TCF Meeting Point

Meeting Point has served TCF well during recent years. However, it was a site which was open to all and has been plagued with spam messages and purveyors of pornograhic material. With great reluctance the Trustees of TCF felt that the situation could not be allowed to continue and decided to close Meeting Point in it's present form to protect genuine users.

Meeting Point is still available on TCF Forum. You will need to register and receive a password if you have not already done so. TCF Forum is more secure and during the coming months steps will be taken to increase the security of TCF Forum for the benefit of those using the site.

Items posted prior to 30th June 2007 are available below.

 


Meeting Point has now closed. Please use TCF Forum

Total number of posts in Meeting Point : 11138

11138. Margaret-Debbie's mum 06:58:07, 2007-07-01
2nd July 2003 was the day I first got membership on the TCF Internet site. It was my birthday. Tomorrow I am 61 and feel further away from my daughter than ever. I thought the years would have made me cope better. That maybe in some ways but I am in bits this morning yet again. 
I wrote a message to Debbie last night at Meeting point. Then I noticed it is the end of that line. Another bereavement. This time though we all know that it is going to happen because we are positively informed about it. 
We are all saying farewell, goodbye, hope to meet our TCF Friends at the Forum. 
Hopefully it will be ok for us all. 
15 years since we had our angel day. 
As long as we have memories.....yesterday remains. 
As long as we have hope.....tomorrow awaits. 
As long as we have friendships..today is beautiful
11137. Ronnie 22:55:13, 2007-06-30
Thank you for being there Meeting Point! With your help I have met such lovely understanding friends - most of whom I have never even met, but through you have shared my innermost thoughts. Thank you to all who have manned Meeting Point over the years, and to those who will be manning the Forum. At my darkest times my "Compassionate Friends" have been my lifeline - birthdays, anniversaries, etc.  
Love to all, Ronnie Claire's Mum always. xx 
11136. Alysia (Sacha's Mum) 20:58:24, 2007-06-30
Not having posted too often, other than at the beginning, and a few times afterwards, when I lost my precious daughter, Sacha (05/03/88 - 25/01/07). I would like to thank TCF Meeting Point, and all those kind parents who answered my posts. 
 
I am unsure of the Forum and how it works, but hopefully I shall work it out and be able to join. 
 
Until then, thankyou again Meeting Point. 
 
Much love and thoughts to all bereaved parents and families out there. 
 
Alysia 
xxxxxx
11135. Lorna, Fionas Mum 19:34:55, 2007-06-30
Sorrow doesn't seem to be taking its leave from me..this night in 2001 was a lovely night. Fiona had her 18th birthday party in the garden (her birthday a few days ago). We had no idea that it was her last on Earth. 
 
Meeting Point, you feel like a friend we all will miss very much....thank you for being our friend in so many times of need and introducing us to other very good new friends.  
 
Lorna xX
11134. Debbies mum 19:31:09, 2007-06-30
email  Dear Debbie 
I'd like to be holding you now in my arms 
I'd like to be squeezing you tight 
I'd like to carress you, enfold you, embrace you 
be with you each day and each night.... 
However, I know, That this can't be so 
But here in my heart you remain 
And I'm sending you my love,with a kiss and a hug 
Until we're together again........... 
 
We know that you made some wrong choices in life Debbie.All you ever wanted was love and special hugs.You deserved much more than being lost to us at only 23. 
Your 'little' 9 year old brother now towers over me aged 24...... 
Your sisters both with sons you never were able to have. 
Watch over us please Debbie with all the other angels from our TCF families. 
Love and God Bless you all......none of you will ever be forgotten 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  
11133. Helen 17:39:16, 2007-06-30
Goodbye Meeting Point - I've found so much support and friendship here. Love to all the compassionate friends I've met here - I'm so sorry we had to meet, but so very thankful that Meeting Point existed.
11132. Maxine 13:55:47, 2007-06-30
I mean Paul 1970 to 2005 of course ... 
 
Thought about, missed and loved ... every single day x x x
11131. carolyn m 11:58:23, 2007-06-30
email  Bye bye meeting point .I suppose I will try and use the forum because of lack of choice , but I know that I always feel confused when I go there. There are so many different headings and to me I think we will be swallowed up there and that some cries for help or important postings or new people who are desperate will be lost in the multitude! 
I hope Im wrong . Ive noticed a lot less postings on meeting point in the last few weeks -is that because they are all already in the forum or have they decided its too complicated.  
I will give it a go - I just worry about new posters .  
Carolyn -Rosies mummy xx  
Ive always felt that way and thats why I hardly ever use it, or even read it.
11130. Maxine 09:46:41, 2007-06-30
email  Thank you Meeting Point .. 
 
For being there in some of my darkest hours .... 
 
Much love to all ... 
 
Maxine  
 
Still mum to three, to Paul 1770 - 2005 and to Jill and Dan ..... still grieving for their brother, me, for my lost child ... but getting on with life as best as we all can x x x 
 
11129. Frog 02:35:44, 2007-06-30
Goodbye Meeting Point 
 
You were the first stop place for many a bereaved parent, including me. You will be sadly missed and I hope that those that used you will now join us on the Forum area where support is given just as freely. 
 
Missing you already.... 
 
Frog
11128. Frances Speakman (Angela's Mum) 23:22:29, 2007-06-29
email  Well Goodby Meeting Point... 
 
This was the first contact I made on here, after losing our beautiful Angela 4 years ago, I have met and made many friends through Meeting Point and received such wonderful comfort & support.. 
 
THANK YOU ALL 
 
Sending much love to Everyone and hope you will all use the Forum ... 
 
Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeee 
 
Frances 
 
Mum of our beautiful Angela, lost in 2003 to a fatal Asthma Attack xx forever in my heart xx  
 
11127. Ronnie 09:40:30, 2007-06-28
Dear Agony, 
We all know how desperate you are feeling - we can never recover from the loss of a child only support one another. However long ago you lost your child the memories are still vivid and the pain still raw - don't be hard on yourself. 
Happy birthday to your beloved child and sweet memories to you. 
Love Ronnie Claire's Mum always xx
11126. Clare's mum 21:31:56, 2007-06-27
Dear Jean 
I often wonder how you are and think of your precious Victoria, as Lauren's mum says please log onto the Forum, the support there is invaluable. 
xx 
 
Dear Agony 
you are not alone and are definitely not pathetic 
the loss of a child whatever their age is not something you can get used to and everyone should be able to say Happy Birthday to their child. 
I will be thinking of you tomorrow and will light a candle for the one you miss so much. 
xx
11125. Agony 23:27:44, 2007-06-26
Feeling empty, feeling a numb pain. Feeling alone. 
 
Feeling disbelief 
 
Happy Birthday for tomorrow my child. 
 
