I know this has been said before but...

I have just spent the last hour and a half reminising on TCS.

I have been reading threads dated in Sept. 2001.

Alot of the people that posted back then are not around now. But, most of you still are. I was not there in 2001, but from what I read, it seems that it was a tough adapting period for all. Tensions were high at some point. I read some posts and had tears in my eyes because I could feel the pain of some.

I chuckled over how many threads were started with the famous saying: "What does DT stand for?" and shook my head realising I also posted the same question not too long ago!!!

I read the post from one asking everyone to care about one another, to be a friend to each other, to help one another. I felt her sadness when she wrote that she was afraid to post in fear of offending someone...I wanted to give her a hug.

I, for one, have been blessed and fortunate to not have offended anyone intentionally. I cannot say I am perfect because yes...I did hurt someones feelings here once and I will forever feel ashamed of that. It was a misunderstanding and I did apologize profusely but...it remains close to my heart and I am even more careful because of that experience.

I'm not really sure what I am trying to say here other than....I am really proud of being a part of TCS. I am proud of Anne, although I have not talked to her much. I think her accomplishement here is amazing...I am proud of Hissy who contributes so much of herself here. I am proud of all the moderators...you guys are wonderful. Anne, you must be beaming at the success of TCS and what you have created and most of all: To everyone I talk to daily, I am proud to call all of you 'friends'. My forum of friends.

I think people have grown to respect one another here. I can feel it. And most of all....over the past month, I have been blessed with the support that each one of you has given me. You have carried me through so much and have allowed me to cry on your shoulders. Thank you...

I know we do not live in a perfect world. I know that there may be one day that I log on and read words that will hurt me, offend me or even worse hurt someone else and I will become defensive. But I also know that that is probably only going to happen 1% of the time. The rest of the time, it'll just be a bunch of old friends getting together having their daily chit-chat in the DT thread and everywhere else.

I think I'll stick around here for awhile...if you all don't mind?

Your friend,

Ghyslaine

Wow Ghys! I couldn't have said it any better myself.

Well you know that I have only been here for 4 (going on 5) months. I'm addicted and hope to be here for a long while too!

Thanks for sharing that wonderful post. It's nice that you can come to a place on the internet, full of 'faceless' people but still find heart and soul.



P.S. - I've added my name to my signature in case your having one of those forgetfull times! *lol*

Hi Ghys-

No we don't mind at all. If you read back to the beginning of this board (if you have a lot of time on your hands) you will see a lot of learning taking place, you will read a lot of mistakes, see some flames, notice a definite split in loyalties on the board but always you will see the love coming through and triumphing even in the bleakest moments.

I left here for awhile for my own reasons and because I was taking everything wrong and I just needed a break. When I came back, I was welcomed with open arms and it was like I had never been away. I think sometimes, it is good to just turn off the computer and go back to regular life, but in the same respect, I am glad that everyone is here and growing and forming this cat community.

It is just part of life that not everyone will agree and some are more vehement then others in their opinion, but as a world-wide community, I think we hold our own pretty good.

I asked Anne the other day why she created this place. She created it because there was nothing like it on the Internet when she first arrived. I'd have to say, there is nothing that even comes close to it today. I'm glad you found us.

That is a beautiful thing you said Ghys. It is very true, there are a lot of wonderful people here and I am glad that I found this place.
There is a lot of love around here.

SOme more love for you all!

Kassandra...(right???? ) Thank you...I am speaking from my heart and I mean every word. I haven't been here long either. I think you have no choice but to stick around. Once you're in,....you're in. And that...is an order!!! Ahem....

Hissy...now that you are mentioning flames....I was totally shocked at some things that were being written. You could literally feel the anger, the hurt, and then....to my amazement, on one occasion,the same person that was hurt, responded to the person that hurt them in a different post, a week later...sending support, lending an ear. I really, truly was amazed. Talk about forgiveness. And this person is such an integral part of TCS. Now, I know why. I don't know if it's just me but....I don't think I have come across much flaming since I joined. I think the love and friendship overpowered all the anger and tension back then. You guys sure made it through lots of bumpy moments. I am soooooo glad that those that wanted to leave didn't and those that needed a break, took it and came back full force. Yay!!!!!

