Woven with love

I started my day much like most, cup of coffee, emails and check in on my CSN family. I read Roger's comment about having followed the postings for awhile and his decision to contribute a post expressing his feelings about this board. It struck me that there may be many who have found the board but have not found their "voice" yet. I was hesitant to start posting when I first joined, I still struggle with re-reading what I post over and over before I hit the "submit" button. I find I am feeling more relaxed about it every time. I sometimes feel intimidated by the eloquence that others are able to express themselves with. What I have come to realize is, it doesn't really matter so much what you say, that just by responding, we are confirming that we care. If the response is very detailed or if it is just a short comment that acknowledges that someone who really understands is connecting with you, it is SO powerful. It struck me that EACH comment is like a stitch in a unique afghan. Some contribute many stitches some just a few, but ALL the efforts weave a warm, cozy, comforting blanket that we can wrap up in. Stitches of acceptance, sharing, humor, compassion, understanding, knowledge, encouragement, sympathy, reality, friendship, faith, sensibility...what a masterpiece! When we just need a little comfort, it is there to wrap casually around our shoulders. Yet, when circumstances are frightening, overwhelming, hurtful, and/or confusing and we feel ourselves shivering from the vulnerability that can occur as we battle this disease (or care for someone who is) we can envelop ourselves in the solace of our blanket. What a precious gift.

Thank you to all the full time "weavers" and occasional "stitchers".

Blessings to all,
Joanne