(Anonymous because I should be used to this, feel ashamed for being so pathetic) 
 
Just want to be able to say it 
 
Happy Birthday 
 
 
 
Where are you?  
 
 
11124. Lauren's mum 23:09:58, 2007-06-25
homepage Dear Jean 
Please log in again to the forum - don't feel alone. I am already thinking of you and Victoria on the countdown to July 11th. I think of you both so often - our girly girls, pink and blonde and only 17. I know how much you are hurting. 
With love and big hugs to you 
Bridget 
xx 
11123. Ronnie 23:08:41, 2007-06-25
Dear Jean - It seems to be only the people that tread this path with you that understand - stay with us, we listen to you and empathise with you totally. At times the pain seems unbearable, and we struggle blindly to keep going, but we are here for you - we are holding each other up. 
Thinking of you and your beautiful Victoria, 
Ronnie Claire's Mum always xx
11122. Jean G 21:26:07, 2007-06-25
I've not posted for a long time. I've tried to blunder through life by cutting myself off and living in my own terrifying world. It's not working. 
 
It will be 2 years ago this July since my daughter, Victoria, was killed in a car accident. She was 17 and beautiful. 
 
The pain won't go away. There is no comfort to be found. 
 
Sorry if this is disjointed but I type through tears.
11121. Ronnie 22:58:48, 2007-06-24
Dear Alysia - Thinking of you and Sacha  
Dear Judy - Special thoughts of you and Alex 
We all try and help each other on this long and difficult road -  
Love Ronnie, Claire's Mum always xx
11120. Judy 10:25:31, 2007-06-23
email  Dear Alysia, 
I understand your emotions after just five months of losing your precious daughter Sasha. I too am finding it very hard to cope since the loss of my beautiful daughter Alex. I will wait to hear from you. 
 
Wit much love Judy xxxx
11119. Alysia (Sacha's Mum) 23:58:03, 2007-06-22
I have only posted a few times since losing my precious daughter, Sacha, on January 25th of this year. I found it such a huge comfort to be able to make contact with others who were experiencing the same pain as myself. I am now wary of posting because of these horrible "spammers" who seem to be taking over, and as a result, putting a stop to this invaluable site.  
Having said all this, my reason for posting tonight is because it will be 5 months on Monday that I lost my Sacha, and I am finding it so, so hard to cope. I'm not in any way expecting any answers from any of you, as I know that you have/are going through these same emotions as I am - I am merely venting my thoughts and emotions.  
 
FOR JUDY, 
Thankyou so much for your reply to my email a couple of weeks ago. I am sorry that I have not replied as yet, I hope you can understand that emotions are out of control at present, but I WILL email you ASAP. 
 
All my love to my precious Sacha, 
From Mummy  
xxxxxxxxxx 
 
 
11118. LindaB 23:57:39, 2007-06-21
I just read your post I do understand my son took his own life two and a half years ago.Tell me about your lovely son i would like to hear about him
11117. Frog 22:57:28, 2007-06-21
Bonnie 
 
We understand, you can talk to us. 
 
In compassion, Frog
11116. bonnietate 21:48:14, 2007-06-21
email  homepage i was just just trying to find support and chat with others who understand i lost my 18 year old son 4 years ago today he overdosed it dont seem to get better
11115. Jessica, mama of Franjo 18:47:00, 2007-06-21
email  homepage I will love you until my hope dies, but when my hope dies i will die... 
 
I`ve lost my hope, i lost my child. 
 
Miss him so much...i can`t belive it. 
 
In never-ennding love 
 
Jessica, mama of Franjo
11114. Frog 22:06:11, 2007-06-20
Georgina 
 
Meeting Point in a different form continues in the Forum. You need to register there, please join us there. Just click on the Forum on the left scroll bar and follow the instructions to register. 
 
Please do not be left out. 
 
Love Frog
11113. Georgina (Kierans Grandma) 16:10:09, 2007-06-20
Not posted for some time but still read messages. It is so sad that meeting point has to close as I found it such help 3 years ago this September when we lost our beloved Kieran (6yrs 9months) in a tragic accident. It is amazing to me that we all manage to continue living albeit a very different life to that we imagined and still find some days harder than others.I still cry most days even now but have managed to start living again although the world for me is a much sadder place without Kieran in it. My daughter continues to amaze me by how she has coped and has been studying at night school and hopes to go to university and study for a degree in September. She has also had Cleo who is now 16 months and this little person has given us some light back in our lives and means Georgia who is now 6 has a sister to love. I think I am trying to say, as this will be my last posting, that grief does lessen, it never goes away but you learn to live without the beloved child in your life. Its so unfair isn't it. No one else understands fully, only everyone else who reads and posts and finds comfort from tcf. Even the closest friends can have no idea what it is like to go through birthdays, Christmas etc. without them but we wouldn't want them to anyway would we, this is a club no one wants to belong to. Before I go I send love to Marie Clare who lost Darcy in 2004, Funda who lost Sibel, Louise, Katy, Jane who lost her only son David,Sarah, Muriel (another grieving grandma) and to everyone else who has found comfort here. Will try and look at the forum sometime but do not think it will be as comforting as Meeting Point. What a shame that the spammers have done this to us.
11112. "M" 21:57:49, 2007-06-17
sorry - my previous post was in response to "Jane" 
11111. "M" 21:57:09, 2007-06-17
In response to Ann's post (1111) my daughter was 13 when her young adult brother passed away - she is now 15. It is no easier for her now - just over 2 years later. 
 
I have tried to persuad her to talk or what-ever else and requested help from her school / g.p. etc to find ways of if nothing else coping with her - to no avail. 
 
I think the old cliche "time" .......... 
11110. Jill 21:38:52, 2007-06-17
email  For Jane (Post 11109) 
 
Not sure if this applies but................ I lost my 34 year old brother just over 2 years ago. I am now 38 and my surviving brother is now 34 also. Although we are not "young" anymore so to speak, it feels like I have lost two brothers because our relationship has never been the same and probably never will be. We were once close but sadly, I cant help him losing a brother and neither can he help me. 
Sorry to all siblings out there because it hurts just as much. 
I for one thought I had 'everything' but sadly I no longer do. I have a wonderful little family of my own and 2 beautiful children BUT I have also lost 2 brothers..........but only 1 actually died. 
I tried and tried and tried to help my late brother to no avail and sadly it would seem I cant even help my younger one. Us siblings will never be the same....whatever age. We just have to try in our own way to cope with the bad days cause we all get them....even 2 years on and probably will forever. 
Love and compassion to all. Hang on in there. Still hurts. Just becomes that tiny bit more bearable. 
 
