Whats up w/ this board?

It seems like latly this board has been anything but supportive. Almost everyday I see a post that makes it seem like an us against them, my way is the best mentality. It saddens me to think that even one person felt the need to leave our group. If I want to hear arguments and condesending comments I can get that anywhere. I come hear to meet friends ENCOURAGE people and seek SUPPORT in my struggle with obesity. Our board was getting very active and now it feels like a dark cloud has settled over our group and people are not putting themselves out there to support each other. I do not feel as comfortable coming to this board as I used to. I will ask that when I do post that if you feel the need to respond negativly or with "toughlove" then please keep your comment to yourself. I will always be here to answer questions or give advice when I feel like I have something to give that is helpful. I will not let the actions of a few keep me from seeking and offering support with people I have come to think of as friends. Take this for what it is, I only want this board to return to the safe harbor that it was. Thanks for listening. Wayne

I saw the incident that happened on this board. And while it hurt feelings I gotta say I'm a member of many different forums and the same things happen all over. It happens much worse on the main board. I think alot of the problem lies in the fact that it is very hard to express tone of voice online. The use of more emotioncons can help this to some extent. But really in an open forum type situation a place must be given for all voices even those who are hard. What they have to say may help us too. I had some of the same ideas pre-operatively and before really getting intense in my journey for surgery. I read a post some where that was very much like the response given. It gave me a new understanding of the battle that some have and I realized that I should in no way judge their journey through this. So response like this helped me some. But I totally understand where you are coming from on this. Obese people have had so much negativity in life that we need a safe place to fall and open welcoming arms to recieve us. We want acceptance and loving kindness shown to us and we respond to that. I have never felt anything but love on the Missouri board. And I was so touched by unexpected call in the hospital form Wayne and Melissa. That touched me more than I can even express. And it touched my family too. I value all of you so much. I am an infrequent poster but an everyday reader. We're kinda like a family and sometimes family gets on each others nerves but we still love each other. Forgiveness goes a long way towards that. I do love all of you and I'm not going anywhere. I hope those hurt will come back to test the waters with forgiveness and understanding and those with strong opinions can learn how to express them with gentleness. ANd in the words of my Mother.... Can't we all just get along!!

Hellooooooo Okay I must of really missed something while I was gone. And from the looks of it I am kind of glad I missed it all. Anyhoooo I am back and glad to be home. I went to my parents house for the last week because my mother was having a biopsy done on her lung. They found a Very Big Mass (per doctors words) in her limpnoids . We wont know the results until the end of the week or at the begining of next. We are all on pins and needles waiting and worring. I am sorry to hear that we are starting to treat one another like the general public has treated us for so long. Wayne, please dont ever leave this board. I really have gotten to love several of you here and I know I wouldnt be where I am right now if it wasnt for you all!!!! I am finishing putting out all my house plants. I just got home, changed clothes, put a load of dark clothes in the washer, checked my message on the phone, and I am going to cralw on the couch and die. My stomach (hernia) is really HURTING!!!! I hope you all have a good day. And if I have to I will get down on my knees (as much as that will hurt) and begg you not to leave!! Love ya Melissa

Hey girl. I really missed you, I thought you had dropped off of the planet. Don't worry I'm not planning on going anywhere. I just want this board to get back to what is important and that is support and leave the out. Anyway I am SOOOOOO GLAD you are back, it was kinda lonely without you :snif:. I emailed you and when I diden't get a response I thought either you were way sick or upset. I am sorry to hear about your mom. I hope you get good news back. Remember we are always here for you. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Wayne

Melissa, So glad to see you on again. I am not here every day as I am working a lot. My prayers are with you and your mom. I am here if you need me. Colette

Hi Melissa, so glad you are back. will pray for your mom and that you all get a good report. It is hard to think about not having our parents. I think everyone wondered where you were. I am upset with the way stuff went down on here too but Im not going to let it get rid of me I need all of you way too much. Jan

Hi friend, So nice to see you here. I have not been on as much as I work 40 hours a week now helping out at our facility. It is so nice to come on and read and reply. Will abe thinking of you tomorrow when you go to the doctors. Have a safe trip. Colette

Helloooooo Colette. Thank you for the good wishes. I am hoping to be around -100 pounds. I will post when I get home. Wayne

Wayne, Please let us know....it really doesn't matter if you hit the century mark or not - we'll still love ya! It's a process. I hope you make it but, if you don't, you will the next time, right. I don't know what happened on the board either. I'm kinda glad too. Maybe with some good intentions, open hearts, kind words, gentle humor and the sheer force of positive thinking, we can keep the tone on our board the way we want it.....can't hurt.

Wayne be sure and let us know what the outcome is on the weight. I bet you are sort of excited right? Jan