Random Quotes from Wise Mamas |
br>
|
Let's Talk (Chit Chat that Doesn't Fit Elsewhere) *Public* A public forum. |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
03-30-2011, 03:21 PM | #1 |
Deactivated
Yep. I'm a 3.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 19,140
|
An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
Jeri,
I was going to PM you this, but then I realized that you deserve your accolades in public I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for listening to the voice of God all those years ago, with the very first web ring. That, of course, led to GCM as we know it today. When I joined in 2004, after lurking for a few months, I was in such a terrible place. I was just coming out of PPD, I was struggling to overcome a severely spiritually abusive environment, and I was just beginning to face up to the effects of the horribly painful childhood I had endured. My marriage was stable, but struggling - we both engaged in unhealthy patterns of interaction, as my husband shares the same background I do. I was trying to make the adjustment to being a SAHM/WAHM, after working full time for years. I was committed to raising my son, but I was desperately missing the interaction I got on a day to day basis. We were broke (see previous paragraph about SAHM ) We were broken - struggling to find our way as parents, as spouses, as children of God. When I first found GCM, we were on dialup. I still managed to read every thread, every day. There were some days when I would do nothing but lay on my side and nurse my son and read and read and read - until I learned to nurse him in the sling, his high needs meant I was tethered to one place. Because of GCM - because of *you*, Jeri, and your heart for moms who struggle - I am in such a different place now! Because of GCM - because of *you*, Jeri, I found Crystal/ArmsofLove - a woman I'm proud to count among my friends. She listened to me for hours and hours on end - talked me through some of the worst moments I've had as an adult, as I relived the worst moments of my childhood. She prayed with me, wept with me, counseled with me, and helped bring such healing to my life Because of GCM - because of *you*, Jeri, I met Amanda/Punkie - another woman I'm proud to count among my friends. It's only now, with my own business and in the middle of homeschooling, that I can truly appreciate how much she gave up to patiently, so very patiently, answer so many of my questions as I struggled to learn the skills I needed to begin building Crystal's site. I've seen my little brother go through a college course - he's almost graduated - and he hasn't received a tenth of the education I got from Amanda Because of GCM - because of *you*, Jeri, I've met so many other incredible women - too many to start naming! I travel quite a bit these days - do you realize how amazing it is to be able to know that no matter where I go, I'm almost always guaranteed to be able to meet at least one member of GCM?! Seriously - I've had so many meetups over the years. GCM's have stayed in my home, I've stayed in theirs, I've met people at parks, and restaurants, and coffee shops, and malls. Because of GCM - because of *you*, Jeri, even seemingly little things like my hobbies have been transformed. The encouragement and tips here when I started knitting (and even still!) are something I think of happily when it's yet another 2am-can't-sleep-where-is-my-knitting-bag moment. Because of GCM - because of *you*, Jeri, and because of the sequence of events since I've been here - I have my dream job. I WAHM and get to travel, and my job description couldn't have been more perfect if I had written it myself. Do you know what a blessing it is to wake up every day loving what you do? And to no longer be scraping change out of the couch to buy a bag of rice to last until payday?...words can't express how grateful I am for that. Because of GCM - because of *you*, Jeri, I'm no longer among the walking wounded. I no longer wake up every day with the crushing weight of my life sitting on me. Through the people I've met here, I've found healing. Because of GCM - because of *you*, Jeri, my son is growing up with a healthy mother. He's growing up knowing boundaries, and strength, and a Creator who loves him with an unstoppable love. He doesn't know the God of retribution and vengeance I grew up with. He doesn't fear a parent's outstretched hand. He thinks the sound of a belt cracking is a hilarious noise-making contest, not a threat of physical assault. He is growing up secure, and loved. Because of GCM - because of *you*, Jeri, my marriage is heading into year 14 stronger than