Jill (Paul's Sister 1970-2005)
11109. jane 17:27:31, 2007-06-17
email  i would like to hear from adults who lost a sibling when young. my eldest was just 11 when his 5yr old brother went. He has never been same since.
11108. simon tims dad 05:02:40, 2007-06-17
email  been a very long time since been here and see it is all changed so wont be easy to spill out my feelings. thought i had got it licked but appears not. working nights and listening to others talking about farthers day has just brought it back my other lads will be round the house and expect we will have a beer and bbq but cant help but dread it so much so that have had to have some time alone overnight just to let the tears run. anyway maybee i will speak again as cant remember if i have a password or not 
love to all especially other dads
11107. Anastasia 10:33:46, 2007-06-16
email  Maybe somebody can help me to amswer aquestion. 
My closest friend has a new born baby.The baby was born for 2,5 months earlier through caesarean and now doctors saying after the tests that baby has a haemorrage of the brain is there any hope for this baby to survive and do not have any brain damage? 
Thank you for help.
11106. Maxine 09:02:58, 2007-06-13
email  Hello Everyone ... 
 
Ann - I have e-mailed you personally, our sons seem so alike. 
 
For everyone struggling today ... just hang on in there, you may cope a little better tomorrow - the situation will be the same, but sometimes, we feel stronger, but don't beat yourself up, if you have a bad day, or days, or weeks, or months, ''WE'' know how we feel, don't we? And it's all part of what life is now, and it's OK .... and feeling bad is OK, no matter how near or far down this road you happen to be. 
 
My daughter told me the other day that oneof my friends said, it's been over two years now, surely ther are over it by now? 
 
Oh isn't she lucky not to have the feelings inside her that ''WE'' do? It didn't deserve an answer, she could not possibly understand because both her children are still alive. 
 
Much love to all .... 
 
Paul's mum (Paul Barnes 13.09.70 - 04.02.05) 
 
And Jill and Dan's mum too .... 
 
Love Maxine x  
 
11105. Paula 10:02:54, 2007-06-11
email  homepage Hi everyone, just to let you know that between now and June 30th all messages posted on Meeting Point and Poetry Corner will incur a delay before they are actually displayed. This is because that so many of the messages are now spam that I am now approving all messages before they are displayed. If these spammers are determined to post here then I am determined that their messages wont be displayed. (Still have to clear them down every hour or so though) 
 
Just a reminder that a new thread called Poetry Corner has been set up on the forum and a variety of discussion topics are available to use as you did Meeting point. If you have any problems registering to use the forum then please let me know. 
 
Paula
11104. liz p 20:31:09, 2007-06-10
Hi just want to say what a huge shame that meeting point has to close because of spammers.Just another example of how cruel life is.Thank you to everyone for sharing their most intimate feelings.I only wrote a few times but read your messages on a daily basis.Stay strong and love to you all who are travelling this dreadful road.Love,hugs and kisses to all our beautiful children who have gone from our homes but not from our hearts.Stay strong will miss meeting point but hopefully join the forum.Yous are always in my thoughts 
love Liz P
11103. Patricia 11:47:47, 2007-06-08
email  Dear Ann 
tried to mail you, still could not get through, such a long time since we wrote to each other, but have not forgotten you or your dear son. Would love to hear from you, and anxious to get details of your book. have put my e-mail on for once, it is always on the Forum though. 
Love P xx 
Love P
11102. Ann Loy 09:27:13, 2007-06-08
email  Dear Patricia 
 
Don't have your email address, please email me (it hasn't changed) and I will give you details of my book. 
 
Ann
11101. Ronnie 10:23:09, 2007-06-07
Dear Samantha, Special thoughts of you and your beloved Elliott - Love, strength and compassion to you and sweet memories of your darling boy, Ronnie Claire's Mum always xx
11100. Patricia 10:12:13, 2007-06-07
Samantha, thinking of you today on your dear son's 16th birthday. 
 
Carolyn, sorry I haven't been in touch lately, things have been difficult for a few weeks. Good luck though, sure Rosie will make the sun shine for you all! 
 
Ann, please mail me, not sure if I still have contact with you, maybe you changed your mailing address? Would love a copy of your book. 
 
Love to all, so sorry about Meeting Point, but wht don't you all join us on the Forum? We even manage to have some laughs on there at times, try it and see.
11099. Samantha 08:07:23, 2007-06-07
email  Today is my darling Elliot's 16th birthday. Having gone through the first anniversary on 30th May I now have to face his birthday and woke up this morning feeling dreadful. I just wanted to get up and take him his cup of tea and then see him all excited to open his presents from me before reluctantly getting ready to go to school. He was always so grateful and would always give me a great big bear hug and a kiss and say " love you mum" and was just always so very very pleased with whatever you gave him. I miss him so dreadfully and feel this pain just gets worse and worse as the time goes on and am so scared of him slipping away from me :-( I wish he was here with me and I had my life back. Can't make any sense of it all and cannot understand why so many of us are in this dreadful place and all our children seems to be the nicest and kindest people, they do say the good die young but that is no consolation. So sorry to sound so bitter, I guess I am and feel I am going through a really angry phase and just feel so sorry for myself and my precious boy, the world was so much better with him in it. Anyway really just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIOT, I love you more than ever.  
 
I'm off to New Zealand for a couple of weeks today and know Elliot will be with me so that is something exciting for his birthday.  
 
Love to all and so very sorry that the meeting point will no longer be in use soon. It really is such a shame.  
 
Thinking of all of you that are in this dreadful situation and sending lots of love to you and your children.
11098. Frog 23:11:39, 2007-06-06
Emsy 
 
Thinking of you today. 
 
Love Frog
11097. Frances Speakman...Angela's Mum... 17:16:30, 2007-06-05
email  Vicky 
 
I've e-mailed you..... 
 
Love 
 
Frances xxx
11096. Ann Loy 16:30:46, 2007-06-05
email  I lost my beautiful son almost seven years ago. He took his own life two days before his 27th birthday. Since then I have made many friends via tcf and don't know what I would have done, or where I would be without their support and compassion.  
 
I have just published a book - which covers life during my son's undiagnosed mental illness due to the effects of drug mis-use and his subsequent suicide. It's a journey through my grief and the unbearable sadness we all feel after we've lost a child. If anyone would like to read my story please email me for details. TCF will recieve a donation for each book sold.
11095. Vicky Bower 13:08:53, 2007-06-04
email  I very rarely post here now even though the days are rarely brighter without Chloe 3 years along the line, but I wanted to pass on my best wishes to Francis and Michael who were there for me at the beginning xxxx
11094. Samantha 17:18:52, 2007-06-02
email  Just wanted to thank everyone who lit candles for Elliot on his first anniversary :-( The day itself was not nearly as bad as expected but the build up to it and now the days after are again pretty grim. I spent the day with my family and went to the grave to lay flowers and also light a candle and to my complete shock all his friends were there (about 25 of them) and they said they were going to spend the day with me and Elliot and make it a happy day of sharing stories about Elliot and just spending the day with him. We had a fantastic time and did just that, spent the day with Elliot, having cream cakes in the afternoon in the cemetery and just stayed with Elliot and it really felt as is he had spent the day with us. His friends really did make a difference and made a terribly sad day not as bad as anticipated. My parents were away and they both are suffering terribly and it is so hard for me to see them so upset and to watch my dad crying. For me it is when I am on my own that I cry, I find when I am with other people I laugh and am jolly as couldn't bear them to see me upset but often when they phone me I am very teary and distraught on the the phone. Just really wanted to thank all those who remembered me and Elliot on the 30th. Sending thanks and lots of love to all. 
 
