I was looking at the board this morning, and felt a need to share a little bit with each of you. These are, in no particular order, some of the people who have touched my life most positively in recent months. I wanted to return the favor.

Violetwallflower So young to have suffered so much. I see you looking for clarity and wisdom, and I really get the feeling youre ready to embrace what you find, even though its scary and painful. I hope youve been able to find a way to reach out. You do not deserve the abuse your mother heaps upon you. No one does. I see you as the phoenix, about to rise from pain and suffering into glory. May you have courage.

Yellow I read the agony youre suffering, and all I can say is that, from everything Ive read, youve made the wisest and bravest choices you could. Again, youre in the dentists chair right now. It sucks, it hurts, its miserable but do you really want to stand up and walk out of there with the work half finished? I do want to thank you for all the support and kindness and encouragement youve offered me, even as times were so tough for you. Youre one of the first friends I found on here, and I value that. Ive shared with you I see you as the bright promise of spring a yellow flower shivering in the snow. May you have hope.

ooooo I hope your projects are going well, and the financial hurdles you faced are being overcome. I really appreciate having that male outlook sometimes the ladies are super supportive, but sometimes its just that little bit different. Just a little extra layer of understanding, you know? Im not sure why, but I picture you as a whirlwind right now finding balance with the turmoil. May you have peace.

Azkevin Things really have been sounding like theyve been escalating for you lately. Like ooooo, the masculine perspective you bring to the board really helps me maintain focus some days. I totally sympathize with the drive to be there, to not be the one who gives up on the relationship. I see you as a wolfhound powerful and loyal. May you have clarity.

Ilene Almost everything Ive learned about abuse, Ive either learned from you, or its been quickly corroborated by you. May your marriage bring you as much joy and peace as you have brought to us here on the board! I see you as Yoda the wisdom and knowledge, not the green puppet aspect May you have the contentment you deserve!

Rockinbunny Im ashamed to say that I dont know your story well at all. Instead, as I see your name, I have images of compassion and a nurturing spirit. So many times Ive been down, and you checked up on me. I really appreciate your kindness. A lot. I feel from you the rich warmth and aroma of a cup of hot chocolate shared with a friend. May you have more support coming to you than youve offered to us.

Itwist I havent seen much of whats happening in your story lately I hope thats not because Im missing things! Ive experienced peace and healing from you. Like a drink of cool water on a warm day. When I find myself struggling to find the right angle to pull things into focus, youve been right there. Thank you. I see you as a calm librarian. May you be refreshed.

CallmeJim I feel youre rather new, but already even without knowing much of your story Ive seen you reaching out to support others. And again, its nice to have another guy. Keep up the good work, and feel free to share, reaching out for whatever support you need! I see you as an altar, steady and refined though struggle. May you have wisdom.

gigglemonster Even seeing your screen name fills me with a ray of joy, even in my worst moods. In you, Ive felt a companion. Youre always one of the first to respond with indignation, even when Im not yet there myself. Thats very reassuring and validating. I see you as the bright bubble of a childs sudden laughter. May you have joy.

needafriendplease Last I recall, you caught your husband red-handed. I hope that the righteous anger I imagine you feel (and that you deserve to feel what a jerk!) continues to provide resolve and motivation. I hope this doesnt offend you, but I get a sense of the behemoth from you who can turn him from his path? May you have strength.

ehope Somehow, when I am lonely, and no one seems to be paying much attention to me in my life at all, thats when Ill get a response from you. With a few select words, you share a blend of understanding, knowledge, compassion, and encouragement; your gift to me has been making me feel less alone. Thank you so much. In you, I feel the glow of a kitchen hearth, rich with delightful aromas. May you be surrounded by good and true friends.

kaz Such wisdom youve offered me, such encouragement at what lies ahead, beyond the fog and confusion! Thank you for sticking around, sharing with us, and just for being you. I see you as a bright and purifying flame. May you have a moment of glee (or more than one!)

Godismyhonor Im always quite hesitant to speak out about my personal beliefs, and I admire your willingness to do so. God will reward you for speaking faithfully in His name, Im sure. Its also quite a relief to know that there are others finding strength in His word. In you, I hear the calm, reassuring peace of a church bell. May the Lord keep you close to His chest.

Livndadrem How often have I posted something, only to find you right with me, stepping stoning on to greater and more refined insights, providing me with the opportunity to do the same. I really enjoy conversing with you yours is a quick and agile mind! I see you as one of Robins Merry men, as quick with joy as with a fencing foil. May you have the self-confidence you deserve to have.

gem I always feel a little glow of relief when I see youve commented. Youre one of the stalwarts I feel understands and is knowledgable enough to instruct you, Ilene, and kaz. I can feel the warmth and compassion from you in so many of your responses. Thank you. And the gem describes you perfectly I picture you as a crystal faceted, yet one coherent whole. May you have a moment of realizing exactly how much you have contributed to so many lives.

For those of you not mentioned, Im sorry. I really hope I"m not overlooking anyone! Please dont take it as a slight Im sorry I havent yet formed a closer connection with you, and know that I look forward to the opportunity, should you desire it. I also apologize to you all for the predominant use of the word I in this post trying to speak from my own experience here, not deny any of you yours! I wanted to thank all of you for sharing, for being there with me, and I just dont know how to thank all of you and those I havent gotten to know well at all yet. Just wanting to offer a bit back to you all. I look forward to new names next time I do this!