in gratitude
Its been nearly six months now since I wandered onto this site, having found it during a little family trip late last summer. Ive appreciated it. Ive been frustrated with it. Ive been angry with it, and I’ve loved it. I found this site following a two year episode of isolation, post traumatic stress, confusion and recovery. I was clinging onto this effort in life in the best way I could manage, and working very hard to keep my spirit of obligation moving forward for the benefit of the dependents in my life. It wasn’t easy, and I worked hard. I had been in an abusive marriage that culminated to a situation of multiple attempts on my life with extreme violence and manipulation , being held hostage in my own home that I myself had purchased as a place to raise my children in love and peace. It was a long road learning how to function again beyond the most necessary routines. My spouse ended up in prison, and I was left to sort out my feelings, my life, my since of security, and my responsibility. While a few people know of these events, they certainly have not been public. These were the events that lead up to me finding senior chat.
I was greeted by several old time members, all of whom were welcoming. Ive had the privilege and honor of getting to know some more than others, and I remain grateful.
One of the women I’ve benefitted from knowing was a group administrator, Patricia. Patricia has the kind of wisdom and maturity essential for her role at senior chat, and its been a privilege to know her. Having come from somewhat of a vulnerable position, pat assisted me on multiple occasions here within the site –teaching me to ignore, rise above, and move forward in situations that could have become upsetting and destructive for many. She taught me to remain involved supportively in the midst of maintaining personal integrity. While many of us loose our temper and become angry, pat directed me toward the overall benefit of seeking the high road in some areas of my sensitivity, that while were light hearted in intent–were hurtful to me. It had been a skill I have used in other areas of my life, and pat taught me to apply it both personally here as well. I appreciate her. Having now observed the site for half of a year, I also notice that this is a rare quality. I consider her to be excellent company and a wonderful influence on the room.
If we were an office, and this were real life, I would demand this be a toast to her, and wish her the very best in gratitude for her service. She would have gotten an expensive steak dinner, a beautifully wrapped gift, and a card with signatures of fondness. But here we are online, and I’m hoping this heartfelt statement will be sufficient.
Fondly,
Catalpa
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cat….that is just beautiful and echoed by many in chat……you have said just what we feel…..thank you
Well written cat. We all loved pat and she has worked hard and deserved the appreciation. Thanks.
catalpa, You have been through some horrors and I understand what you say. I did not have your situation, but I been several horrible years, when I stumbled into this site. I regained my faith in human nature. There are kind and caring people. Pat is special and smart and open and caring and I would like to see good people rewarded not just dispensed with. You said it wee;. Where is her gold watch?
Catalpa, I hope your recovery continues and your life is back on track.
congratulations on not having your blog deleted!
p.s. MINE WAS DELETED!
I feel we all honor pat , it is well said Catalapa …..she has been a stalwart to many , her expertise on the site was and is invaluable too many…… Lani …
Ohhh…Cat….. I have only meet you today in the chats room…but I could sense that you are a very kind heart person….and now I reading through some of the blogs here and I ready you story……it bring Gia tears to see that you was experience such a difficulties in you marriage. I work with abuse victims – first as a nurse when I accompany the police department to go to the home when there is a emergency call of a child 18 year and under. I examine the child and ride to hospital with the child and follow up on the care and follow up visit with the social workers. That is one thing – but when you are marry to some one who will treating you so badly and live with you under the same roof…I can not imagine the terror you must have experience repeatedly. I have put together in my mind that he was the same nationality as me, and that bother me VERRRRY much. But you have survive and that is all that matter from now on. He have NO idea what a wonderful wife he was have. (and that mother in law can go make her own sauce!) 😉 …… I wish I can reach and give to you a big big hug to soothing you for all those times you was so hurt. 🙁
I am very grateful that I find this site and I learning about other people from all over the world……. You story have touch my heart and I wish just only the very best of luck to you and you family….you deserving all the best that life will offer to you…..and also I looking forward to get to knowing you more better over time. I agree also with you about Patricia – she is another very kind heart one …SO many others to mention! I feel as though I have find a place that will accept me as I am…. a foreigner who hardly can speak correctly, yet I made to feel very nicely and welcome. Thank you for that!
xoxo From Gia 🙂
Hi Cat,I admire and respect your resolve to move forward from a terrible
experience and hope that healing from such an experience enables you to continue to join in Chat where all are friends and all only too willing to give support
I`m sure.
I have just joined SC and i am reading through the blogs trying to get an idea of who’s who.
I was glad to stumble across your blog. You seem a very honest , genuine person. I hope I bump into you in the chat room.