Supporting each other through the pain

[Grace]

Dear All,

I have an idea.

I've gained a great deal of encouragement from discussions on this site...and a little chunk of discouragement too, to be perfectly honest.

I was wondering if there could be a larger heading called something like, "Hope in your suffering" (or whatever) where people can go directly for encouragement. Maybe even without signing up.

I was overwhelmed when I first found this site--so much info! So much medical advice! But as I began to dig, I found the 'hope' that drew me to the site.

For someone in a state of panic and pain, feeling lonely and isolated, a big giant arrow that says FIND HOPE HERE might be helpful. I just really feel for people who are feeling desperation. I think it could help.

I watched this video today that made me think about the need for people ina moment of desperation.

Someone gets it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2erWhhE ... ata_player

[Violet M]

Good idea, Grace. I'll bring it up to the moderators. I think some people were concerned that we already had too many forum sections but maybe we can figure out a way to consolidate some.

Violet

[Karyn]

Hi Grace,
I agree with Violet - great suggestion and I appreciate you putting it forth. I'm very glad you found us and have gotten some encouragement and support from the HOPE community. I also appreciate you posting Katherine's video. Katherine used to be an active member of our community, but hasn't visited in a while. I deeply admire her courage, perseverance and compassion to help others.
Kind regards,
Karyn

[Grace]

Yeah. I'm really encouraged and feel like I am not alone, but when you in the first stage of clicking, clicking, clickinga.

I actually broke down after reading the testimonials. I was not in a place where I could see any good in the good reports. Of course, I read them now thinking, Yes! and One day!

Maybe I can write something up for the moderators. Now that I'm jobless and all... I have a little more emotional energy and feel less panic and urgency about my illness.

I wanna do what I can do.

[Violet M]

Grace, I would like to hear more about what it is was that was discouraging and what you found helpful on the site. Most of the sections on the forum are publicly viewable without signing in but there are sections where you have to sign in.

Were you thinking of something like a blog? We have capability for that on the website but just haven't had time to develop it. I've always thought it would be really cool to have different people write blogs for the website.

Violet

[Amanda]

Grace

We welcome any Personal stories which can be shown on our home pages as well as on the forum.
Any input from members is always appreciated. We are talking about your suggestion for new headings...it is on our Agenda already and something we have been considering for a long time now.

[Grace]

Thanks for the replies! I've been in a tough space, but I will give a fuller reply soon. For now, I just wanted to say that I really appreciate this site and it has been incredibly helpful to me. On my phone now...more to come!