Thank you Everyone

I want to start by saying thank you to everyone who were kind enough to leave my mail box on OH and privately the well wishes on my 7th anniversary of my wls.

I know I have been MIA and I told someone here the other day that when I have something to say, I will post. So here I am.

Honestly I might have been an inspiration to a lot of you here as you have professed, but I have to honestly say that you have been the inspiration to me. I could not have done what I have done without all of your help and lived through your journeys with you. It really makes a difference and that is why no matter what is said about me, I do believe that support is important.

As I have found through this incrediable journey I have been on via this board, I cannot please all the people all the time and what is most important is that I stay true to myself even when it steps on others toes.

I am loyal in my support and that will never waiver and my support is truely heartfelt even though that is debated at times also.

You know I do not share much of what goes on behind the scenes, but do you know how gratifying it is to open your email from a complete stranger here on OH saying they have followed your journey and they are looking for support....support of someone who is a long term wls and poster. This is why I bring this up to all of you when I ask you to reach out to someone because you never know how your journey is going to have an impact on theirs.

Recently, I have been communicating with a young man from Italy who apparently can read some English because he contacted me. However me the one who puts up the blocks about learning a second language citing auditory learning problems have found a way to communicate with him via my best friend from 1st grade who now lives in Oregon. She translates and writes my words to him. He is not looking to have wls, but is concerned for his mothers health and she is apparently right around my age.

Or how about the person who is finally taking charge of his life? OMG it is above and beyond gratifying.

Most of you, I can remember each and everyone of you when you came to these boards and were scared, looking for answers, afraid to post and jump in with the craziness of all of this. Do you understand how much it means to me to see you all blossom and to see you all transform into these self confident beautiful people? It is like I have always said, I am a mama bear and I look to the newbies no matter what your ages are as somehow like my babies. I know weird, but that is the cancer mommy coming out in me.

It really means a lot to me that you would care enough to sign my support page, to send me emails...you all know who you are. I have received more from you all than I have given in some respects and it feels good to know that a lot of you have been there for me through my ups and downs and ins and outs. I have been able to share a part of myself and to be mostly understood by most and for those who do not understand me...well it is their loss. My husband has often said that I am the kind of person you love or the person you love to hate....I will own that and I am okay with it because I know that the people who do love and care for me are genuine people!!!

Thank you for making my day count even more....I just keep thinking just about now I was waking up in the recovery room....and just before it seemed like I was crying outside the OR thinking OMG what am I doing....I am ruining my life. There was no one per se prior to my surgery to tell me otherwise....I basically winged it on my own.

I am glad I can be a service to some of you....and I do, like I said, value you all and honestly thank you from the bottom of my heart!

PEACE OUT!!!!

7 years and counting at least another 40!!!!

 

Play Me!

 

Been missing you like crazy....

Thanks Janine for sharing your post and also your feelings with us.
Terry

Hugs to you . . .

Chris

Janine,

Here's to another 100 years of success!  Hugs and congrats again,

Barb

You Rock My Friend!!!!!!

Can't wait to meet you.

Would love to see you come to Long Beach Coffee this month.

Hugs & Love,

Karen

You are Awesome!  Here is to many more years!!!!!

Big Hugs!!

Jackie

Janine it's been 7 years OMG you are the bomb and your longevity on these boards is appreciated I don't care what any naysayer might say!  YOU rock!!

My Dear Friend,

You have been a constant support here on this board. As you have seen many times, some of us go and never come back...and some of us come back for a bit....that would be me. But we always find support with each other. Some tend to not always choose to be a support, and they tend to not stay here very long, which is for the best....I know that you, and I also, wish them well in their life journey to be healthy.

We all have a common bond here....to get healthy, and have fun sharing it.

I will never forget all your support last summer, as I lie in the hotel room in Mexico, just crying my eyes out wondering what the hell I was thinking. I don't ever remember getting any judgements from you, nor anyone on the board...just lots of love and support....and prayers.

Here's to many more years of health....and a few really good margaritas when I get down there!!

Love U

Your friendship really has  been a shinning gem in my life Janel....we have known each other for along time and I suspect it will be like FOREVER!!!!

Jeff and I will be up there next month and plan to hang out with you and of course have a margi...and there is no way I would wish this heat on anyone right now down here....we will have a blast in Nov!!!!

 

Play Me!