I will try and keep this short. I am also not looking for sympathy.
Due to resent events over the last few days I feel this is needed.
Many moons ago now in my previous life my wife and I planned our retirement to travel this great country. Her health decided different and she was hit with small cell lung cancer. After 3 years we lost the battle and it was a horrible battle to. I say we as it is a battle for the patient and the partner but in different ways.
Now 3 years prior to that my son was killed then 3 months after that my step son died. Me, I fell apart and lost the plot. My doctor wanted to put me on meds so I pleaded with him that there must be a better way.
Well there was, he suggested I continue with our travel plans on my own and go home and google grey nomads. Guess what, I found this great forum so after the usual lurking I joined up. I have never looked back and found this forum like a therapy session.
Now, I find it informative, interesting and a great place to have a but of fun. I have learnt heaps and you know the best part, met just truly amazing people along the way and formed many friendships some life long. I still at times need that therapy session.
Unfortunately a couple of people in very recent times decided to stir the pot and complain about something. Unfortunately again they have been listened to and just prior to writing this 3 great forum members have deleted themselves from the forum, you know that's one more than who complained. I do respect the decision of Cindy even though I far from agree. No way would I want her job.
Now, the reason for this post. I feel I should stand with my friends that have gone and go myself unfortunately I know I will suffer and can't risk that so I really do apologise to those gone and everyone else. I will stay, for now at least. I WILL NOT LET THE COMPLAINERS BEAT ME.
So,
Wombat mate and I mean mate, if you are still out there and haven't deleted yet, PLEASE stay my friend DO NOT LET THEM BEAT YOU. We have seen through a couple of very long threads our fun and games are enjoyed by many. Why take that from the majority mate.
I better close now as a tear has formed and I don't mind telling you that for free.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Oooh Dougwe, i'm crying as I write this, we all have joined this forum for our reasons, we all seem to have death in common, we all meed each orher, thankyou for staying.
Dougwe, I feel for you and do know what you mean.
I am here for similar reasons, would be hard to cope without this forum at times.
We've been on here about the same length of time and both have grown in our own ways, dispite some minority trying to knock us down at times.
The only way is to go forward and try to ignore the negative comments we get thrown at us when least expecting it.
I for one am stronger for the experience.
That's a very touching story Doug, and to use your words, I'll tell you this for free, I have a tear in my eye. You've done it tough Mate. We only met once and I hope we can again next year, for a longer time. I' am happy you are staying. Leaving has not been something I considered, having learnt to swing with the punches over the years. I suggested in the Poll thread we should consider trying to convince Cindy to reconsider. Maybe that should be our next move. It might encourage some of the talent being lost to come back. Take care.. Ken
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Retired Airline Pilot and Electrician..
I'm not old, I've just been young a long time....Ken
Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
I know you express the feelings that many members are experiencing at the moment (myself included), and I hope people stop and do not react in haste.
Yes we have lost some dear friends, and I like everyone else hope their anger subsides, and they can find it within themselves to return.
There are however many fine people left on the forum, and over time things will settle down again, people will ask questions, people will provide answers, others will provide alternate answers, and the ensuing debates and the characters of the forum will entertain us all, well at least the ones with a sense of humor.
Please try to put the events of the 25th of October behind you, and get on with forum life.
That's a very touching story Doug, and to use your words, I'll tell you this for free, I have a tear in my eye. You've done it tough Mate. We only met once and I hope we can again next year, for a longer time. I' am happy you are staying. Leaving has not been something I considered, having learnt to swing with the punches over the years. I suggested in the Poll thread we should consider trying to convince Cindy to reconsider. Maybe that should be our next move. It might encourage some of the talent being lost to come back. Take care.. Ken
I agree BG, and I certainly would appreciate it if Cindy could re assess the situation. I feel that leaving lets the wrong people win. The poll was certainly not a "hung Parliament". I appreciate Cindy, that you have a difficult job, and I must admit that the said Avatars were approaching the boundary of our peers, BUT they did not cross the line of those peers as the poll demonstrated.
Sorry Blue you going really over the line here I hope you realize what you just told them No wonder people leaving this site with comments like that
I would like that you gave Doug and Fran an apology ,than you are a men if not than I think our webmaster should do her job THIS TIME
I agree, the words were uncalled for and I think Blue should apologize for their use. However there are a lot of unhappy and angry people posting tonight so I guess we gotta give a bit of leeway for that. Try and keep it nice guys...
