Off Topic - Checking In Thank You

[kellymomcars]

I had the most wonderful gift given to me last week -- I have not been posting for a while, and one of our lovely ladies here on HU checked in to see if I was okay.

This year has been challenging for all the reasons we all carry -- aging parents, spouses having medical issues, jobs, weather, Covid, and the ever present personal physical and mental challenges. I just didn't want to be a "Debby Downer", so I took a break. That's not to say that I didn't check in every morning to see how you all were doing!

When she contacted me and said "Just checking in -- hadn't seen you around for a bit", I felt honored that someone wanted to know how I was doing -- not how the stuff I carry was doing. It's a small thing to do, but meant to much.

When Covid first hit, and the world shut down, my elderly mother was restricted to her apartment for weeks. I gave her the suggestion that she should make a point of reaching out to family and friends -- at least 3 a week. She started with the ones that she frequently talked to and progressed to the ones she hadn't . She went so far as to contact people from her school days! I have to tell you, that was the best thing she did during those long weeks/months. She couldn't wait to tell me who she talked to, and how excited they were that she made the effort to find them. Maybe we should all remember to check-in with family & friends more often as this world just gets crazier and harder, and our to-do list get longer.

So, I told my long distance friend that I would get back into being seen occasionally here on HU -- here it is! To have someone care about me meant a great deal and I smiled for days. Thank you. XXX

[nanapat61]

What a lovely, thoughtful gift you received! It's the little things that often count the most and can make such a positive difference. Best wishes and I hope everything improves for you in the coming year.

[Neonkittie17]

Glad you are alright. I’m not around on here really anymore (very hectic medical times, with so much organisation needed, but I’m doing well re my RA) bar the occasional reply if I see anyone I know well or who is struggling. I was on here for the best part of 12 years so think a long break at least is needed. I’m glad someone reached out to you. It does make a difference and also if you reach out to someone as well. Hope you continue to smile and things are steady for you. 💗

[Deeb1764]

I have 2 or 3 on here who check in and I they if we go quiet. It’s strange to think I have never met them but to me friends and probably know more about me then some of my friends now due to the ra and friends x

[janmary]

I read your post with pleasure and the words of a long ago song popped into my head - ‘ If you hear a kindly word - pass it on ‘ 🎶

[sylvi]

I am afraid i am not very good at checking in on people, but i do care about you all. I am glad someone reached out to you and it did you good. xxxx

[helenlw7]

In our world that often seems to be made up of unkindness, it’s lovely to hear that there are people out there who care, and care enough to get in touch. It must have made you feel so good.My mum died earlier this year, and a friend and former work colleague who I’d lost touch with beyond Christmas cards because she emigrated to Canada with her family over 15 years ago, rang me to offer her condolences. We had a lovely conversation about mum’s mince pies and it left a lovely warm feeling in my heart.

[Marionfromhappydays]

I really apprecaite our little team we've got here, we definitely don't want to be part of team Inflammatory Arthritis but knowing we aren't alone (to me) really helps me.

You aren't alone xx

[Sheila_G]

That's great. I'm pleased you had that lovely surprise. It certainly cheers us up when we receive that phone call

[Biofreak]

It's always good to know someone cares. Xx

[helixhelix]

Nice.

Since I’ve been here a long time I do worry about people. Two in particular who just suddenly vanished - an elderly American called Lauren and a British women who went by name of Wooly who suddenly stopped posting mid-thread.

Neither of them were members of NRAS so nobody could check they were ok…

We don’t “know” each other, but we sort of do!

[nomoreheels]

It is lovely & makes such a difference knowing our online friends look out for us & do notice absences. Like helix I’ve been here a while & have done the same myself, both by dm & on site depending on the circumstances of their last post or reply, & whilst not been acknowledged in the community I know they've appreciated contact, not that that's why I do it of course. So happy that your experience was so well received & hope your 'other' life doesn't cause you too many problems. Also, you're not having to deal with them alone. x