[Briester]

To everyone, and specifically to Larakeziah,

You mentioned you didn't know why I cared so much and others have too be they in the forum or in PM so I thought I'd try to explain as best I can.

For the most part of my life and especially when I was young I caught so much **** from other people and had my feelings hurt, my self-image reduced to nothing, and even my personal safety threatened. My parents were my only real solace being that I was an only child. Because of that I really withdrew and built up all these walls as a protective measure. I carried this unfortunately into adulthood where I constantly berate myself, despite having a wonderful wife and son who give me as much love and care and reassurance as anyone could hope for from another person. Despite all this and the fact that I don't trust most people and like to complain about "how people are" I never lost my capacity to feel compassion for others who suffer, especially when I've experienced similar circumstances.

This is a major reason why I care. I don't really know you as none of us on this site REALLY know the other but I DO know you're in pain. In pain enough that sometimes the only relief you feel you can find is by hurting yourself. There is so much hurt in the world, the last thing we really need to do is hurt ourselves and it makes my soul weep when another person (or animal for that matter) is in so much pain. I wish there was some all powerful word or thought or something to take it all away but all I can do is offer what little bit of love and care I have to people in the hopes it might make their day a bit brighter.

I hope this makes sense to you in some small way. I hope everyone else who reads this can perhaps get a glimpse of why I do and say the things I say here. We have nothing to gain from offering comfort to others when they need it most. I truly believe that there is no higher purpose than to serve others and in doing this I can rest in the satisfaction that maybe, just maybe, something I said lifted someone's heart just a little, perhaps made them smile, or just helped them to know that they're really not alone and that someone in the world cares for them simple as another person.

Hopefully this makes sense..

to all,

Chris

[ZilchHour]

Briester!

You are right, we all here offer each other unconditional support and help, (and actually it is a way of helping our ownselves, not a real favour to others).

This does not neccessarily constitute that the people posting here have no other thing to do, no committments and no engagements, we are not idle or good for nothing people.

Pain is universal and we are the people who deal in it. Risky business though. So we share the pain with a motive to reduce its effect, nothing to be ashamed of Briester. I will share a verse with you, i do not remember right now. I stand by your side.

Regards
ZILCH HOUR

I am really glad that you care, Briester. You probably don't realize it, but you really picked me up one day when I needed it.

For that, I owe you one. What the hell, I'll owe you two! Mike

[Briester]

Originally Posted by cypher

I am really glad that you care, Briester. You probably don't realize it, but you really picked me up one day when I needed it.

For that, I owe you one. What the hell, I'll owe you two! Mike

Thank you Cypher. I'm glad to have been able to have helped pick you up when you were down. Knowing that makes us even my friend. Thank you for your words. As I mentioned I honestly believe that helping others by giving them genuine care and compassion is the best we can do. Thank you for your kind words and we'll call it even.

Take good care today my friend.. Oh how I miss SanFran. How about sending me a piping hot sourdough bowl of clam chowder from the Wharf? haha

[larakeziah]

Hugs to you briester! I'm so glad that you care! The world needs more ppl like you and the others on here! You have helped me so much this last week and i thank you from the bottom of my heart! I don't think i would have made it thru without the kind words from you an the others who have helped! I am forever grateful to you all! I really don't know where i'd be right now without you! You, briester are one of the kindest ppl i have ever had correspondence with! Thank you so so much! I'm so glad you are here to offer what help an support you can to me and others who need it! Thank you again and take care! Your friend lara x hugs to all

[Berries]

(((((((((((Briester)))))))))))

You are a gift. Thank you for being you.

[Naturefreak]

(((Briester)))
Makes sense to me.

[tryingtobeme]

((((((((Briester)))))))))

I think what you give to people; love, care, concern, compassionm is one of the greatest gifts we can receive. I agree with the other poster that we need more people like you in the world.

Remember to take time for yourself too. Lots of hugs, and love.

[lonegael]

((((((Briester)))))) I hearby declare you a master of the highest cause, and a true knight of the PC forums. Blessings on your way, dude

[Fuzzybear]

((((((((((((((((( Briester )))))))))))))))))

[Rohag]

I second all the above praises! ((((((( Briester! )))))))

[ZilchHour]

All the praises aside, but see what good effect our support really did to Briester! After reading your later reply to Cypher, Briester you look different, with lifted spitrits!!!

