We are world neighbours.

[eightyplus]

Every morning browsing the daily posts my heart goes out to those seeking help, advice, or the need of a little understanding, at the same time I can't help thinking of those lurking in the dark corners of the forum too shy or nervous to make themselves known.

It’s hard to answer the posts but some members names become very familiar, people that are here all of the time helping with dignity and understanding. They are the ones that amaze me most, because of in spite of their own ill health, they still have time to chat like a friendly neighbour over the garden fence.

I haven’t got much of a bedside manner myself so I am just as guilty at not replying, instead I make up silly little jottings, quote something hopefully humorous or topical, and do it because there is a warm, homely feeling here and hope that it is appreciated by those that for some reason are unable to contribute themselves.

When I get visitors I always get the inevitable question, "How are you?" of course I mostly feel like hell but reply, "Oh I'm quite well thank you".

Here we are strangers joined at the hip by illness yet able to discuss our problems without fear of embarrassment or upsetting family members.

We need to be able to talk freely without worrying our loved ones and hopefully we shall have the means to do so on here, each of us in our own way for many years to come.

Allan.

[cofdrop-UK]

What a lovely post Allan. I hate the 'how are you' - they couldn't possibly understand and probably don't want to know anyway! That's what's great about here - everyone understands as they can empathise the feelings, treatments etc. Also love the support given with a spirit of generosity which can really lift us - which we all need sometimes.

Agree long may we be joined at the hip.

love cx

[pergola1]

I couldn't agree more, Allan, with your message. It is so true. I haven't been on here because I have a very sick husband and am in the middle of a house move. I am so grateful that I was given azithromycin to keep me going. I dont often join in nowadays for reasons stated but thank you for your thoughts xx

[huggs in reply to pergola1]

Hi Pergola, I have just come across your post when I found Allan's of 11 days ago. Sorry to be so late in replying but felt you are having a really hard time just now. I just want to let you know that others are thinking of you, even when you are not posting. I am sure you know that already, but it helps to hear it again sometimes. I hope your situation improves and that you are getting all the help and support you need. hugs xx

[pollyjj]

Hi Allan what a wonderful post and so true.

I try and contribute if I think what I have to say may be useful.

I love the humour and wish I had witty answers like lots of members do, but most of all I am amazed at the friendships that are made between people who have never met but genuinely care for each other.

polly xx

[eightyplus]

I am blessed with a large and loving family Polly but one does wonder about those less fortunate. For some people this forum might be their only contact with people other than the medical assistance that they receive.

We do care for each other, it's just learning how to show it.

[newlands]

Well Allan you do answer with your little jottings and i enjoy them,take care

Dorothy xx

[Puffthemagicdragon]

Well said Allan.

[Toci]

What a lovely post Alan, and so true. Long may the support continue and each contributor is valued, no matter the number of contributions or the manner of them.

[katieoxo60]

So true the words of your post Allan, and very well put. On occasions it can be very hard to find the right words, we were taught that there are no right or wrong words just being there to support which we all hope we will be for a long time to come. Enjoy the rest of your day

[peege]

Very well put Allan, the site has a wonderful spirit of genuine care and a life line to so many. xxx

[Hidden]

That's a lovely post Allan and it fair brought tears to my eyes. So true as well xx

[hufferpuffer]

Hello Allan, I enjoyed reading your post very much, thank you. I agree wholeheartedly, it IS a Blessing to be able to come on here and feel you are with a special family, we really are connected by our lung issues!

I have been deeply touched by the kindness and helpfulness of our fellow members, long may we remain joined at the hip! huff xxxxxx

[hopetorun]

Thank you Allan your little jotting made me feel quite at peace.

[nanaber]

Well said Allan you write beautifuly

[FarmerD]

Well said Allan,proving that all our contributions are valid and as valuable as yours.I try not to give advice as I am not a medic but simply pass on the experiences I,ve had in the hope it,s of some help to others.If we all met I,d be the one hiding in the corner not saying anything,but because of this forum and the great contributors I feel at ease.I have found this site of great value and think you are all fantastic.Thank you very much!D.XXX.

[coastal1]

Lovely post AIlan ,

I think you have an excellent bedside manner . Just wish I had half of your empathy and way with words.

Cheers Coastal

[snow54flake]

completely agree with all of the above marian xx

[Hidden]

Beautiful post Allan,thankyou for it! It is lovely to have others that know exactly where you are coming from.Long may we be joined at the hip!

Hugs & love Wendells xxxx

[huggs]

Hi Allan, I have just come across your lovely post which you put forward so eloquently, and with great insight. Thank you for sharing it with us, and, I am sorry to be so late in responding. From what I have read of your posts you have been helpful, supportive and understanding. Most importantly, caring and that's what makes this website so special. No one is judged and as you say the names become familiar and we get to know each other that way. I have been helped on here and it is my wish to help someone else sometime. I haven't got the ready one liners etc but we all have something to offer. Take care and keep posting! hugs xxx

[eightyplus]

Thank you for that huggs, you may have noticed however that I have not posted much either, as you can appreciate, even the most willing us find that they have little or nothing to write about at times. Then I look out of the window, not at the sea or rolling hills but a small sloping garden that is difficult to maintain but at this very moment bursting with life.

You see how wrong I am, the world is full of things to write and share, it seems that I need to shake the winter sleep out of my eyes and become more observant. Take care of yourself.

Allan.