Some day....when Anne has the time, I really would like to hear what she thinks of the evolution of this site. Unless there is already a post out there about this??? I have sooooo much reading to do!!

Kellye, I am so glad to have met you! I just love reading all your posts and especially love all your kitty hugs & all. Thank you for sending all that love and those adorable pictures.



And Hissy...I am glad I found you guys too! More than you'll ever know...

Ghyslaine What a beautiful soul you are! I am so proud to call you mate!

In fact I am proud to be a part of TCS and a small part of everyone's day! With out you guys I don't think I would have made it through those months after mums death!

For me this has been a safe haven, a calm place, a place of love, friendship, companionship, commitment, understanding and togetherness, learning and support! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!

I have to say, The Cat Site has forever spoiled me to any other board. Period. I have looked at other boards and that "Magic" that we have here is missing. I know about some of the history that you are talking about, and many places would have just imploded. TCS moved on, I think many learned from the experience and it is a better place because of it. It is amazing that we can discuss hot topics like politics, religion, declawing, etc. and keep it completely civil (for the most part), and leave with the same respect for each other even if we don't agree.

I think you have no choice but to stick around. Once you're in,....you're in. And that...is an order!!! Ahem....

Click to expand...

LOL You're right on that one, Ghys. It's kinda like the mafia, once you join you can never leave. Mostly because you would never want to leave. And I for one would never want you to leave either. I am so happy to have met you and be able to count you as a friend. (That goes for many, many people here, too.)

Thank you Anne for creating this safe haven and web of friendship. I agree with Hissy, there still isn't any place like this on the net.

Bundy...Heidi....I will always be here for you guys. Just as you've always been here for me.

I'm happy to read all these positive replies and realise that many feel the same as I do.

Anne, I hope you read this!!! We're so proud of you and the wonderful team you've created!!!!
:flash:

I have to add my 2 cents here,I to feel the caring and yes,love here.
I really do not have anyone in my life to talk to and vent to when I need to.But here I can and nobody judges me. And the most wonderful thing I am learning a lot about cats I did not know!Like declawing,like all lot of people I just thought it was just cutting the nails at the back,now I know what it means to declaw,and just today I overheard someone at work telling someone else she was taking her cat in Monday to get her cat done,I stopped her and ask her if she knew what it meant,She said no,well when I got through telling her she said OH MY GOD,the vet did,t tell her all that,she is NOT getting her cats declawed now!I really do thank you for telling me about this subject.And yes I am always thinking about ,when I get home I have got to check my e-mail,to see if I got any mail from the Cat Site,and then I go right to the Cat Site!I just love it here! I alos have checked other site like this I have NOT found any that will touches this one.This is a class act!
Thanks ANNE and everyone
Sherral

Thank you Sherral for sharing the knowledge you have gained here.That is what the boards are all about.

Sherral...there is so much I have learned about cats in the past few months that I never even paid attention to before. It's amazing how much there is to learn.

Anytime you need to vent, vent away!! We're always here.

The beauty about writing what is on your mind is that you free your thoughts and feelings when, in normal circumstances, like face to face with someone, you may hold your feelings in.

Believe it or not....I am not a big talker. I hold alot inside and when I finally explode....I explode. I am shy by nature therefore have always had a hard time saying what I mean and just getting things off my chest. Since I've come here, I find I am calmer. Things don't bother me as much. So....it's very therapeutic to come here and vent!!!!

Gee Thats me! I hate to confert people face to face,and when I get mad.......... Watch out!Slow to get there because I just sit and stew.Intill I can;t stand it any more.

Sherral....we'll just all have to remember to stay on your good side!

Ghyslaine -

You said it very well. I am amazed at the community of this board. People express differing opinions, but there is no hair pulling or name calling like I have seen on other boards. And people seem to care for each other's difficulties and not run them down. I feel safe here.

I am a little embarrassed to say that I look forward to "coming here" as much as going to supper with a friend and I can't wait to log on whenever I can to see what is up with everyone.

I'll be good!

Ghyslaine, I haven't been around much lately, I have been so busy and have had a few personal problems as well, but I came on here tonight to just see what was going on before bed, and I read this thread, and it has picked my spirits up immensely!! I am so glad you are a part of TCS and a part of my life!!! **HUGS**