Thank You to the SL Community

I've been searching for the best way to post on my recent experience in finding out just how goodhearted the SL community can be. In light of another recent thread started on this topic, I feel reluctant to post another thread about a similar subject, yet I also don't want to be seen as trying to hijack or take away from the other thread. The point is, it is important for me to put my thoughts into words, as I seek to publicly thank everyone who has stood out and made a difference for the good.

What happened to me was a forever life altering event, but the specifics of what's happened to me are not important, nor shall I waste your time with the details here. What I do want to say is this: SL is full of wonderful, caring, giving, helpful, encouraging people. I've had the honor of knowing many of these people for a while now. Others I only knew by name or in passing, and some I'd never met before. While I was away from SL, I received countless numbers of offline IM's in my email, each and every one of them wishing me well and offering me words of encouragement when things seemed so bleak.

I was hesitant to return to SL because I don't like being the center of attention, and after so many people finding out why I was gone briefly, I was awash with a huge wave of social anxiety keeping me from hitting the 'connect' button. I bit the bullet anyway and logged in to SL, because I needed to feed try to thank those who offered me their thoughts, prayers, and words of comfort. my SL addiction needed fed too, having been disabled for several years now in such a capacity that keeps me from getting out in RL much, my social life truly is dependent on the handful of friendships I've formed during my time in Second Life.

On my return to SL, I was greeted by so many caring people who are still continuing to show me the encouragement I need to make going through this crisis easier. People don't have to care, they don't have to go out of their way to take a brief moment to offer advice, an ear, or even a shoulder; yet they do it anyway. This really does amaze me as past events in my life had left me with a very dim view on humanity as a whole, on that nearly made ashamed to be human. I'm finding my tenebrous outlook on that changing now, having seen that there is still good in people, and a great deal of it.

It is to all of you who took the time to send well-wishes, encouragement, prayers, and positive thoughts to me and others in need, that I wish to thank. Thank you for caring. Thank you for shining a light of hope into my darkness. Thank you for taking the few moments it takes to make a difference in another human beings life. Thank you all from the very deepest reaches of my soul.

I suppose for the record, my question should be: How can people say Second Life is just a game when there is so very more to it than that?

The people in RL are one and the same as those in SL, just a little harder to find sometimes. Glad everything is well for you, and glad you pressed the connect button and logged back on.

I'm happy that we are able to make a difference, Garrett. Chin up - you know where you belong.

B.

PS. Someone really ought to create a group-hug animation. Sort of like that chair (or pipe) which automatically adds another chair when the last one is taken.

You've been in my prayers, Garrett. Welcome back!!

Ashe

Garrett, I haven't been able to get to see you yet, but I noticed that you have been around and was very pleased to see you back so soon. Please be assured, that we are your "family" here in the Forum, and most especially the Cartel. I believe that each of us has a special connection to other members here and in general, just because SL is not viewed as "real" by the outside world by many, does not make it invalid. For us; it IS a reality which has spawned true friendships and with those comes the concern, love and respect we have for each other.

I'm so glad you're back, and I know you have a bumpy road to travel yet. If you are ever online and closer friends aren't around and you need someone to talk with and you see me around, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Oh and by the way? Whenever you're up to it? I really need a new tattoo! My long-time totem animal, a fox

/me hugs Garrett

We're all human.....we connect IRL and we connect here.......and we matter to one another ultimately...it's what makes this world what it is. I don't know you and I don't know your story and my own RL has got my head spinning for a miriad of reasons.....but I'm glad you posted this and I'm glad you're back and that you've been touched by so many here. You deserve it.....we all do.

Sometimes the hardest part of being involved in a community like this is that we become so helpless when we find out others are suffering.........we can't necessarily offer the kind of support we would to those we have ready access to IRL.....but our hearts are no less affected and our intentions no less valid when we say we care and 'want' to be supportive. So...on that note...I will say (((((mucho hugs)))) to you welcome back to the fold.

Thank you all for your positive responses which serve to reinforce one of the very point I was making. This world is a better place because of people such as yourselves.

Elora: You are right, the road ahead of me is going to be very difficult for me to travel, both physically and emotionally. I'm quite sure I'll have plenty of ups and downs along the way. This road that lies ahead is one I'm not looking forward to traveling down but have no choice in the matter.

Garrett,

I don't know what went down in your life, and it's not really my business, but I just wanted to say I'm glad you have friends to help you get through it. I'm not in world much these days, but I'm a pretty good sounding board/listening ear if you ever need one of those. I'll be thinking of you and wishing you well.

Take care.
Nic

Garrett, it's a gift to all of us that you came back - thank you so much for showing us that courage comes in many forms.

I'm glad to see you back Garrett You were missed!

Take care, and remember that we are here for you if you need us

Garrett,you get the honor of my 1,000th post. :hugs: I am glad to see you back and dancing again at the hangout. We are always here for you!

Aww thanks Garrett

Hi Garrett,

I didn't know you were away either, but Welcome back. I'm really sorry for what you've been going through even though I don't know the specifics, and hope the road ahead is eased by good friends, in both lives.

I too, have had my life changed forever in one shattering moment, so I know a little of what you may be going through. Please feel free to IM or PM me if you need a sympathetic ear.

Allegria

Same - don't know it, but hugs and prayers and well wishes for you, Garrett.

*group Hug*

:d

Garrett

I don't know how anyone can call it "just a game" either - it seems like you would have to completely lack human compassion and the ability to relate to others not to see how deep friendships can run and to refuse to acknowledge the human element of the grid.

I wish you all the best. I missed the announcement in SL - faulty motherboard (beats head against wall) - but I will keep you in my thoughts and I hope you have a speedy and complete recovery from whatever you had go wrong. Best wishes and I'm glad you are back.

Garrett, we have plenty of people who can be your Tinman, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and Toto to help you on that road
Sure is the right place to find them

Well said, I couldn't have put it better myself.

Thank you all again for your positive reinforcement.

A decade or so ago, everyone was talking about how the next big "currency" would be information. There may well be some truth to that.

Yet it sure seems like, in this era of MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and yes, Second Life, that the real commodity is social. It's the one thing we each can be rich in, and richer when we share.



There is one: I have a LM to that store somewhere in my inventory.

Mari

Garrett, welcome back!

/me does a little dance

Wishing you well Garrett!

And beautifully said Trout and Marianne!

PS. Mari?? Could I bother you for that LM pretty please?

I still have my faith in humanity, despite the few who try and change that. For the most part, we want to feel needed, and lending an ear or an encouraging word makes us feel better about ourselves as well. Also, the old saying really is true; it is better to give than receive. Garett, these are the hardest days, physically mentally and emotionally. One of the best cures for the depression that will attack you (if it has not already) is human interaction. so please, do US a favor. Let US be selfish. Never let anything keep you from saying hello. And please, ask for anything. Please. You would be doing us a favor, and I mean that sincerely.

It is amazing what this group can do when we want. For all the bitching and griping on the Forum, when one of our own needs us, we step up.

Great big Hugs!!!!