I concur. What happened last night was mean-spirited and undeserved. Her story was tragic (if indeed true), and hopefully she let out some steam out of her rage. But more importantly I want to iterate my gratitude to have this community filled with caring and understanding. Thank you, Sharon and Martha.

My thoughts too! Hope I am not offending anyone with this word, but it felt demonic! Hope she finds peace in her journey. This is such a precious site to me. You are so needed and appreciated. Thank you. Martha and Sharon.

I, too, believe the vicious diatribe she unleashed was probably a combination of grief and alcohol. Like many animals (not calling her an animal) we lash out at anything handy when in extreme pain. I am so grateful for Martha and Sharon and how carefully the tend this flock.

I'm sorry too. My heart went out to all involved when I briefly saw the posts last night. Martha and Sharon, thank you for continuing to be there for all of us. I appreciate your support and how you continue to stick with us newbies in grief!
Take Care,
Lori

Thank you all for your kind words and support. I am sorry anyone had to witness any of that. I also want to thank the many members who sent messages of support and who also reported the abuse that occurred. We were fortunate that a CL was on at the time and that DS was able to stop the attacks as quickly as they did.

We had tried to help and support and guide that member towards something positive, but unfortunately that person is seriously mentally ill. I don't mean the mental suffering that goes with losing the love of your life, nor do I mean the "anger stage of grieving," but simply very serious mental illness. It wasn't just grief and/or alcohol. I do hope that somehow she finds the help she needs. It is not something that this group can help with.

Once a member has been banned, they may not return to DS. If they try to return under another name, they will be automatically banned. That is for the safety and support of the whole community.

Thanks again for your support.

Love and Hugs,
Martha

That was quite scary. And sad. Thanks to the CLs for hanging in there.

Martha and Sharon,
Just letting you both know how much I treasure each of you, your kindness, care and concern for each member on the board, your honesty and willingness to share your hard earned wisdom with us, the respect you show to each and every one of us as we share our hearts and the struggles of our lives here on WW.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Janifer

I saw the messages right before they were taken down. I agree--she sounds mentally ill. So sad.

Martha and Sharon, you are both doing a wonderful job.

Why is this thread still up? This is why I'll never trust "communities"'. The woman is banned and now she's being trashed under the guise of support. I get it, "don't do that". Take it down already geez.

I did not see the post in question as I was away at the time but we all should have seen it coming (at least I did). I have learned about the basic part of it and understand the reason for the end result.
While I may agree with Sara that that particular person should not be bashed (any further) as she is now banned, I do however believe that Sharon and Martha should be given our full support and sympathy for the obvious slandering that they endured. NO ONE on this site should cross that line and personally attack another member(s), especially our CLs. They are, out of the goodness of their hearts, trying their best to help those here and keep some sort of order on this site. We all here have trying times and times when we lash out and I think we all understand that, or at least we should. This episode should act as a reminder of the pitfalls of online forums and specialty sites like this one.
The basic thing we should keep in mind when we post anywhere is simply to use "common sense and manners".

Regards, George

Thank you George for sharing your wisdom, to our CL's who do such a great job keeping us safe from others (and especially ourselves), and to everyone here. As Tiny Tim said in A Christmas Carol, "God bless us, every one!" ~~ Scottie

CLs, as has been said in relation to other threads, this discussion has run its course. Can it be closed now, please?

I was surprised by the remarkable restraint shown by the CLs in keeping the post in question up at all. I don't always agree with the CLs, but I respect their commitment to sticking with this support group--such altruism!

I did not see the post but want to thank the CL's for their commitment to this support group. The group has really been a help to me.