You are right Tim there had been a significant drop in postings. We were very negatively effected by the new format they introduced. I also believe most people dont even know we are here. I have thought of quitting on occasion but believe a board like this is very needed and even if it helps only one person it is worth the effort. A board is only as vibrant as the members that participate. This board definitely needs to be nutured or it will die off as have many other boards on DS. What the future holds I have no idea. All I do know for sure is my faith got me through the devastating effects the grief process has on your mind, body and soul.

I am still here but mostly reading. I feel disconnected with this new format. I will be hanging in there and hopefully this group will be here when needed. ((Hugs))

I'll keep on checking in. Maybe posting more would help. I know that if it had not been for finding this site and this board I really don't know where I would be. It was a Godsend. I have checked in on the other sites members have mentioned, but they just fail in comparison to what this one was. I wish it would revert back to the original site.
Peace, Tim

I must admit that although I am on the site daily I am not on as often as on the old format. The new format was hard for everyone, including the CL's.. I do find that as the updates continue we are gaining new members and others are returning daily. This is still the best place to find support for your concerns and situations and it's because we and you will not quit helping and supporting those who depend on us. Thank you for hanging in. Better days are coming because of you. Sharon

Hi Tim,

I now mostly read posts and occasionally respond. I am lost in this new format. In the old format you could follow each discussion easily because they were all grouped together. Now, I click on a topic, then when I go back to the discussions, all of the discussions that were just listed have now been replaced with other topics. In other words, this new site is totally confusing and lacks the warmth and sense of welcoming that we had with the original site.

I am happy for you and the direction your life is going. I remember many of your early postings, which always seemed to mirror my own emotions. It gives me hope and encouragement to know that life isn't always going to be full of sadness.

Take care,
Kathy

Tim, Like all of us when we were first widowed, there are new people who need to know they are not alone. I never forget those days even though I'm in a good place now. Although I have more to offer on Hopeful Hearts , I continue to participate and try to give hope to the newly bereaved. Just a few words of encouragement can help. I'm happy for you that you are healing. Keep doing well. Peace to you. Dolores

I don't post anything anymore. I come back every other day to check for changes and read others post. I too would have been lost without this site. I give support where I can. Its just so disconnected.

I am starting to get the feel of it but have been trying to focus more on exercise..like biking and now other stuff it is helping.Between my belief system and Life I have no choice...I tried to kill myself my not caring and getting drunk only to discover its not that easy to die either...its the unknown and this place is somewhat more familiar even if i am different now. I hear my husband whispering to me now and then and its ok maybe one day it'll be alright , I feel it has to be so am biking everyday still partaking too much on Mary Jane but have slowed down now due to biking..its my addiction now.

Hi Tim,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers, often. I have had my brother's illness to keep me busy also my brother in law, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer my sister, (his wife has taken a turn for the worse) she has been extremely stressed over the last year, they are all living in the United Kingdom.....so I can't keep going back and forth......Anyways, please keep them all in prayer and know I'm thinking if you all on the Faith board........God Bless......Sandra

Just like others commented, I have found the updated site unfriendly. I keep trying but it's difficult. Also I find myself having trouble relating to the newbies as much as I used to. after 3.5 years I find grief is not so oppressive, it doesn't permeate every single moment. At times my life with Don feels like a dream that happened long ago. The love is still there, that will never fade. I guess I am in a new stage. I am not sure what I will feel tomorrow or where I am going. But at least for now I will try to contribute when I feel I have something to give.

Hello to everyone -

I am still around but visiting less as this new site is not really user friendly. Maybe over time
it an regain some momentum as everyone becomes more comfortable with it.

Many thanks, Gerry, for sticking it out. I doubt DSWW of Faith would survive with you.

Blessings to all -

Darrell in Texas

I am glad to see that there are so many folks still looking in. My prayer is that everyone is still moving forward and healing in their own way. It does get better. As long as you do it on your time schedule.
Take care.
Peace, Tim

I am here, but going through quite alot myself, and with the holidays coming up, trying to keep myself busy, so I dont slump back into a grief holiday sadness. So I take the time that I use to be online, and do praying, and devotional time. I find this new site, is very confusing, and discerning, and doesnt have the same personal-ability, it once had. Not alot of people on much anymore. Much love, blessings, and hugs, carla

I'm here, but in classes so not as much time. Hitting the halfway point soon and just fighting to make it to Dec. 19.

Hi Tim, a hug to you, brother!
Like many of us, I too, no longer post much anymore, though occasionally I do check in on people. At best I find myself out of touch with many now; at worse, though, I doubt the truth of a number of newer postings and members. (hopefully that's just me being suspicious of current marketing tactics anymore).
But I will always appreciate how old DS, you, and so many others provided encouragement and understanding that got me through very dark times in my journey of grief. Now ironically I'm grieving "old DS"! I'm sorry at the loss of potential for a intimate trusting relationship lasting years, but with good strong memories, influences, & residual hauntings left behind.

I wish you - I wish us all - continued peace and hope along our amazing paths back home.
nanne