it's ever been. My husband - who in the beginning couldn't understand why I'd ever want to spend so much time on a message board - has been known to mention GCM with gratitude when we are counting our blessings. He's grown healthier through the things I've learned here - new coping skills, new fighting skills , new ways to be healthy for himself. Lately, I've had people that I've known for over 20 years not recognize me when I started talking to them The response in common? "You look so HAPPY now! What happened? You look FREE!" I don't think it's that I looked unhappy before - certainly, even with everything I was living with, people weren't asking me what was wrong. I maintained that oh-so-perfect-must-always-look-right-and-act-happy exterior so much of the time. But now that I'm not broken? The change has literally transformed every aspect of who I am And it's because of YOU, Jeri, and the fact that you listened when God wanted you to start a web ring. Thank you doesn't seem adequate, but I say it nonetheless - Thank You |
The Following 132 Users Say Thank You to Wonder Woman For This Useful Post: | 3boysforme (04-02-2011), 3xblessed (04-02-2011), Abibigail (04-01-2011), Allison (01-03-2012), alwaysHis324 (04-01-2011), Amor_Vincet_Omnia (03-30-2011), AmyDoll (04-01-2011), AngelaVA (03-30-2011), Annainprogress (03-31-2011), ArmsOfLove (03-30-2011), backtobasicsmum (03-30-2011), BarefootBetsy (03-30-2011), bec28 (03-30-2011), BeckaBlue (04-01-2011), BlessedBlue (03-30-2011), bliss (03-31-2011), Bonnie (03-31-2011), Bumblebee (03-30-2011), canadiyank (03-30-2011), Castle On A Cloud (03-30-2011), Cat (03-30-2011), cro (03-30-2011), crunchymum (04-01-2011), curlymopmom (07-21-2011), DaltonsMomma (03-30-2011), DancingWithElves (04-02-2011), Delaney (03-30-2011), domesticzookeeper (04-01-2011), DoulaClara (03-30-2011), Dovenoir (06-26-2012), duckwithoneleg (06-29-2012), dulce de leche (03-30-2011), EMama (03-31-2011), Embracing Grace (03-31-2011), emerald (11-21-2013), eoconnel (03-31-2011), erh384 (03-30-2011), fireweedmama (03-30-2011), FlyingBlueKiwi (03-30-2011), gardenfreshmama (03-30-2011), GentleMomof4 (04-01-2011), graciousmomma (03-30-2011), greendelight (04-01-2011), Heather Micaela (03-31-2011), Hermana Linda (03-31-2011), hopeforchange (03-30-2011), houseforjoy (04-01-2011), inesperada (03-30-2011), JessicaNichole (03-31-2011), JessicaTX (03-31-2011), jewelmcjem (04-01-2011), Joyful Melissa (03-30-2011), JustMandy (03-30-2011), Kat (03-30-2011), katiekind (03-30-2011), Katydid (03-30-2011), kiloyd (04-03-2011), Kindle Mama (03-30-2011), KLin (03-30-2011), krysmh (03-30-2011), KSL (04-01-2011), Kyasmom (03-30-2011), Lantern Light Mama (04-02-2011), light of mine (03-30-2011), Lily (03-30-2011), Llee (03-31-2011), Maggie (03-30-2011), Maggirayne (03-30-2011), mama-hobbit (04-01-2011), mamamonkey (03-30-2011), mariposa (03-30-2011), MarynMunchkins (03-30-2011), Meli (03-30-2011), melliethepooh (03-30-2011), MercyInDisguise (03-31-2011), mokamoto (03-31-2011), Mokek Kwe (04-01-2011), mommychem (04-01-2011), mommylove (03-30-2011), momofmany (03-30-2011), nadezhda (03-30-2011), ncsweetpea (03-31-2011), NewLeaf (04-01-2011), NovelMama (03-30-2011), november (03-30-2011), OnlyBelieve (04-01-2011), PacisEtAmor (04-01-2011), pastelsummer (03-30-2011), Peaceful Meadows (04-01-2011), purple_kangaroo (04-01-2011), racheepoo (04-01-2011), raining_kisses (03-31-2011), ReedleBeetle (03-30-2011), righteous mama (03-30-2011), RiverRock (03-30-2011), rjy9343 (04-01-2011), RubySlippers (03-31-2011), Serendipity (03-31-2011), shaslove (03-30-2011), simplegirl (03-30-2011), Singingmom (03-30-2011), Soaring Eagle (04-01-2011), StewardofLOs (03-31-2011), Stiina (04-01-2011), StrangeTraveller (03-30-2011), StumblinMama (03-30-2011), sweetpeasmommy (03-30-2011), Synesthesia (03-30-2011), tazmom (03-30-2011), tempus vernum (03-31-2011), TenderLovingWillow (03-30-2011), Teribear (03-30-2011), thrillofhope (03-30-2011), TraceMama (03-30-2011), TrinMama (04-02-2011), trustingGod2 (03-31-2011), TuneMyHeart (03-30-2011), Two Little Birds (03-30-2011), Weezie (03-30-2011), zak (03-30-2011), Zipporah (04-03-2011) |
03-30-2011, 03:28 PM | #2 |
Climbing Rose
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,407
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
__________________
Partaker of the Eternal Fountain of Coffee and Perpetual Provider of Magic Milk My blog:Dulce de leche 13 years with Mi Amado Dd ~ 1/04 Ds ~ 1/06 Dd ~ 6/08 Dd ~ 7/10 |
03-30-2011, 03:29 PM | #3 |
Rose Garden
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 29,784
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
Wow. Just wow!
