Cozy Contemplations - 10. Chapter 10 Celebration

All because a man wrote a story ...

18 minutes ago, LitLover said:

This made me smile.  We have built some wonderful friendships here and I treasure each of theme, including yours, my very dear friend.   

 

'Magic is magic when it happens'  yes it is.   

I'm glad, Lit. There have been many smiles over the years. I treasure them and the friendships forged out of the air and a keyboard. We should never forget the magic... big, big hugs, my dear friend    

 well said

I can never stress enough what the Internet and the ease with which it allows us to communicate means to those who can't live lives easily out in the wider world beyond our threshholds.  This has never been more clear than last year when my vision problem occurred, and I could no longer get around on public transport without help.  Thank goodness for friends who have helped me run errands, and even took the time to get me online again--and just shared their time with me to do things most people don't give a second thought.

I have never been able to drive, and was dependent upon friends or public transport to do even the simplest errands like grocery shopping or banking.  Columbus is not known for good bus routes or schedules, and now it is pretty much impossible for me with my further reduced vision.  That has made things like online banking vital, and my online friends even more important to my sanity.

Last year, my remaining family members turned their backs on me, and it was left to my few friends to help me with the recovery between surgeries, and getting me back online once I got out of rehab.  Especially vital was one certain Ontarian(?) who called me weekly to keep me informed about my friends at GA, and kept my spirits up when I wasn't sure I'd be writing again.  Gary, beyond the special place you have earned in my heart...I'm sure there is one too in whatever vision you have of the next world.

So, I'll add my woefully inadequate words to your Celebration of community.  I owe an incredible debt of thanks to those who have helped me re-integrate to GA...I wish I could fully participate in Forums again, but they just move too fast for me to keep up...so I say it when I can--I love you all, and one soft-spoken soul in particular.

I love this poem very nice

3 hours ago, ColumbusGuy said:

I can never stress enough what the Internet and the ease with which it allows us to communicate means to those who can't live lives easily out in the wider world beyond our threshholds.  This has never been more clear than last year when my vision problem occurred, and I could no longer get around on public transport without help.  Thank goodness for friends who have helped me run errands, and even took the time to get me online again--and just shared their time with me to do things most people don't give a second thought.

I have never been able to drive, and was dependent upon friends or public transport to do even the simplest errands like grocery shopping or banking.  Columbus is not known for good bus routes or schedules, and now it is pretty much impossible for me with my further reduced vision.  That has made things like online banking vital, and my online friends even more important to my sanity.

Last year, my remaining family members turned their backs on me, and it was left to my few friends to help me with the recovery between surgeries, and getting me back online once I got out of rehab.  Especially vital was one certain Ontarian(?) who called me weekly to keep me informed about my friends at GA, and kept my spirits up when I wasn't sure I'd be writing again.  Gary, beyond the special place you have earned in my heart...I'm sure there is one too in whatever vision you have of the next world.

So, I'll add my woefully inadequate words to your Celebration of community.  I owe an incredible debt of thanks to those who have helped me re-integrate to GA...I wish I could fully participate in Forums again, but they just move too fast for me to keep up...so I say it when I can--I love you all, and one soft-spoken soul in particular.

 

Damn... I read this hours ago, but couldn't answer. You are a wonderful man, and a wonderful friend. I consider you a blessing in my life.  This poem was about relationships that gelled and grew over a story, bur soon became so much more. We evolved quickly into a community I'm still in awe of. I cherish the experience, and I wanted to celebrate it. It has in no way been a chore to be your friend. It does all your friends' hearts good to see you back to writing again. That is all the thanks I need, my dear, sweet friend...  I   you too xoxoxo

3 hours ago, R J Drew said:

Thank you, sweet lady  . I cherish the support you have shown me  

1 hour ago, Albert1434 said:

I love this poem very nice

Thanks, Albert... You're a great friend. Thanks as always... you rock!  

I remember when I first joined GA, creeping in, hoping nobody would notice me. Now, I am hugely grateful for what goes on here. While I'm still not the most talkative of people, it doesn't mean I don't appreciate the conversations and interactions.

Thanks, Gary, for putting into words so much of what I feel.

6 hours ago, northie said:

I remember when I first joined GA, creeping in, hoping nobody would notice me. Now, I am hugely grateful for what goes on here. While I'm still not the most talkative of people, it doesn't mean I don't appreciate the conversations and interactions.

 

Thanks, Gary, for putting into words so much of what I feel.

And thank you, northie, for commenting. Nothing in this world that I've seen stays static. A deep love is the only exception, and even it can  be changed by circumstance. The COTT thread, still a beautiful thing, has changed a lot in recent months, and I just wanted to give credence, and celebrate what was accomplished by a wonderful group of people. I see magic in that accomplishment... sappy maybe, but it's how I feel. Like you, there were/are lots who follow along but don't often participate, or do so infrequently. Without even trying, I think we spread joy beyond our 'borders'  ... at least I hope so. It may end someday, but that doesn't diminish what it has been. And I love when I see you have visited   . As always, it was/is meant to be a welcoming place... a home for anyone who wants to put their feet up... talk... or not. Cheers, dear friend, and thank you... Gary....    

The first line I read n instantly my mind remembered John Keats words A thing beauty is a joy forever n truly I celebrate this beauty by reading this poem...

2 hours ago, Aviana said:

The first line I read n instantly my mind remembered John Keats words A thing beauty is a joy forever n truly I celebrate this beauty by reading this poem...

"It will never pass into nothingness" ... yes, so reminiscent, and apt. What a lovely comment to make, Aviana. Thank you for celebrating this with me. The CotT thread was something new and wondrous... built by such a diverse group of people who leaned on, supported, and entertained each other. It truly was/is a thing of beauty, and I was/am proud to be a part of it... Cheers... Gary  

This was a joyful celebration of things that bring meaning to our lives! ❤️

3 hours ago, raven1 said:

This was a joyful celebration of things that bring meaning to our lives! ❤️

Yes. I said it all in this poem, and it was a heartfelt thanks for the friendships made.