Samantha xxxxxxxxx
11093. Ronnie 17:58:47, 2007-05-30
Dear Samantha,  
My candle will be alight tonight for your beloved Elliott - Love, strength and compassion to you - Ronnie Claire's Mum always xx
11092. Bernie 17:35:24, 2007-05-30
homepage Dear Sam, 
 
I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking about you and Elliott today. I have sent you a p.m. 
 
love Bernie x
11091. Judy 16:19:23, 2007-05-30
email  Dear Alysia 
 
To clarify my e mail address the j is a j and the g is a g. Hope very much to hear from you soon. 
 
With love to you and Sasha 
 
Judy
11090. Frances Speakman...Angela's Mum... 15:12:20, 2007-05-30
email  Samantha... 
 
I've sent you an e-mail.... 
 
Much love 
 
Frances xx
11089. Samantha 08:22:50, 2007-05-30
email  Dear All, 
Today, the day I have been dreading, the 1st anniversary of my darling Elliot's accident. I can't understand why we feel so dreadful on this one day when we live with this awful thing all the time but it is true, I feel absolutely dreadful today and began crying all day yesterday and as soon as I woke up this morning. I am going to visit his grave and also the scene of the accident and leave some flowers and light a candle and am then meeting up with all his friends and we are going to try to make it a day when we share stories about Elliot and try to celebrate his life and not be too sad but unfortunately don't think it is going to work. Keep getting these awful panic attacks and feel I just can't breathe because the pain of losing him is just too much. My stomach is constantly doing butterflies. Keep thinking about last year and can't understand why I was so calm when faced with the news that he had been killed. If it was now I would never have let him go and certainly wouldn't have let them take my baby for post mortem. I can't bear the thought of them taking him away from me and me not being with him. I don't if anyone can identify with this. Just can't understand why a year ago when it all happened that I just remained so very calm. My GP says it was my training coming into play because I am a registered nurse but I just think I didn't want to face the truth. I still have days when I just think this can't be true and I will wake up to find it was just an awful dream and he is still here with me :-( So sorry to go on, just a really bad day for me and so full of pain and anger. Thanks to all who said they would light candles for my darling Elliot. Lots of love Samantha xxxxx
11088. Alysia, Sacha's Mum 21:53:28, 2007-05-29
To Judy, 
Thankyou for your post the other day. I do remember you replying to my first posts a few weeks ago - you stayed in my mind because our daughters had been taken from us in what seemed to be very similar circumstances. 
I would very much like to email you personally, as invited, but am unsure of your email address as you have shown - I am not sure if the "j" is "j" or "i" and if the "g" is "g" or "q" in the address you gave in this site. 
Would it be possible for you to clarify this for me, as I think that it could, hopefully, benefit the both of us if we could email each other personally. 
Love and thoughts to you and Alex 
xxxxx
11087. Ronnie 19:25:51, 2007-05-28
Dear Val, Sweet memories, loving thoughts of Allan your shining star, and a special young man to your TCF friends. Love and Compassion Ronnie Claire's Mum always xx  
 
 
11086. Elainer 21:49:12, 2007-05-27
email  Like many I read the messages but rarely write openly - however when my son Dylan (Dibs) was killed in a RTA (aged 19) 3 years ago I started corresponded to a lovely lady named Sandy G. Her son was also killed a month earlier in a RTA. Sadly Sandy died from cancer in January - I think she wrote under the name Starlight??? (Sorry if I got the wrong name and that person is alive and kicking)Perhaps some of you also corresponded with her. Thanks to everyone I do find comfort in this site.
11085. katie 10:50:36, 2007-05-27
email  Thank you all my special friends on tcf for helping me through Ryans 1st anniversary. Without your support this past year I would never have travelled so far. Your love and hugs shone through so brightly whilst I paid tribute to my Ryan. love to you all Katie xxxx
11084. Judy 09:55:22, 2007-05-26
email  Dear Alysia, 
 
I replied to you before telling you about my daughter Alex who also had special needs and died within two days of a bacterial infection, causing pneumonia and sceptacemia. She was 15 years old and like you my world has fallen apart. I am absolutely devastated and broken hearted.  
 
Please e mail me if you feel you want to. 
 
With love to you 
 
Judy xxx
11083. Alysia, Sacha's Mum 23:49:55, 2007-05-25
Dear Francis and Michael Speakman, 
As I said in my previous post, I have not written for a while, as I am here, there, and everywhere at the moment. However, I have looked briefly over the past few days of posts, and feel that I must send to you both, and your family, my thoughts and well wishes for Michael to have a speedy recovery from his operation. This is such a cruel blow to your ever-present situation of losing your precious child. 
You were one of the first to respond to my initial post a few weeks ago, and you must have then known about Michael's condition, but you still managed to try and give me some comfort. I am so grateful for that - you are one of life's precious souls!!! 
Much love and thoughts to everone on this site 
Alysia 
xxx
11082. Alysia, Sacha's Mum 22:02:18, 2007-05-25
I haven't posted for a few weeks, but my heart is heavy today, as it is 4 months today that I lost my daughter, Sacha, to an over-whelming bacterial infection that took her within 2 days. I have been reliving that day as if it were today, wondering if I could have done anything differently to save her. It doesn't seem to matter that everyone, including the medical professionals that have been involved in Sacha's life for many years, have said that there was nothing more I could have done, I still feel that sense of responsibility and guilt because she was in my care at home when I lost her. I don't know if I will ever be able to shed these painful feelings. 
This post is not a request for answers, I am merely expressing my thoughts into words.
11081. Ronnie 21:14:55, 2007-05-25
Dear Vivienne - So sad to read your posting but know exactly how you feel. Living without the one thing that made life worthwhile is so difficult, but we must keep travelling on this road for our children's sake. Try to keep strong Vivienne - we are here holding your hand - Love and Compassion to you and your beloved Jake - Ronnie Claire's Mum always xx
11080. Jake's Mum Vivienne 15:42:34, 2007-05-25
email  Hi everyone, I hope you are keeping well. 
 
It's been some time since I've posted on here, must be at least 9 months or so. 
 