__________________
Karisa W -17 My talking boy E - 16 My doing boy J - 14 My sparkly girl L - 11 My funny boy O - 9 My snuggly boy
|
The Following User Says Thank You to backtobasicsmum For This Useful Post: | TenderLovingWillow (03-30-2011) |
03-30-2011, 03:31 PM | #4 |
Moderator
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In green pastures
Posts: 9,770
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
__________________
RiverRock, mom to a 24 year old diamond, 22 year old granite, 19 year old pearl, and 16 year old tiger eye. Married for 25 years to a rugged boulder and resting together on the one true Rock.
|
03-30-2011, 03:32 PM | #5 |
Deactivated
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 7,380
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
:thanks
|
03-30-2011, 03:32 PM | #6 |
Rose Trellis
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: TX
Posts: 3,453
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
What a wonderful post! I love GCM, too. I have learned so much.
Thank you, Jeri!
__________________
Married to the love of my life Mama to (7) & (2) Save
|
03-30-2011, 03:38 PM | #7 |
Rose Garden
Standing for gentleness and honesty
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Looking for Hope
Posts: 12,027
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
GCM has been a HUGE part of me becoming healthy!
__________________
Maggi, Tw irler of the Umbrella of Silliness
Mama to two sweet littles and 3 angels 12/4/11 10/7/13 12/8/13 Grace is not a destination, it's a journey. I first learned to show grace to my child that was not shown to me, then I learned to accept it for myself, and only recently have I been able to have grace for others more. ~Sweetpeasmommy A |
The Following User Says Thank You to Maggirayne For This Useful Post: | TenderLovingWillow (03-30-2011) |
03-30-2011, 03:40 PM | #8 |
Rose Garden
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: where the street has no name
Posts: 17,002
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
Yes!
__________________
"As long as I learn I will make mistakes..." ~Beastie Boys
|
03-30-2011, 03:46 PM | #9 |
Rose Garden
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 8,673
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
This...
And this.. Thank you soo very much. GCM has been a huge part of my journey to health as well.
__________________
WILLOW *Mom to Four Munchkins *Birth Doula *Childbirth Educator *Babywearing Educator *Vegetarian |
03-30-2011, 03:48 PM | #10 |
Rose Garden
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 8,812
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
jeri gcm
__________________
Cat Married to J Mama to A born January 2010 and a kitty bear Sylvia |
03-30-2011, 04:03 PM | #11 |
Rose Trellis
A picture of me taken by J. :)
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,088
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
Reb, what a lovely post!
Jeri, for GCM, it's such an incredible ministry, and a blessing to me!
__________________
Debbie wife to R mama to J (10-07)
|
03-30-2011, 04:08 PM | #12 |
Rose Garden
"Take Joy Home, And make a place in thy great heart for her...Joy is the grace we say to God." ~Jean Ingelow~
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The Forest
Posts: 16,337
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
I am SO thankful for this site, it has really ministered to me.
__________________
Hannah Joy
Intuitive People Loving Introvert Married since '05 to Ryan software and web applications developer. Homeschooling Mama to my 5 Joys... dd1 RJ (12/07), dd2 AJ (08/09), dd3 PJ (01/12), ds1 Ziggy (09/15), ds2 Sunny (05/18) Enjoying a Healing Diet to manage SPD and other health challenges. Sorry for the typos and sloppy grammar I don't have a good excuse anymore. |
03-30-2011, 04:13 PM | #13 |
Rose Garden
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,542
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
That was beautiful! Thank you!
__________________
Darcy married to my Photographic Genius (1/00) Mom to: Prima, Secunda, Tertia, and Quarta Youth and Beauty are fleeting, but the ability to bake a great chocolate cake lasts forever! |
03-30-2011, 04:23 PM | #14 |
Deactivated
There's no place like home.
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 9,100
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
Awwww... That is beautiful, Reb!
We you, Jeri! |
03-30-2011, 04:38 PM | #15 |
Rose Trellis
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,459
|
Re: An open letter to Jeri, aka flowermama
__________________
Wife to my black-belt since 12/04 mom to: one sweet girl 12/06 one snuggly boy 8/10 |
Bookmarks |
|
|
X vBulletin 3.8.3 Debug Information | |
---|---|
|
|
More Information | |
Template Usage:
Phrase Groups Available:
|
Included Files:
Hooks Called:
|