I just wanted to let you all know how much you all mean to me and how grateful I am to have found this place and all of you.
I remember that day I first posted - it was a comment on a cute little calico kitten not long after C.C. passed away. I was immediately welcomed to this place and felt as if I belonged right away. I have been in other online communities where it takes forever for people to accept a person and sometimes people are ignored altogether. But this place was so different.
Over the time I have been here, I have asked for prayer and received much support along with the prayers I asked for. I have receive a lot of encouragement concerning my going back to school and lots of encouragement about my writing. I have received a lot of support and encouragement in dealing with my job situation. I have met some wonderful people here and feel as if I found, not just a few friends, but a family.
When I posted the first thread about Jennifer, the outpouring of support and offers to help with her adoption brought me to tears. Although I was not able to adopt Jennifer myself, one extremely generous person (2bpurring) has offered to adopt her and bring her to me. Again, I am brought to tears of thanks and gratitude. I don't know for certain whether it will work out or not, but the idea that somebody who has never met me is willing to spend their time and money and resources to bring Jennifer to me is just overwhelming. I can't think of the words I want to say.... all that comes to mind is a humble 'thank-you'.
I have always had trouble opening up and getting to know people ... over the last couple of days I found myself slipping back into 'lurk' mode instead of talking because the old feelings of wanting to retreat and hide came back. But this situation with Jennifer forced me back out of my shell and reminded me of what wonderful people I have found here.
I just want to say thank-you to all of you for everything you have done for me over the time I have been here ... for the friendship, the support, the prayers, the encouragement, the offers of help in trying to adopt Jennifer, for letting me know that there are some truly wonderful people in this world. Thank-you -- all of you.
Mary (aka owlwatcher_974)