I am so impressed with this forum and the struggles for growth that it demonstrates. I barely have time to read all the posts, much less respond to very many of them, but just want to say that I think all, ALL, of you are incredible people. Collectively, your stories and reactions to them represent all that is good, and yes, all that can be bad for us as we journey through adulthood. The stories, support, honest opinions and advise evidenced here can only be heartwarming, encouraging and/or eduacational to us all. Even those of us who may lack communication skills, tact or anger management tools, contribute their part. Even those with whom we disagree on philosophocal, relegious or moral issues can be mind expanders for us. It is sad to think that it took an affair to draw this group of people together. <BR>Think about it, how many people can you turn to in your "real, physical" world and bare your souls to without fear of judgement? Where else is it possible to hear, consider and emphasize with so many people in similar AND different situations who are honestly opening their inner most thoughts to so many people at once. <BR>There are a lot of people that I see and talk to everyday, but of that group, very few open up to share there fears, dreams, concerns, hopes, and mistakes or care to listen to mine. They are closed mouth about the things that are really important in life, either because the hustle and bustle of daily routines does not allow time for sharing, or because fear of judgement by others keeps them remote. <BR> I have, of course, some close friends with whom conversation can be quite open, honest and supportive. But only a few, and they tend to see things the same way as I, rarely expressing differing opinions or well thought out advise. After all, verbal conversation is usually spontaneous and often hampered by interruptions. People who might be able to relate to the despair and struggles associated with surviving an affair generally do not make themselves known in the real physical environment of a community, perhaps because of embarrassment, or fear of critism. <BR>But here, we all lay it on the table in the best way we can in writing. Of course having to write your thoughts has limitations too, but it seems that no matter what is written, it reflects the true, inner most intimate feelings of the person writing. Fear of judgment or criticism by those we share our thoughts with here does not seem to have as much power as in the real physical world thus freeing all of us to share our feelings, thoughts and opinions with each other. The resulting advantage of this forum is that we are able to vicariously experience all sides of the coin and learn. <BR>Aren't we lucky?<BR>I am so greatful.<BR>I may not contribute much, but everytime I read a post or a response to one, I offer a prayer of thanks for the person expressing his/her thoughts from which we all can learn.<BR>Having little time to respond to each thread, I just wanted to share in this one post, that your guys are "RIGHT ON" and that I appreciate you all and what you are going through.<BR>I wish I knew the answers, I wish I could "help" more. I wish my time was such that I could devote more to thinking and responding to these issues we face. But knowing that I am a part of this collection of people from which we all will benefit, at least, provides some solice. If telepathy were real, know that I am with you all in your pain and in your successes and I thank you from the bottom my heart for sharing your very real selves with me. I also want to thank those of you who respond to other posts with the very thoughts and reactions I might have posted if I had had time! :+) At least when I read those posts I know the points I would have made were already well stated by someone else!<P>Will be out of town for a few days, but will continue to play the telepath and send as many positive vibes as possible your way. <P>Keep the faith.<P>With love,<BR>Beth<P>

Hi, Beth,<P>We haven't crossed paths much (this place is so BIG!), but I just wanted to second your thoughts and thank you for posting them! This place truly *is* amazing. I'm not terribly religious, but I believe spiritual work is going on here. <P>------------------<BR>~suse~<BR>Rome wasn't built in a day.<BR>

Beth,<BR>You are so right. It is by His design. It also appears that on this forum we are closer to His design because we are being open and honest. I have very few friends that I am that way with because they don't want the depth of the discussion which goes on here. <P>Wonderful post!!! Mondo Hug!!!<P>------------------<BR>God Bless,<BR>Rob<P><BR>