Does anybody really care?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2003
Does anybody really care?
21
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 12:10am
Hi, first let me say that I have truely missed this board and the happy times that I shared with each and everyone of you. You may not remember me, but I was a member here for about two years until strong political views and sensitive feelings on my part sent me away. I used to get up early and grab my coffee cup and log into the 40 and fit board.

I would look foward to Tulips and her stories of Holland, Phyllis and her loving Christian heart, Nancy and farm life in South Dakota, Princess and chicken life and her love of her sisters, Tweety and the growth of her children, Booty and the ups and downs of marriage, Deb and her exciting life of wealth in Washington, Rhonda and the love of her family and the beach....remember Chevy Chase in chat. Susan and her son learning to drive and seeing the woman plucking hairs from her chin, Kat and her love of her son and working those two jobs, ever so hard. Sassy and the busy life of a "soccer mom". I am the the big sister and her New England life and love of her niece and nephew. Shar and her life in Victoria chasing after those little boys. I hope I did not forget anyone, if I did I am so sorry, but this was over a year ago, right before Cussette joined the board (by the way are you ever fit).

Over the year I have become close friend with Tweety as we share many things in common. It breaks my heart to see how she was treated when she spoke her mind to the Michael Moore post. Not one person stuck up for her. This was how I was meant to feel after a joke was posted about the "crazy, liberal" people of California.

I spend each and every day caring for sick children as a pediatric nurse. Politics is nothing to a sick child, what they need is a caring hand, a smiling face, someone saying that everthing is ok. It would be nice if we as adults could remember this.

Sharon

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 1:55am

Hi, Sharon. Yes, I remember you. I'd like to say welcome back, but I get the feeling this is not a reunion post.


How was Tweety "treated" when she voiced her opinion?

       ~~Rhonda~~


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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2001
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 6:42am
Hi Sharon! Yes, I really do care.Most of these women I have never met but I still do truly care about each and every one of them.I did not respond to any of the posts regarding the Michael Moore discussion.The main reason was because I know nothing about it.I felt it was like any thread on this board.Anyone was welcome to join or not join as they saw fit.I didn't see it as not taking up for someone.I saw it as grown women having a discussion of their choice.Typically I will not take part in any poltical discussions.

On the other hand please give me credit for discussions I have chosen to take part in.I truly shared Tweety's joy for the birth of her grandson and her success for the run she entered.I was concerned over the back pain she had.

I really do care about the women of this board.I don't care about their political stands, their religions preferences or any other issue I think is their personal choice.I do care about their daily stuggles, their ups and downs and the things that bring them happiness.I love hearing about their families, their pets, their day at work.I want them to come to the board and vent about work, hormones, weather life, whatever.I want them to know that I'm here to listen and to care because in today's world that matters.

I miss the people who have decided not to post any more for whatever reasons.Every single woman adds something to this board and to my life.That's not something I dismiss lightly.It does bother me when someone leaves the board with hurt feelings.It bothers me when someone leaves because they are simply unhappy with something about the board.I hope I don't cause anyone to leave because of any careless remark I make or because of a post I overlook and don't respond to.

Some days it's hard for me to post.Some days my life is completely totally screwed up and I have nothing to offer.Some days I couldn't care less about fitness and all I want to do is eat cake.Some days I'm simply really busy and just can not get here.But I see this board as any relationship in my life. There are good days, there are bad days.Sometimes people make me smile and some days they get on my nerves.But every day they matter and every day they are worth the effort.

Miss P




 

Avatar for dmm11730
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2003
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 8:03am
I have been here over a year now and I too hope my posts do not anger anyone. I stay away from certain topics like religion and politics because I simply am not up on the subjects. I do not agree with some things posted so those I tend to stay away from. I believe each person here brings something with them to this forum and when they leave they are truly missed. I hate to see anyone leave and I wish they along with yourseld would reconsider posting and staying with us. Patti's post was right on target and I agree with what she said.

Deb

Debbie

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-08-2001
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 8:09am
Hi Sharon,

Yes, I do indeed care. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about all the wonderful women on this board. Every member of this board comes through my mind during the day and I often think of the members that left and hope that all is well with them. We all have our individual day to day struggles with life and it's ups and downs, mentally, physically and sometimes spirtually. I, like Patty did not participate in the Michael Moore post for much the same reasons. I do know there have been some rather heated political discussions and also know that are some very strong opinions here as there are everywhere. But being individuals I'm sure we all have very strong voices on many types of controversial topics. I try to take them for what they are-strong opinions. I truly don't believe that they were meant to hurt an individual nor do I feel that I needed to stand up for anyone as I took it for what it was a rather hot topic being discussed. Strong opinions can take on a different "tone" and if taken the wrong way can be looked at as a personal attack. I don't think in any way that that was the intention.