It's 2 years next June 30th since my lovely Jake passed away and I can't believe how the time has gone so quickly. 
 
The pain is still as great as ever, it never goes away. Everyday is a constant struggle. From the moment I wake I'm thinking of him to the moment I go to bed. 
 
He would have been 13 years old April just gone. A teenager. How I would have loved to have seen him in his school uniform but he died before I that could happen. 
 
I miss him so much and cry every single day. The longing and yearning becomes so intense sometimes that I consider suicide but never seem to have the courage to do it. It would devastate my family and they've already suffered enough. 
 
I'm sorry my posting is so negative but I feel so alone and lost. I suppose you could say it's utter despair. Nowhere to turn to nowhere to go. I just wish the pain would subside sometimes, like a switch you can turn on and off. But we all know that doesn't happen. 
 
To me, my Jake was the best thing in my life and to die at the tender age of 11 years of a brain haemorrhage that we never knew he had and all within in an hour of feeling unwell, well you can imagine, the pain and suffering and just goes on and on. My only child. 
 
Sleep tight my sweet boy, love you always...Mum 
 
Thank you for listening to me....I just needed to express myself somehow and believe it or not this does help in some small way, because I know that there are many parents out there that have lost their children or loved ones and you all know exactly how I feel. 
 
MY LOVE TO YOU ALL AND OUR ANGELS 
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 
Jake's mum forever
11079. Frog 07:39:09, 2007-05-25
Eileen, 
 
Keep writing, it helped me lots, and I got stuck several times, and indeed have several unfinished bits that I abandoned. I got a magnetic poetry set, picked out the apt words, you know the ones, despair, black etc, and I got started again. Just try writing all those words and see what happens. Hugs Eileen. 
 
Sue, Stevies Mum, 
 
Top left on the blue strip is 'contact TCF' please send a message to Web Support, I am sure they can help sort you out on the Forum. There is a whole world of conversations in there, and I cannot bear the fact that you cannot get in. 
 
Love Frog
11078. Eileen 01:29:22, 2007-05-25
Hi Everyone 
I have not posted much of late. These are some thoughts that I wrote recently and I wanted to share them with you. 
 
It feels like everything I write is crappy at moment. Have difficulty with flow and following through. 
 
A shadow over my thought. A black bird calls and stays in my heart. So all I do is influenced and informed by his death. 
 
Others do not know this, it is alien to them. A loss that is all encompassing and hardly gives space to think in the way I use to. This is what stops me from being so enthusiastic as I use to be. The world feels less of an oyster. I am learning to live with it painfully and slowly. 
 
With Love  
Eileen xx
11077. Sue Stevie's Mum 23:47:34, 2007-05-23
Dear Frances and Mike, 
Just wanted to say that Im sorry to hear about Mike's health problems and hope that he will make a good recovery. You have always been there for so many people on this site, and always remember the anni's and birthdays of our precious children. 
Take good care of yourselves, my thoughts are with you. 
Love Suex 
 
I am still having trouble trying to get onto the forum and so I wont be able to communicate with many of you soon, so I would just like to take the opportunity to say THANKS FOR THIS WONDERFUL SITE, and give thanks to all the people that have helped me along this very difficult and emotional path of life now. 
Love and Peace to you all. 
Sue Stevie's Proud Mumxxxxxxx 
11076. dorothy 22:26:04, 2007-05-22
email  Dear Frances and Mike, 
 
I am seldom on meeting point now but I do occassionally look in. 
 
I just want to say my thoughts are with you both as you face another of those awful things that life throws at us. 
 
You have always been such a strength and comfort to others and I wish you all the strength and comfort back a hundred fold 
 
Love 
 
Doroth 
 
Dear Lorna and Carolyn, 
 
I can only say similar. We all feel for you and are with you helping you through 
 
Love 
 
Dorothy 
 
11075. carolyn m 19:46:08, 2007-05-22
email  Dear Frances and Mike  
I am sorry you have been through such a bad time . I am sending lots of healing light to Mike . Angela will be watching over you.  
With love Carolyn Rosies mummyxxxx
11074. alison bratton 18:41:58, 2007-05-22
email  homepage dear francis (Angela's mum)..i'm thinking and sending you and Mike all my positive thoughts ...alison robert's mum.x.x
11073. Callum's Mum 14:56:37, 2007-05-22
email  homepage Dear Lorna, Frances, Mike and Carolyn 
I don't often post on meeting point but i would just like you all to know that i am thinking about you all. 
 
Lorna can you receive emails? 
 
love 
Roseanne 
xxx
11072. Diane 13:46:51, 2007-05-22
Carolyn, thinking of you. Not sure what to say, but know where you are and my thoughts are with you and Rosie. 
 
X
11071. Frances Speakman.. (Angela's Mum) 12:08:19, 2007-05-22
email  Dear Carolyn B 
 
Sorry for a 'day late' for Rosie's 12th Birthday 
But just to let you know, I was thinking of her yesterday... 
 
 
Dear Lorna 
 
I'm so sorry reading about the burglary and the loss of your precious things, we send our love and sympathy. What a horrible thing to happen, such awful mindless people out there...hugs & love.. 
 
 
To: All my friends whom I haven't e-mailed or answered their messages... I will soon 
 
Mike has just had major surgery for Prostate cancer, (5 days ago) diagnosed back in March.. it has been caught early so we are all very hopeful for a cure. As you may imagine it has been a very stressful and extra emotional few months for us and all our family..... 
 
He is now home, and very slowly recovering from the surgery and the Anaesthetic, which has been an enormous worry due to his chest problems! We are due up to hospital Thursday for a cystogram to check on the 'internal surgery' so if that is o.k. it will be the first step on this extra journey we now find ourselves on!!! 
 
Thank you for all your messages of good wishes, will answer them soon..promise... 
 
 
Much love to All and precious thoughts to all our beautiful children xxxx 
 
Love 
 
Frances xxx
11070. Lorna 08:27:50, 2007-05-22
Re post 11061 
 
Thank you Carol, Carolyn and Pat 
 
The shock is beginning to wear off a little.... 
 
I feel sick and angry. How DARE they.  
 
Fionas mobile number was still in my phone and she smiled at me from her photo every time I opened my purse. 
 
Cautionary advice......I thought our photos were safe on the computer but they stole it as well as the camera with recent photos in it. We will save special photos on the web from now on.  
 
