Are you struggling?

I do find I read a thread and go away worrying about the OP. I've been away and when I log on I worry when I don't see names. Durhamjen I haven't seen,is she alright and Numbers daughter and Pompa's withdrawal symptoms. But I don't think that's supportive

I belong to several forums, and this is the only one where I can say something ...... out of the ordinary .... and don't get jumped on for being a nut case or rather stupid.
Hopefully I can help others too by not being too critical.

I think there might be something in 'positive vibes' or the 'power of prayer' or call it what you may. I know the support I received from Gransnet when I was having a torrid time coping with my mum, her attitude, the problems with Social Services, Continuing Care (thanks especially Mishap) was amazing. I could open up to you lot in a way I couldn't to family or friends. I certainly felt the power of the GNetters was with me.

I am not a 'joiner' of any forum, club etc. so don't know what it was that prompted me to join Gransnet a little over a year ago. The thread on 'long-distance grandparents' had struck a chord with me so I suppose that was what got me interested.

The past year has been a challenging one for us, like so many others, and I would never have believed how supportive and kind total strangers have been. It is hard to explain how grateful I am to all of you who have sent such kind messages but each one of you has made such a difference by your kind thoughts.

Next week I will actually meet a fellow gransnetter in the flesh and I'm so excited

Thank you all for your wonderful support and if that makes anyone want to stick their fingers down their throat, I apologize

Great thread GA

I, too, have been very grateful to offload on GN about all sorts of things, including my mother, the Idiot etc, and have always had lots of support. I hope I have been able to offer some support back.

Thank you all

It's a lovely community. I would miss it hugely if it were to stop for any reason.

Like others I have received nothing but kindness, helpful advice, support and understanding when I have needed it; and I am hugely grateful to everyone for this. I have been having my own struggles recently and so many people have been propping me up and egging me on.

I do think that GNet is a particularly good forum - there is a balance of views and interests, as well as a fund of goodwill and a willingness to listen and be open-minded. I learn a great deal from everyone.

And I like the acceptance of others, politeness, tolerance of our various weaknesses and areas of ignorance, and an absence of snobbery.

And of course the occasional bit of grit in the oyster from which the pearls grow!

I hope that some of us will be online on Christmas day for virtual toasts and to chat to those who are on their own.

And me!

I am a very private person and find it difficult to share problems with others but I do think GN is the place to get support and kindness from others. I know that in most cases we don't know each other but I do think about those who have worries and care what happens to them. We also have a great deal of humour and even those going through really hard times need something to chuckle about. for all those who are having problems at the moment and jings for all your finger down throat comments you have provided support for others and a lot of hearty chuckles too!

Thanks for worrying/caring about me, Stansgran.
I do not have much time to go on these days, apart from some political threads. I usually fall asleep after my grandson has gone home. Teaching one kid is tiring at my age, so I'm pleased I do not have a class to teach.
Days off have been tied up with my mother in law, who is getting worse.
It's quite depressing going to see her, these days. I can see why she does not get many visitors.

I agree with everything that's been said. GN is great for all sorts of reasons.

Oh, I agree too! Selling the last house, moving house, operations with all the concomitant problems and worries - GNetters have seen me through it all. And, after three years (or is it longer now?) I feel I have some really good friends.

At the risk of causing fingers down throats, I think one of the most important things in life is to try and be nice to each other. Most of us are struggling, one way or another. I certainly am. A kind word does make a difference. Most people on Gransnet seem really nice, and a bit of verbal support can make a difference to a miserable or difficult day.

For me part of what makes GN such an enjoyable place to visit, is the fact that we bring all the different facets and foibles of our characters to the table, so to speak.

I just looked up "foibles" - such a funny word really, and see it means "weaknesses and eccentricities (of character)" and it also has something to do with swords

I'm very grateful for the company on Gransnet. Every little bit of it!

"Fingers down throat" now that's an emoticons/smiley we could do with GNHQ

I am very fortunate that I have no worries but know that if I did I could discuss them here and receive very good advice and support. Thank you all for just being there !

Its always knowing someone will pop up with advise and caring words when you do have a problem and also to direct to previous posts to try and advise on topic's which may have been dormant for a while,there is a really good atmosphere on the site no nastiness or bad language etc as with some sites, mostly giving a real feel good facture and of course the humourous side which is second to none when it gets going.
A heartwarming post from GA and jings you really do have a soft side

jings you are getting so many virtual hugs you are gonna have to surrender to a group hug any time now .