No matter what opinions the women on this board have, and there are many, I truly believe that we truly care about what matters and that is the care and concern for each other that has been formed through this board. In our quest for a healthier lifestyle so much more has come from it. Whether it be a special occasion, prayers for ourselves or a loved one the women of this board have always been there for each other. Just learning about one another, our different lifestyles, different environments are a constant source of wonder for me.

I hope that I personally have never offended anyone. If I have I apologize. Opinions are many, stands on political and other controversial topics are what they are-opinions-how you take them are another matter.

I wish nothing but the best for you.

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2001
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 8:10am

Sharon,

Nancy

"Make Choices that bring you joy"  cl-Patty


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2004
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 8:28am

Hi Sharon.

Lori

"Remember, I'm pullin' for ya.  We're all in this together." --Red Green

cl for Ask the

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 9:41am

I'd like to add that if I didn't care I wouldn't have started the "A word about political posts" thread. Perhaps you didn't see the

       ~~Rhonda~~


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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-13-2003
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 9:51am
First of all let me say that I do not feel that my profession is more noble that that of a politician or anyone else, of course it is not, but it is all I know and therefore my perspective on life. I am NOT a political person and originally came to this board to share ideas about health and fitness, family life. There are many caring and loving people here. I have been gone for a year but have lurked and to be honest with you, the reason I never came back was because of the uncaring way that I felt I was treated by Rhonda. Ofcourse everyone is allowed to expresss their political views here but, it would be nice if some of you with very strong political beliefs would be just a little more sensitive.

Sorry if I hurt any feeling with my post, if you re-read it, I did speak of my fond memories of each of you. I guess I am just a simple, sensitive person trying to get by in every day life the best that I can.

Sharon

Avatar for imthebigsister
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 9:58am
Hi, Sharon - I do indeed remember you. I came across your name on a board membership list a few days back; happy belated birthday to you, BTW! Happy to hear that you still check in here periodically.

Politics is more than a hot topic in this country, it's a minefield, always has been, and always will be as long as people feel so strongly on either side of an issue. Thank God there's a Constitution that entitles me - and everyone here - to her opinion. I'd like to think mine is informed; it certainly is now more than it ever has been. I realize that you voice your opinion with the understanding that there's going to be strong agreement or dissent. But I don't call what's happened here "bashing". From my reading, the only person who got bashed was Michael Moore, and by taking a public stand, he's earned the opportunity to be bashed or praised. For the record, I did not and absolutely will not pay to see Fahrenheit 9/11. If it ever makes it to video and I can get it from the library, fine, I will probably view it, but I will not contribute a cent to his livelihood. My opinion about him and his methods may not be totally informed, but I've seen enough press from both sides and carried on my own political continuing education through reading and discussion to form one nonetheless. This is the one item that cinched what Mr. Moore is all about for me: No less a people than the Poles, who have suffered at the hands of dictators like none we have ever experienced in this country, have called Moore a propagandist in the vein of Leni Riefenstahl, Hitler's master of political deceit. Moore does not need my money; he has the far more lucrative financial and philosophical backing of pandering Hollywood and media types. As long as he (and they) have a microphone in their faces, he (and they) are happy to blather on about any topic about which they feel we await their pearls of wisdom with bated breath. And lately, if you've been paying attention, they're not exactly playing by the rules of "let's not bash". I'm happy to have the choice to listen or flip the remote.

I'll be sorry to see Tweety go, but it's her choice, as it was yours. You don't venture into political discussion with your heart on your sleeve unless you've got a little armor over it. Sharon, I can't imagine doing what you do all day - caring for sick, scared children - without arming my heart a bit against the pain of possibly losing one of those children. I would never have lasted. Just because someone expresses a tough political opinion here doesn't mean he or she is bashing the person holding the opposing opinion, or that we've lost sight of the more meaningful things in this life.

Hey, on that "crazy, liberal California" comment. Look at me in "crazy, liberal Massachusetts". How would anyone think otherwise - a Kennedy and a Kerry in the Senate, a Frank in the House of Reps (among so many others from across the state), and liberal city mayors as far as the eye can see, with the governor and a rare state-level pol our only voices of dissent! I'm sorry, but I can't understand the sensitivity to that; if I felt that way, I'd resent everyone and never engage in any conversation, much less leave my house !

I came to this board by happy accident, and stayed around because I feel a community with this group that goes far beyond how many calories I ate today and how many miles I put in on the treadmill. With a diverse group comes diverse opinions and sensitivities. I have never taken anything from this board to heart except for the goodwill, kindness, and concern that flows from each and every member (along with some great fitness and life advice). You can find strife and sadness everywhere; unless you're a lightning rod like Michael Moore, there's no need to make hard feelings out of political discourse. How you handle your reaction comes from within you.

Donna

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 10:01am
It appears I am a real liability to the board, since I have been singled out by name twice now. I guess I should take my ball and go home.

Rhonda


Time invested in improving ourselves cuts down on time disapproving of others.

       ~~Rhonda~~


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