I'm a wreck this morning but know I'm surviving far worse.
11069. Ronnie 21:28:48, 2007-05-20
Dear Carolyn B - I will be thinking of you tomorrow and your precious little Rosie - birthdays of our children are so very special aren't they. Today is my birthday, and I find this equally difficult - instead of her early morning 'phone call I put flowers on my lovely girl's grave.  
Sweet memories for tomorrow - I hope Rosie is celebrating somewhere in that special place, with all our lovely children. Love, strength and peace Ronnie Claire's Mum always xx
11068. Carolyn B 20:48:11, 2007-05-20
Thank you, Carolyn. How well you describe the 'two worlds' we all inhabit. The pain of the down times is so very hard. I live in a totally surreal world now. My younger daughter, Natalie, is now 9 and a half - the age my Rosie was when she died. On Saturday she woke up with a ranging fever and awful sore throat - my husband was away and I just panicked. It was the day of the school fair - it all felt like deja vu. Rosie died on the day of the christmas school fair in December 2004, it was a Saturday. I found it all unbearable - irrationally I just thought Natalie was going to die. I got her to hospital and got antibiotics (it's tonsillitus, so she will be fine a few days or so), but it has all hit me so hard - this being the weekend of Rosie's birthday. I have gone around saying to people (and to myself) that the fact that it is Rosie's 12th birthday tomorrow is 'not important' - that every day we feel her loss so much that these 'special days' are not going to change that - I won't feel any special 'relief' when the day is over. However, it has just hit me today - it is a special day...she should be 12 and HERE WITH US NOW. How can it not be so? 
Thank you for letting me ramble on, and thank you again Carolyn for your kind words of support. It means a lot to know I am not alone in this agonising sadness. I, too, hope that our Rosies are happy together. 
Sending you much love and support, 
Carolyn B xx
11067. carolyn m 18:13:58, 2007-05-20
email  Lorna  
I am so sorry -that is truly horrible . I have posted you a letter which you should get Tuesday. 
Hugs and strength to my lovely friend  
xx 
 
Carolyn B  
All I can say is I truly understand your sadness and disbelief. I also look at my Rosies tree and think how can it be possible when all Rosies friends are so tall, grown up now and healthy , that all that is left of my beautiful talented mischievous girl is a tree with a box of ashes buried beneath.  
I wish you so much stength for your Rosies birthday.  
Like you , as a teacher I put on a very successful mask each day and can easily take classes all day and smile at everyone and watch them progress into the sort of performer that Rosie should and would have been. 
The other day for example I sat through a Disney casting session where Rosie should have been and had to talk to the casting director about the other children -Rosies classmates and how good they were. I can almost kid myself on days like that and every day I am in class , so good am I these days at wearing the "professional" hat- the painted smile. How I do that I really dont know. 
The minute I get home [alone now because my older daughter is in college in London during the week,] the door shuts and the ache sets in. I can sit here for hours staring at meeting point and rocking!  
I have two lives now. One is my professional working life , my other is that of total sadness and silence and then of course in the middle of the two is my work with the charity where I try to honour Rosie but every week lately seem to be dealing with child death -because by the very nature of the work I do with our charity we are working with terminally ill children and that is hard .  
I think Carolyn you are very brave like we all have to be -just know you are not alone . 
Love and Rainbows and I really hope our two little Rosies will be celebrating together.  
Its a very tough life. 
Carolyn -Rosies mummy xxxx
11066. Carolyn B 16:18:40, 2007-05-20
Carolyn - I have just read your message about your Rosie, and the days of control and days of so much sadness. Your words spoke to me - my Rosie's birthday is tomorrow - 21 May. She would have been 12. I went up to the cemetery to see her this afternoon - and just cried and cried. How pathetic that all that is left of my smiley, bubbly, blonde-haired girl is a pile of earth and a rose bush. So sad - words cannot express. 
I have days like you when I seem totally fine, in control, and completely together (I am a teacher so I have to be in class), but today I have just felt so very sad and lost. Why aren't they here, our children. Where are they? Rosie should be here to laugh and celebrate her birthday. I just find it unbearable. 
Thankyou for expressing your thoughts. I too will miss meeting point - it has been my lifeline over this long 2 and a half years. I know when I open MP up there will be someone who is expressing the thoughts I am thinking and feeling. 
love to you all, 
Carolyn B xx
11065. Carol 23:23:24, 2007-05-19
Dear Lorna, I am deeply shocked and upset for you. How can such a thing have happened to such a kind and caring friend. Sending you a huge hug and my letter is in the post XXX
11064. Frog 18:22:36, 2007-05-19
Jackie 
 
In reply, you would be amazed at the number of new parents who ONLY use the Forum. It is not about them and us, it is we, we are a whole. 
 
As a registered Charity and Company, TCF MUST look after the well being of us 'vulnerable adults'. I am afraid that MP is just too open. Please be prepared to try the new website and keep an open mind about it. 
 
A great deal of hard work is, as we speak going into it, not for them, but it is for US...without us, TCF is nothing. 
 
As I say, we are, me, TCF, Trustees, will always be open to comments. TCF can accept criticism and readily asks for suggestions. With regret, MP, has to go. As said it will be archived, so it can always be read. I myself can see my own 'progress' from my postings and I will forever be greatful to my old friend MP. 
 
But,move we must. I trust you like the new site when it comes. Not one of us likes change, and it comes at a time when change is the worst blow we have already had, a time when we think we can take no more of it. I understand this, you know I do. Please, all of you, trust me. I am not here for adualation, nor profit, I am here 'cos I lost my only child and I need comfort too, I would never wish to harm any of you. Bear with TCF please. 
 
With love Frog
11063. Jackie, Mollie & Lucys Mummy 18:02:52, 2007-05-19
email  homepage Frog, 
 
thank you for your prompt response to the comments made about meeting point. 
 
I'm sure that like myself, others are aware of the hard work that goes into running TCF and I applaud any bereaved parent who is able to help out. I fund raise tirelessly for TCF but do not ever think I could get involved in the running of it and I think all the volunteers are fantastic. 
 
I was unaware that we can be exploited,apart from the spanners accessing ths site and maybe being able to e.mail me direct (which I promptly identify and delete). Perhaps this is down to my naivety or faith in human kindness, or just plain luck that I have never been 'exploited'? 
 
As I said in my previous post (as did Carolyn), I rarely use the Forum and therefore would not have accessed it on 21st August 2006 to know that my vote was needed. 
 
It seems obvious that a decision has been made that cannot be reversed therefore I would like to thank those who have posted messages of support to me when I have needed your help and I wish you all Peace and Love. 
 
Jackie xx
11062. Frog 15:33:38, 2007-05-19
Hello All 
 
I have read your views on the loss of Meeting Point, and am replying as a service user, and also as one who has been involved in the matters arising from the total re vamp of the site. Please bear with me here.  
 
It has long been known, that ‘people’ harvest e mail addresses from MP and use them to no good. It is also known, that by placing you innermost feelings here, in public view, your ‘material’ can be replicated by anyone, be it press or others. All of us are vulnerable after the loss of our child/children. Now, I am not happy with the fact that I can be a target. 
 
