, it sounds like fun. Hugs, Lili

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