Keep them up!

Regards
ZILCH HOUR

[darkpurplesecrets]

((((Briester))))

Thank you for your post. It does make sense and it is true that you do touch people in a good supportive way. I remember the day you came into Survivors Chat at it touched my heart what you said.

I too feel giving someone else hope and encouragement is what helps us along the way. It hurts me when I see others hurting and when I can feel and connect in ways they have no idea. To send out a caring and encouraging word, a hug, a loving thought, or just letting them know you hear them and are there--can do so much for someone who is hurting.

You have done that many times. So many times we can connect with others on many levels. Their pain makes so much sense and you wish you could just take it and carry it for them for awhile. Sometimes, knowing how they feel and what is going on for them is something that we can connect to them with.

For me, helping others and giving them even one word that can give them hope or something to hold onto makes me realize that what I have gone through is for a reason. And so many times I can find hope in their words. It is how we help one another.

There have been so many times I have been silent but I am there with each one in spirit. Words at times seem to get lost or are not there, but I read and send up a prayer and thought to them. Hoping that somehow they can feel someone is thinking of them and uplifting them.

I am glad you are a part of PC. And though you have not been here long, you have already made your mark as someone I would miss and someone who means so much. Thank you for being here. For your compassion and your sharing and caring. It means more than you could know.

Sending you gentle hugs and loving thoughts.

dps

[turquoisesea]

thank you for this, you worded it so well too

[nowheretorun]

((Briester))))))) ty for words that heal

[Briester]

Zilchour, Cypher, Lara, Berries, Babysteps, Tryingtobeme, Lonegael, Fuzzypaws, Rohag, DPS, Turquoise, and Nowheretorun (and everyone else on this site in the differing forums):

I cannot begin to tell you how much all your kind words and love and care mean to me. We all have issues we're dealing with and despite that you've still taken your time to post such wonderful words, full of energy and emotion that literally brings light to my soul.

There will never be a way I can repay any of your kindness and you've all given me such a new and fresh outlook on people and I'm so thankful for that. I can literally feel the years of distrust, anger, fear, and hurt life when I see what you say not only to me but to others who are suffering when you send your messages of hope and encouragement. Words really just fail me at the times when I'd like to express my feelings precisely.

I'm very happy to be here and to be a part of our "family" with all our ups and downs. I hope you can carry this feeling of being loved with you in your daily lives and your darkest of times. Never give up, my dear friends. You're each too precious. Someday there may come a time when some of us part from here, either by choice or for whatever reason but I hope when and if that day comes you'll know that someone else in this world does love and care about you and your well-being.

Be well my friends and may you go through each day with your hearts lifted and heads held high.


Chris

[lynn P.]

(((Briester))) - thank you for the beautiful posts you've witten here and elsewhere. You're a sensitive and caring soul - we're lucky to have you with us here at PC.

Briester
You said "I cannot begin to tell you how much all your kind words and love and care mean to me. We all have issues we're dealing with and despite that you've still taken your time to post such wonderful words, full of energy and emotion that literally brings light to my soul.

There will never be a way I can repay any of your kindness and you've all given me such a new and fresh outlook on people and I'm so thankful for that. I can literally feel the years of distrust, anger, fear, and hurt life when I see what you say not only to me but to others who are suffering when you send your messages of hope and encouragement. Words really just fail me at the times when I'd like to express my feelings precisely.

I'm very happy to be here and to be a part of our "family" with all our ups and downs. I hope you can carry this feeling of being loved with you in your daily lives and your darkest of times. Never give up, my dear friends. You're each too precious. Someday there may come a time when some of us part from here, either by choice or for whatever reason but I hope when and if that day comes you'll know that someone else in this world does love and care about you and your well-being.

Be well my friends and may you go through each day with your hearts lifted and heads held high.


Chris

YOU are a bright light in the darkness. Though I don't know you, your words have brightened my day. Thank you.

__________________

[lonegael]

(((((Briester))))) There is so much you have to offer. Look at all the beautiful messages that you've inspired. In my book, that takes a special person to touch others in such a way. Very, very well done my friend. Hugs

[Berries]

(((((((((((Briester)))))))))))

I love your spirit.