One comment was that the ‘Spam messages are eventually removed’…this is true, but it has to be done by someone. And very few bereaved parents ‘assist’ in the running of TCF. I did it for a few days last year whilst Derek was away, and I can tell you that it took a considerable amount of time, several hours a day. There is also the fact, that some of these messages ‘can corrupt’ the whole system, resulting in it crashing. This is rare, but again, a considerable amount of time and effort is taken to restore the data base, and whilst it is non existent, it causes unnecessary distress to those needing the site. 
 
On the Forum, on August 21, 2006, a topic was started about the Redevelopment of the Web Site and services, those comments were taken to meetings with web users such as me and decisions were made as a result. That was the time to have your say. So, I am sorry, but I think the time to vote on this issue has long since past. I know, and am well aware of how comforting Meeting Point has been, but it has to change. Just as TCF is changing. The web site was developed many years ago, and the increase in ‘usage’ has been phenomenal. Many 1,000’s of percents but since then, the development of Spammers had also become more sophisticated. And so must we. 
 
We are adopting a new web site, using previous comments, and I can assure you that navigation is of the utmost importance and new members will be directed into the correct area easily. We are still willing to listen to your concerns, but a vote now is not an issue. 
 
Thank you for reading this and I trust that when the new site is formed, you will give it a go, and comment again. 
 
With love and compassion, Frog 
11061. Lorna, Fionas Mum 13:54:04, 2007-05-19
For those who know me.  
 
During the night of 17th May, while we slept, we were burgled. Amongst other items, my phone, laptop, cameras, handbag, purse, house keys and car were stolen.  
 
If you know our home address, please will you write to me with your email addresses and mobile phone numbers.  
 
We are both emotionally and physically exausted BUT we hold on -the worst has happened and we are surviving - we'll get through this mindless act.  
 
Excuse my tears...... I can't text, nor email you my friends..... when we can we'll set up new email accounts. Please know I hold you all in my thoughts and send much love. xX  
 
Fiona, love you SO much sweetheart xx
11060. Mummy 12:58:23, 2007-05-19
Dearest Holly 2 years age tommorow you were diognosed with your evil dissease, i never thought then id lose you. 
15 months on my heart aches even more for you, i love you Holly and im so sorry we couldnt make you better, love you lots mummy
11059. Jackie, Mollie & Lucys Mummy 11:35:05, 2007-05-19
email  homepage Morning everyone, 
 
I endorse Carolyns point re the negatives of removing Meeting Point.  
 
I have been using meeting point for a number of years and have found it to be my saviour at very difficult times and I hope i've used it to help others as they were suffering. 
 
I may not post on here as often as I did but I still log on numerous times each day to read peoples posts. Although it saddens me deeply to see new people here, I think it wonderful that they have found somewhere to seek solace and understanding and can possibly see through the experiences of us further 'down the line' that they can survive their loss with the help of us here. 
 
I can spot the spammers a mile off and therefore just scroll through them. They do not offend me, they're just a nuisance but one I'm prepared to put up with if it means meeting point could continue. 
 
I appreciate that there may be issues from the trustees point of view that we may not be aware of and if so, I would be interested to know what they are. If not, I again would be interested in knowing their reasons for removing it. 
 
It would seem such a waste to remove it if it was just a case of having to manage the spammers postings. 
 
I myself have never used the Forum to a great extent and like Carolyn would seldom utilise it in the future. 
 
In meeting point, we have the opportunity at any given point to off-load and share our feelings and hopefully receive a response that will lift our spirits and make us feel a little better if only for a short while. 
 
I would welcome the opportunity to vote on this issue in the hope that majority rules! 
 
Love and light to all 
Jackie xx
11058. Margaret-Debbie's mum 23:54:55, 2007-05-18
email  Hello to all TCF friends.  
Having read the messages at the Meeting Point and contacting other TCF friends I must say that I think Carolyn has a really valid point of view concerning these 'spammers'. 
May be there is a possibility for people to have their say about the closure of Meeting point or not. Why should we be bullied by the sick spammers.They are clearly sad twisted people.We don't want our site to be closed. 
Yes. I agree that we should feel protected and this is a possible way of dealing with the problem, however it is more complicated to use the Forum and all my TCF friends agree they prefer the Meeting Point.  
When newly bereaved parents first log on I think they will have adequate warnings by reading the page which is first displayed where we have been informed of the closure.  
Could it be possible to have the choice?  
Can we vote on the final outcome? 
We can then choose to use one or other according to our needs. We all know how horrible these intruders are.Don't ever click on or respond to them.Eventually they are removed but those doing the job cannot watch 24 hours a day. 
I would be interested in reading other peoples responses to all of this especially those newly bereaved. 
Special thoughts and love to all 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx for our angels xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
11057. Ronnie 19:50:38, 2007-05-18
Hi Carolyn - Glad you are feeling a little better - how good it is to come here and know we are all empathising with one another and how sad if we lose this. As you say a newly bereaved parent will not feel like navigating the Forum and why should these spammers get the better of us. We are so much stronger than them - we have had to conquer the biggest trauma of our lives, so a few spammers are not likely to cause us grief. I do hope Meeting Point still carries on - it is so necessary to, sadly, the constant stream of new parents. 
Love to all, Ronnie Claire's Mum always xx 
 
11056. carolyn m 18:08:32, 2007-05-18
email  I have had some lovely and comforting messages in reply to my last posting. Thank you friends xxxx Communication from those who understand helps so much. I am gradually climbing out of the dark hole [I hope].  
I am not looking forward the day meeting point moves. 
Ive been thinking about it a lot and to be honest I wonder whether I will use the forum .  
I love the accessiblilty of meeting point and the fact that you cant miss it. I find the forum confusing with so many posts I never get a chance to read and assimilate all of them. 
Why cant we just ignore the spammers like we all every day on our own e mail and carry on as usual.Ive had various comments from tcf friends who all seem to say the same-that they may not bother after the change. Even more importantly ,I think we will lose a lot of new bereaved -its hard enough to even post first time on meeting point let alone trying to navigate round the forum when you are in a distressed state. 
Carolyn Rosies mummy xxx
11055. Frog 20:51:12, 2007-05-16
Steve 
 
Sophie will be sooo proud of you going down that wall. Good luck to you.Let me know what it was like? 
 
LD 
 
I understand the word 'barron'. Our lives, although plausible most times after the 'beginning' become somewhat 'barron'. I have a life, and I laugh, and carry on, but it is not the same. But, I have a life. 
 
