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Post by JeepGirl on Dec 8, 2016 16:36:17 GMT
Is it just me or is it unusually quiet around here lately?
Unfortunately, I was on DS for more years than I care to admit; however, Christmas was the time of year there seemed to be a lot of posts. Understandably so, because so many members were sad or lonely because of their estrangements. Members would be seeking ideas on how to handle gifts, family, etc. Also, Administrators would check with members to make sure there was coverage for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
I am thinking maybe most of us have been estranged for some time and now know how we willl handle the holidays? Is so, progress has been made. I am concerned though whether there are new members here who read, but might feel uncomfortable sharing their feelings and situations. If that is the case, then I, personally, feel we are not providing the support and encouragement which are our goals. Any thoughts?
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Post by lindajoan on Dec 8, 2016 21:44:48 GMT
Jeepgirl, You are so right. I check in a couple a timeeca day and have noticed our quiet since Thanksgiving. I should have said something sooner.
As Christmas approaches, we are reminded of the beautiful reason for the season. Of course, the reason is to remember the birth of our savior, Jesus.
We are also reminded everywhere we go that the season brings everyone joy and pain. When we are estranged from our EC it brings sadness due to our loss. We are all in different stages of this sad journey. For me, it has been 5 years since our ED left us. She left a few weeks before Christmas in the midst of decorating and planning. Such a devastating Christmas that certainly was for DH and I. Although years have passed, it is still difficult. It is not God's way for families. We miss our EC and have been deeply affected by the betrayal that comes with estrangement. Only the Lord and His strength and grace can bring us through each day.
Dear friends, please come here often to reach out. We need one another. We need the encouragement and we need the prayer support. We need to hear your estrangement story. We understand. God bless you all as we go through each day of the Christmas season.
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Post by byhisgracealone on Dec 8, 2016 23:45:20 GMT
I'm a little guilty of staying too quiet sometimes. I check the site daily, but don't always "log in" to make, or respond to a post. Sometimes, I feel a little numb about my estrangement. It's been 7 years for me, and I wouldn't even know my daughter anymore. Other times, I actually feel too much pain to post my feelings, if that makes sense.  The holidays are more difficult, and sometimes staying quiet actually helps me avoid focusing too much on my ED and GC, but Jeepgirl, you are absolutely correct. We do need to keep posting so we can be supportive to those who are in the early stages of their estrangements, and are confused, hurt, and in need of prayer. I will try to post more actively....  |
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Post by bettyshe on Dec 9, 2016 4:48:27 GMT
I feel the same as you ladies.
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Post by lindajoan on Dec 9, 2016 16:19:49 GMT
Dear Friends, I wanted to welcome any new friends who may come to visit or read posts. We are blessed to have you join us. We are a safe place and we understand the pain of estrangement through all seasons.
The Lord has been gracious to us all. We need Him always and we need one another. God bless each one.
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Post by luke2231 on Dec 9, 2016 19:38:04 GMT
I've just been sitting in a corner licking my wounds here lately. I'm so hurt by this new wrinkle that I barely know how to breathe. It's our first Christmas without any contact and I'm trying to figure out all the practical stuff let alone deal with the emotions. Sometimes it hurts just to show up here and see how some of your estrangements are still in place. I know it's painful for you all too.
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Post by lindajoan on Dec 9, 2016 21:43:48 GMT
It is true that we do not understand many of the storms in this life. One day we may see the answers to prayer and how God worked in mighty ways. If not in this life then in eternity. Our hope remains in the Lord.
We do understand one another and we do pray for God to comfort each other every day and especially during the holidays. We are here for you.
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Post by everloving11 on Dec 11, 2016 22:49:14 GMT
Unfortunately, there is no rule book for how to go through this time. Last year at this time, there was hope that this estrangement would be short-lived. But it's been over a year now, so I'm getting settled in for the long haul. We still get ES mail, but have no way to forward it. It is inconceivable that a child that was once so close could be so far away emotionally. I notice I tend to forget things easily - short-term memory is cloudy at times. Of course, being a teacher keeps me very busy this time of year - and I deal with a lot of needy kids, who demand a lot of attention. Sigh... I just got an idea so I'm going to tackle that right now. If you see something from me, it'll be like a special Christmas greeting for all of us.
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Post by bettyshe on Dec 12, 2016 15:35:04 GMT
If you are new member please let us hear from you..we all need each other.
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Post by poodlegirl61 on Dec 15, 2016 16:22:53 GMT
I have been quiet, and not because everything is rosy, just because usually I don't have anything to say, or I feel I can't help anyone when I can't even help myself. I know that kind of thinking is wrong. It DOES help just to know others care and are going through the same thing. And then some crisis will come up and I run to ya'll like a blubbering child. I know that is selfish!
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Post by lindajoan on Dec 15, 2016 23:03:06 GMT
I am blessed that we are here for one another.
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