And then congratulations to
@Karmitkurmit for beeing a pro now
(i actually have no idea what it means XD) But i really like you and u got something of a gentleman and something very smoothing or calming about ur very polite and respective behavior.
I startet liking you the first time i red a post of yours!
thx for the grate work you do!
Hi all, and thanks for the invites. I've been a little busy today having had a rough night and so a late start this morning, but I'm ever so happy now to see such a busy cafe! I hope someone saved me a seat??? :rolleyes: Thanks for opening up
@Winter Blues and I truly hope you get well soon.
I've been watching people and their posts arrive here throughout the day, but yours
@Mremptyinside got me thinking. For starters, what a beautifully sentimental post that is very well thought out and written (I'm especially liking your use of Chat emojis); secondly, thank you for your kind words and congratulations on me becoming pro. I noted your comment on having no idea what it means, and that in turn has had me pondering the same question all evening. In the spirit of Winter's theme today, I think I finally have an answer (and yes I'm aware it was probably more of a rhetorical question but anyone who knows me well enough by now also knows I have difficulty keeping my thoughts to myself and my posts short, so I'm answering it anyway
).
Technically speaking, it means "Hi, welcome to SF, I've been here long enough to know a little about the site so please feel free to ask me any questions you may have" and also that we keep an eye out for anything that may cause undue stress to the members/visitors; but in reality I guess it means different things to different people. For me it's a reminder of why I'm still here today, and of what this place stands for.
The forum is owned and operated by very intelligent, and indeed diligent, people who care enough to spend their time doing so. They have come from, and are dealing with, pain and suffering that you and I both know only too well, which makes them unbelievably empathetic and compassionate; but ultimately it is everyone, members and staff alike, that make SF the most beautiful community of people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Let's face it, nobody wants the need for a forum such as this, and we all wish that there wasn't a reason for there to be one, but at the end of the day there is and we do. If I tried to describe this place to anyone, I don't honestly believe that there is enough words in any language that would adequately do it justice. We all came here as individuals, afraid and alone, but remain as a family who smile, laugh, and cry together; who support each other and share of a load that thankfully some people just cannot fathom carrying; who do not judge lest they be judged themselves; who understand that uniqueness and difference are to be celebrated, not condemned; who appreciate that not everything can or need be explained, and sometimes just knowing that another person is listening is enough. Past, present, and future members have, do, and will add something to the place: a different style of support, a new lesson to be learned, an alternative way of thinking, another character and face in the crowd; SF is fluid, it's alive, constantly in motion, changing and adapting to new challenges. Screens may keep our anonymity intact, but behind each one is a very real person who feels something, knows something, wants to be heard, needs a voice to vent their frustrations and anguish, needs an ear to understand or a shoulder to cry on, has lost the will to carry on but knows deep down that it's not the end, is looking for a spark to reignite their fire, wants nothing more than for someone to stand beside them as they take their first steps toward a brighter future; and who will be there to answer their cry for help? Who will face these new challenges? You will, I will, we will; together.
That's what the little green banner and SF mean to me; that, in a world seemingly grey to so many, we as a united few might share and rejoice in a little colour. The label is just a symbol, but what it represents is so much more; it represents you all, my friends, my family, my loved ones. People who have never forsaken me, and who I owe a priceless debt to. It is a reminder of a promise I made to myself: That I will stand and fight with anyone who has the will to do so, or comfort those that don't. If my little crown wearing hog and I can do nothing more than make at least one more person smile, laugh, or cry happy tears, then we will find peace in whatever life has left in store for us. I have found friendship and unconditional love, it's right here with you all.
I won't tag anyone this time, but rather challenge each and every one of you to find someone today, here or around you, and spread a little happiness; whether it be a hug, a smile, a kind word or gesture, a warm welcome or reply to a thread, anything.
Stay safe everyone and find a smile today
{{Hedgehugs}}
