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NANCE

Articles Posted: 20  Links Seeded: 158
Member Since: 8/2006  Last Seen: 4/30/2012

Caregivers Group - The Honor of Belonging

Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:41 PM EDT
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By Nance
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Call it what you will, but "something" led me to this site today … especially to the "Caregivers" group. Funny … I immediately noticed the first comment made on the group's home page. I does not seem like it, but this group's anniversary will be in one month...

Here's that initial comment:

rwarner (May 23, 4:47 PM): This is a great idea for a group. I also want to thank you guys for doing it. It is really wonderful. Thanks for accepting my membership. I am honored by being in such great company.

When I was asked to co-sponsor this wonderful group, I was thrilled! I felt privileged, flattered and eager to get the group up and running. Just think of the possibilities!!! What a chance to give hope and inspiration to others -- others who may be going through the same (or similar) situations we had already experienced, or ones we were right smack dab in the middle of.

I honestly can't remember how long I hung in there. There have been mantles passed around quite a bit in this delightful group. But, the lovely spirit who had the initial vision for this group, azsky13, has by far outlasted us all. What a strong woman she is!

Little did I know how emotionally draining the task of maintaining this group would be. Little did I know how dependent, in reality, I was on Mom. Little did I know how useless I would feel after her death. None of us can ever know what living on without the comfort of a loved one means. We can imagine (somewhat), but we can never really know prior to that inevitable moment. My lovely mother was a major (but not the only) reason I felt such a longing to be a part of this group.

I am so proud of you, Mary. I am equally proud of each and every one of you who accepted the "mantle" when it was passed to (or thrust upon) you. I commend you all, and each of you should be recognized for your efforts. Believe me, I know it is not easy. I regret not being strong enough to hang in there longer than I did.

I don't frequent Newsvine very much these days, but I still (and always will) consider some of you very good friends. Whether we have met each other in person or not really does not matter. My steadfast friends know who you are and where you will always be … in my heart.

With love,

Nance

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Published to:

Nance

Like I said, I don't "visit" much these days, but I felt it necessary to give a few words of encouragment to this wonderful group. So, if you leave a comment or two and I don't respond in a "timely" manner, I know you will understand.

My love to each of you. Your loving, emotional support has meant more to me than you could ever imagine.

  • 10 votes
Reply#1 - Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:35 PM EDT
RebelGirl

We love you! I wish you were around more and I am hoping you will come to the VineMeet! The people on this thread are amazing and we will always support you!

  • 4 votes
#1.1 - Wed Apr 23, 2008 8:11 PM EDT
azsky13

Aw Nance... This was very nice of you!

We did have some high hopes for this group when we started it didn't we! Our original purpose was to be here to support others, but I think you and I have benefited greatly from it also. We started pretty small, but we have had steady growth and have a total of 35 member now. Not so large compared to some groups here, but that's alright. We all come together for each other when we need to and that is what is important to me.

Thank you Nance for helping me start this. I recall it was a little crazy when we were trying to put it together. It was a little touch and go there for a while last year. We seemed to trade off, one week your mother would be having problems and the next week it would be mine. I can not begin to thank you for the support you have given me. It has been a stressful year for both of us. But together we have made it through. It was a little shaky at times, but we are both still standing strong. Your apology for not being able to be here was unnecessary. Because whenever I needed you, I knew you were just an email or a phone call away. No matter what you were going through, you were always asking how I was doing, trying to support me when you were the one who was hurting. I was most fortunate to find you here and also to call you friend.

  • 7 votes
#1.2 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:03 AM EDT
RebelGirl

Mary... we love you too, you have always been supportive of me as well. I didn't want you to think I didn't appreciate everything you have done.

You are all amazing people... you too Rottlady down below, I couldn't ask for better people to be involved with.

  • 5 votes
#1.3 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:55 AM EDT
Reply
rottlady

The compassion, emotional support, and words of encouragement that I see coming from members of the group are indeed inspirational. Salute to all who participate in this wonderful endeavor! Nance, you and Azsky13 is at the top of this list!

  • 8 votes
Reply#2 - Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:16 PM EDT
Nance

Thank you, rottlady. Thank you very much!

Has anyone heard from Azsky13 lately? I've been "preoccupied" lately and have lost touch with a bunch of people.

  • 7 votes
#2.1 - Wed Apr 23, 2008 6:18 PM EDT
rottlady

I've seen her around in comments a few times, I'm going to email her this link....

  • 6 votes
#2.2 - Wed Apr 23, 2008 6:50 PM EDT
azsky13

Thank you Elizabeth for emailing me. I haven't been online as much this week and would have been greatly upset had I missed this!

Elizabeth ( rottlady) also deserves some kudos here along with Jfxgillis. Not too long ago I very nearly did give it up. But they were both very supportive and in the end convinced me to stay. I can't thank them enough for being there for me. It would have been a huge mistake for me to leave.

  • 5 votes
#2.3 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 1:17 AM EDT
rottlady

aw shucks *blushing*

I'm really glad you did!

  • 4 votes
#2.4 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 6:57 AM EDT
azsky13

I almost forgot.. Raat ki Ranni, we couldn't have done it without you. Your comments on my early articles encouraged me to write more. You made me feel that I what I wrote had value and could make a difference.

Thank you!

  • 3 votes
#2.5 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 2:14 PM EDT
Raat ki Raani

Thank you Mary. This Group owes everything to you and Nance for having the conviction to get it going and keep it running. Thanks to Elizabeth too for maintaining the flow of articles.

I am sorry I have only played an occasional role with group admin duties. But every time I've come to the Group, there's been something new from a dedictaed member that's kept Caregivers as a place to come for hope, inspiration, solace and comfort.

Nance - well done. Love you always.

  • 3 votes
#2.6 - Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:23 PM EDT
Reply
old school americanDeleted
lauhal

Aw, this is really nice. Yay for nice people! :)

  • 7 votes
Reply#4 - Wed Apr 23, 2008 6:37 PM EDT
Paddy Ryan

Hey, Nance, good to see you back (actually, I've not been very frequent on the vine either).

But what a lovely coincidence: you're first article this year happens to be published on my birthday! What about that! :-)

Love, Paddy

  • 3 votes
Reply#5 - Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:37 AM EDT
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