__________________
Retired Airline Pilot and Electrician..
I'm not old, I've just been young a long time....Ken
Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
Doug, reading your post makes me realise how lucky I am to have those I love around me still. Its a timely reminder not to take them for granted. I admire and respect your inner strength and wish you the very best. Like others I look forward to meeting you one day.
do you think that you are the only ones with a sad story
Take a number and get in line...
most of us have been dealt an average hand we just need to deal with it without all.the theatrics. .. If you think you are different to the rest of us then you are sadly mistaken. ..
-- Edited by Blue on Saturday 25th of October 2014 10:30:12 PM
Good on you Doug, Joy and I both know how hard you had it and sharing it helps. We were more than fortunate to be dealt an above average hand and never have had a loss...lots of hiccups but nothing that could not be fixed. We often comment on how lucky we have been when we see the hand others have been dealt. We are all different but we can share.
Regards
I believe in friendship and good friends are bloody hard to find , Many things have been from time to time , taken out of context and in anger, haste or little tolerance , those that put sh%t on others for no valid reason should have a hard look at themselves but that's life" and it happens " However Doug and others , I have not met any off you personally but feel you are still my mates and want to continue doing so , Its a damn shame and one day I hope I meet you in person . PS Dougwe and Wombat you have seen the poll 93.1% of people want you to stay .
-- Edited by exa41 on Saturday 25th of October 2014 11:01:42 PM
I'm sorry for your losses, words are shallow and nothing when I try and say that. I know how much this forum means to you as a way of keeping in touch and having a giggle on a daily basis.
its a fun forum, compared to many. I hope you all stick around. How will anyone ever meet up with you all if you disappear?
if it's any consolation.... I'm free camped, someone moved in next door, her dogs came straight over and pissed all over my dogs bean bag.... "Ah fcuk, surprised they've got any piss left in them, they've been pissing all day" was the response I got.
so I cranked the music SOOOOOOOOO LOUD..... as I rushed to wash the cover
I'm sorry for your losses, words are shallow and nothing when I try and say that. I know how much this forum means to you as a way of keeping in touch and having a giggle on a daily basis.
its a fun forum, compared to many. I hope you all stick around. How will anyone ever meet up with you all if you disappear?
if it's any consolation.... I'm free camped, someone moved in next door, her dogs came straight over and pissed all over my dogs bean bag.... "Ah fcuk, surprised they've got any piss left in them, they've been pissing all day" was the response I got.
so I cranked the music SOOOOOOOOO LOUD..... as I rushed to wash the cover
OH, but I've digressed!!!
Who taught me that?
MJ, that is soooo funny, hope to meet you one day., happy travels., watch out for the dogs LOL.,
Dougwe , I haven't been on the forum all that long & don't post a great deal, but read the forum every day! I feel that I have grown to know you even though we have never met, which I hope we do some time in the future.
I am pleased you have decided to stay, even though the Admin has ruled against you. I support your stance and feel that the minority of bigots have won a victory over the majority of broad minded people on this forum.
Stay strong my friend and we will meet onr day for that glass of red!
Blue are you feeling a bit like howling at the moon or just plain unpleasant maybe you should just sit back and consider the feelings and the right of forum members to have an open discussion and to support others on the forum,
Yes Andrew you do owe an apology to all forum members as I find your comments much more offensive than any of the avitars, most of us actually care about our long term friends both Doug and Wombat have contributed much to this forum over the years and have set a great example for you to follow
Like the great majority of members I look forward to the ongoing posts of Doug and Wombat they really do make this forum a bit of fun.
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Life was meant to be enjoyed Australia was meant to be explored
Happily doing both to the Max.
Life is like a camera, focus on what's important & you will capture it every Time
I think a lot of you guys are missing the point. . but hey... direct your hate at me... It'll take it off someone else eh.....
What was the point Blue? I'm not going to hate you... I just think you lack empathy and like to stir hornets nests. Karma bites more than hornets tho.......
I hope you're enjoying the attention...... ?
-- Edited by MaryJane on Saturday 25th of October 2014 11:28:26 PM
blue your avatar is of the greatest flag ever and the aussie spirit is when someones down we all get in and help we don't kick them when there down as my mum use to say if you don't have anything nice to say, say nothing