Scarlet, I'm so glad you started this thread and agree it would be really nice if we can all be here to offer support. That is the purpose of this place, something I sometimes forgot in my first months here. I finally got it, but not until I got into an argument with someone. (I actually reported myself because I went overboard with my righteous opinions.) Anyway, I finally got it after reading why DocJohn started this place. Support, pure and simple.

I'm not a naturally validating person. At all. But I am supportive. Have never been validating, always been supportive, if that makes any sense at all. We're all full of complexity and paradoxes. I'm here on Team Scarlet to offer support because this entire situation definitely qualifies as a shock and crisis and it would for anyone who experienced the same thing. Anyone.

I kind of like seeing new threads, part 2, started whenever an existing thread gets real big. It's more manageable. Sometimes I go back and look at old posts in a thread to make sure my memory is right and when a thread is gigantic that's really hard to do. It seems important to me to follow the whole story, going back months sometimes, to be able to begin to understand what a person is going through.

So glad you started this new thread! The way people have stepped up to offer you hugs and support represents the best of Psych Central. You've responded beautifully, demonstrating just exactly how important this kind of support can be to a person who's suffered a tremendous shock. There will naturally be ups and downs, good days and bad. The support really can make a difference.

I'll be back later today just to check in.