Good-bye Friends

[MATJESNIC]

Dear Friends,

I wasn't sure where to post this, so I decided to post where it all began right here on the bracing thread. After over 2 years on this forum I have decided to say good-bye for now. NSF was once a great source of comfort to me, but unfortunately that is no longer the case. I have experienced some emotional upset over the past few days that I would like to keep private.

Please know that when I first came on here devastated about my little girl's scoliosis, you got me through those early years. Later when my greatest fear came true, you got me through the darkest days of surgery.

You have been an inspiration and a blessing. If it were not for this forum, I honestly don't know how I could have made it through the worst nightmare of my life.

Please, please keep in touch with e-mails and phone calls. I still need you. Unfortunately I am still not over this and find myself still crying at times when I think about Nicole.

I believe leaving this forum for now will be the best thing for me. I think I have escaped on here many times when I should be doing housework, spending time with my husband and kids, or looking to get more hours for my job (special education teacher).

Please send anyone my way if they are facing spinal fusion for their child. Helping others always makes me feel better. I really hope that I have been as much help to some of you as you have been to me.

I am going to try to get on with my life and possibly by stepping away from this forum, I will be able to do that. I plan on returning when Nicole is one year post op.

I wish all of you and your beautiful children the best of health. God bless all of you. Thanks again for everything. I love you guys.

[Susie*Bee]

Melissa--I've clicked on reply twice now, but don't know what to say. I always look forward to your pearls of wisdom and caring thoughts that you share. I do understand about how it gets to be a bit addicting, reading and posting... and how absorbed we can get. You know best what is right for you, and right now you need to enjoy your family and your life. Just keep us posted now and then with how it's going for you -- and what all Nicole is up to doing, etc. You've been an anchor here and will be missed. Big hug-- Susie

[Sharshe]

You'll be missed

[WNCmom]

You've been an inspiration, Melissa, and continue to be. Thank you for everything.

Mary Ellen

[Sherie]

Melissa

I'm sorry to hear you're going but understand completely. You were such a huge help to me since Sheena's surgery came after Nicole's. I knew almost every step of the way what to expect and you were always there for me when things were so difficult. Let's continue to keep in touch. Even though the circumstances are not what we would wish for, I'm glad our paths crossed.

Take care.

[LorDon]

Hi Melissa,
Although I certainly respect your decision to leave, I can't help but feel extremely sad about it.

6 months ago I stumbled onto this forum and you were the first person that I befriended. I was so scared, confused and an emotional wreck. The thought of my son having a spinal fusion was terrifying. Over the next several months, you were a constant source of comfort, encouragement and support through some of the darkest days of my life. I couldn't have done it without you. Through many frantic emails, you gave me much needed advice and answered all of my silly questions. I knew that I could always count on you to be there for me. Always. When I felt completely overwhelmed with sadness, you picked me up, dusted me off, and calmed me down. You reassured me that I would get through this and so would Chris and everything really would be ok. Needless to say, you were right. I don't think there's really an adequate way to say thank you for all that you have done for me. You are a wonderful, caring person with a big heart and I'll always be grateful to you for being there for me.

Although we've never "met", I feel like I have found a friend for life in you. Our bond is a unique one and I will always treasure that. You will be greatly missed on this forum and it won't be the same without you.

Big hugs to you Melissa,

[rtremb]

Melissa:
I have sent you an email.
Ruth

[Aussiemum]

Melissa,

You know how I feel about your departure, your going to be truly missed by many on the forums. BIG cyber hugs to you!!!!

But.... the good news is..... Nicole is 6 months post - op and that means YAYYYYYY only 6 more months and YOUR BACK!!!!!

Cyber hugs
Del

[jillw]

Melissa, I am very sorry to hear you are leaving the boards. I wish Nicole all the best and look forward to hearing wonderful things about how she is doing when you come back. (we'll be happy to see you if you decide to come back before her 1 year anniversary!)

Take care!!!

[Mom37]

I wish you the best

I too understand where you are coming from. Please stay in touch and email.

[emma12]

I, too, will miss your posts. While I haven't been on this board as long as you, I have certainly gone through the feelings and experiences that you have so elegantly expressed. Our daughters surgeries were quite close to each other, and I hope that I may have helped you at times as much as your posts have helped me. Your worries and questions so often mirrored my own down this road that we have had to travel. You always had kind words and support for everyone. These forums have answered so many of my questions, but also made me ask so many more than I would have thought of in the first place.

I haven't been on the board too often lately, just now and then, because life outside of scoliosis does begin to catch up with you. I am truly sorry to hear, but totally understand, your need to take a break from these boards.

I wish you and Nichole the best, and will be thinking of you. Good luck to you both!