I missed everyone, Julie, Carmen, Louise, Nanci, Rndall and Lucy, Ms. Mary, Jackie, etc. last time I stepped away. So I try to come back..and find that indeed the same mess is happening. We have folks that just can't let some things be.
As far as Lindy is concerned..She HAS NOT EVER ASKED for financial help..EVER!! All she has asked is for prayers. The decision to give or not is left up to the individuals on this board. But as always a very unhappy person had to ruin it. Most of us know Lindy personally. If she were closer I would do much more than send 10 dollars.

Then there is Carmen and Secret Pals. I have played almost every round of Secret Pal. I have always sent to my pal, sometimes not ever knowing if their package arrived. I have also been one who did not recieve gifts or even cards from my pal at times. I didn't complain..I didn't care. I can go out and get anything I need and most of what I want. Carmen has been tremendous..and has caught a lot of flack for the SP thing. GIVE her a BREAK. If whoever sent the P.M.'s had any CAJONES they would openly post about it, not hide behind a secret identity.

I will be stepping away again. I am not well liked by many here, because I speak my mind, and I am true to MYSELF. I have to face me in the mirror every day, not you guys. And if I can get up daily and say to my reflection " Self, you had a good day. You remained true to yourself and your beliefs. You didn't compromise to make anyone else like you"..then it has been an AWESOME day.
Whoever is sending these nasty messages....can you face yourself without shame? Because if you can..you have no conscious.

Well Said!!!! This is mainly why i lurk and sometimes just flat out quit reading. I get so sick of the nonsense. ONE PERSON always has to ruin things for EVERYONE.

That being said, ive never done the secret pals thing. I would LOVE to play, i think it'd be an awesome thing, but im horrible with mailing stuff out, i had Lindys card addressed for 2 days before i remembered to actually put it in the mailbox, but the night i found out she was sick i ran out and got her a card. its not that i forget to GET things, i just FORGET to put them in the mailbox. :( I know that i probably wouldnt remember every month at a certain time to get my SP anything, so therefore i just dont play. its not fair. These people that get up these extra things around the board, like dinners, secret pals, and so forth; they dont have to do these things. Its because they care and they love everyone.They take way more time out of there busy lives to do something special, so everyone else can be touched and have a smile put on their face.  I wish some people could just get a grip with themselves. I know i lurk a lot but Carmen touches me on a regular basis. Shes one of the reasons ive decided to try to come out of lurkedom, but this crap makes me have bitterness in my heart. :( Thanks for posting. Ive been biting my tongue all day.

As you said, they have to face themselves in the mirror, so dont walk away on account of someone elses stupidity!!! We love you here!

Ok, im off my soap box!

Next :)

I don't know who you are neither do I care. I didn't ASSUME anything. I never said that ANYONE said Lindy asked for help. You are the ASS in ASSUME apparently.
You may may "buubling over " with JOY...for yourself. Some of us actually care about others..and Lindy is one of those I love.
So WHATEVA....I won't argue with you..I just know my conscious is clear.

((Renee))

I understand needing a break. going back to Lurk mode..
I just want you to know that I love you! I am praying for you and your boys!!
YOU keep being YOU!! And stay true to yourself.
I do the BEST that I can - and it's all for an audience of ONE! He knows I make mistakes and I'm not perfect and accepts me just as I am.
There is NO way I would let ONE person ruin me or stop me from posting.
I've got messages, emails, phone calls.. not all have been good either. I would never expose anyone in public that's not who I am. Whoever, it HURT me deeply. But I forgave them.
I can honestly say without a doubt I love everyone on this board.
Because as I told someone today I had a good teacher that taught me how to love; and now that I know how I just want to share it, spread it, give it out and start all over again!
Yeah.. call me crazy!! That's ok too.

You can email me.. stay in touch.. and I want to see more pictures! YOU look great!!!! Just FAB!!!!

I was so glad to see you back, only to lose you again.  Please stay in touch my friend.  You will truly be missed.  You know how to reach me.....

Elle

I totally understand but I for one will miss your posts and like Julie, will continue to pray for you and your boys. Your devotion to them, and you ability to allow them to be who they are instead of who you might want them to be is inspiring.  

You are loved Renee--belive me we all understand.  Hope to see you around!!

Renee,I hate to see you leave,  to be honest, this board is made up of human beings and it never has been perfect and never will be. It may have been different at times, but there has always been some type of drama from time to time.
I understand where One Son was coming from, if one knows someone and wants to help them thats great, but to come on a public board and ask for help, even if the person in question is not the one asking, is probably  not a good thing to start. I have helped different ones from time to time, but I would not have felt comfortable coming here and asking others to give as well, but that is me.
I don't do secret pals, so I don't have a dog in that fight, but I do hate that Carmen has been hurt. Volunteering is a hard job, sometimes, lots of hassle and no pay.
I don't know you other than here on the board, but I like you.and think that you add a different spin on things. I respect your desire to take a break and hope that you won't stay gone long.
Take Care, Jan