I understand 
 
Love Frog
11054. LD 13:29:39, 2007-05-16
Cannot believe the exasperating grief and loneliness of losing a child. Like Carolyn there are days you do manage to function and appear to be in control, but I am just a living fraud! This road is so lonely, it fees scarey at times that this is the life I now have to live. How long do I have to live on this earthly life?!? Another 40 years! I so hope not!!! My son's dad and I do not have a great relationship and I don't think this will improve...so many things I just want to say (or not say), I feel locked in a cage and I just want to break free from this dreadful situation, but there is no where to run is there! I just try to keep myself busy..and then the dark cloud looms...i really cannot beleive we have all been dealt this dreadful card. I often lock myself away from friends and family...just don't want to see anyone at times and I do feel it is part of the healing process for me, but oh so bl**dy painful - the constant reminders of what has been lost. I can smile with some of the memories and even laugh, but I just feel so baron... 
11053. STEVE SOPHIES DAD 01:39:17, 2007-05-16
THIS MONTH IS MY SOPHIES BIRTHDAY HER 13TH BIRTHDAY A MILE STONE IN A YOUNG GIRLS LIFE SHE PASSED AWAY IN GUYS HOSPITAL IN THE TOWER 2 YEARS AGO ON SATURDAY I WILL BE ABSEILING DOWN THAT 500FT TOWER IN AID OF CHARITY HOPING MY SOPHIE WILL BE WITH ME ON THE WAY UP AND ON THE WAY DOWN
11052. Patriciac 23:14:10, 2007-05-15
Dear Carolyn 
I understand. Realised when we were chatting today - neither of us are up to very much at present, although we try. Just know that I am still here for you, brighter days must turn up soon.
11051. carolyn m 19:12:24, 2007-05-15
email  Thank you to those of you who sent messages yesterday for Rosies 4th angel day. 
It helped so much having your support.  
It was a really dreadful day. I think perhaps I had got too confident that I could now handle all these special days and be able to function seemingly normally.  
It hit me like a ton of bricks and I did not handle it at all .  
I cried most of the day . The smallest things set me off. I was given some flowers from an old school friend of Rosie. The message which said " In Memory of Rosie" and the sweet words inside totally reduced me to a wreck. 
I cried when people remembered and cried when they didnt.  
What do you do!! 
I simply cannot work out why , when I am in public , making speeches , like I did last week at a charity ball , I can come across as totally in control and yet I cant even take my dog out for a walk some days without crying and being in total despair.I know now after 4 years that time is of no consequence. Four years , Four weeks or forty years , wont change anything.  
We get through the day and then there is the next and the next and then its next year and it still hurts as much and the missing doesnt go away.  
There is no pattern and no let up . 
Sorry -I am so low at the moment and not much use to anyone . 
Carolyn -Rosies mummy xxx
11050. Georgina 14:13:28, 2007-05-15
Don, Alices dad, 
Im so sorry for your loss. Please come back soon, were all here for you. 
Georgina
11049. Val (Allan's Mum) 13:27:25, 2007-05-15
homepage Please please please let little Maddy be ok.
11048. Don Alice's Dad 11:49:48, 2007-05-15
email  Hello Everyone, Alice died three years ago and I feel just the same now as then, much else happened as well which has added to our pain. I've contacted TCF and hope to go to a local group.This is too painful. I'll come back later.
11047. Ronnie 23:34:16, 2007-05-14
Dear Carolyn - So sorry I am late, but special thoughts of your beautiful Rosie. Sweet memories always - Love, hugs and compassion to you, Ronnie Claire's Mum always xx
11046. Patriciac 22:17:42, 2007-05-14
Dear Carolyn 
thinking of you today on Rosie's birthday. Maybe we will catch up soon on MSN. Love always
11045. Maxine 16:58:31, 2007-05-14
Dear Fiona and Alan ... 
 
I am so sorry to have missed Jason's birthday ... I don't know where ''I've'' been lately, and now I've come back to Meeting Point, I have found out that it's going soon .. 
 
What a lifeline this has been to us all ... in those dark early days, and in the days that come afterwards ... 
 
Peaceful Angel birthday - albeit belated, for Jason. 
 
Love Maxine 
 
Paul's mum x x x
11044. Margaret-Debbie's mum 16:00:04, 2007-05-14
Sending loads of support and a comforting hug to Roseanne-Callums mum. I do hope the programme tonight on ITV-Granada is what you want it to be.(8pm Trevor McDonald - Road to Ruin.) 
You have worked so very hard to highlight the trauma and desolation of losing a child.You will be certain to create awareness and Callum will be proud of you because we all are at TCF. Your Callum will be with you tonight. I am sure everyone will be watching and listening.The time leading up to such a programme is the worst as you have no idea how they edit these things.Yes,it drained me when I took part in a similar production but I did it for Debbie. 
Do take care and be kind to yourself, 
Much love Margaret xxxxx 
 
xxxxx for Callum xxxxx
11043. Frances & Michael Speakman (Angela's Mum & Dad) 14:46:16, 2007-05-14
email  Dear Carolyn... 
 
Remembering beautiful Rosie on her Anniversary today... we send Rosie Love & thoughts xx 
 
I hope precious memories of Rosie and all who have benefited through 'Rosies Rainbow fund' give you some peace and hope for the future. You both, are in our thoughts today.. 
 
Much love 
 
Frances & Mike
11042. Frog 21:36:03, 2007-05-11
11040 Another Entry 
 
Thank you for the post to Meeting Point. It sums up a lot of emotion and the 'journey' through grief too. You wrote it so eloquently, although I was saddend by your anonymity. 
 
No reason for us to know, just a curiosity. But, ah, then the cat eh? 
 
Take care my friend for when those cracks next appear, mine start later in the year. 
 
Frog
11041. Meeting Point reader 16:10:34, 2007-05-11
Hello to 11040 -Another Entry....... 
How well you put all the thoughts we have inside us in your posting today. 
The passage of pain described in your entry is so very true. We all exist along this journey on a roller coaster of emotions. The Meeting Point has been such a lifeline to so many.Let's hope that the changes in the future don't destroy all that.We will not let it happen. 
The description of being an egg is an inspired one and easy to relate to. 
My anguish has been like a scabbed wound that from time to time is knocked and bleeds once again.Constantly there. 
I will continue this journey alongside TCF friends especially those contacted as individuals over the years. 
So many thanks to 11040-Another Entry for putting a voice to all those who have been here. 
I echo your words of Thanks to the Meeting Point 
xxxxxxxxxxxfor all our angelsxxxxxxxxxxxx
11040. Another Entry 07:26:11, 2007-05-11
I will miss you Meeting Point. I wonder if it is possible to find all my agony I have shared with you? I regret not copying and saving my 'diary entries'. For so long that is how it felt to come here and talk. I shared thoughts, pain, AGONY with you. When someone 'peeped' at our sharing and were generous in responding, it made me feel less alone.  
 
I have met good friends here. Thank you.  
 
There is often not the same need for me to come to the site so often now. I fell, screamed and over time, with your support, got onto my knees. Hardly without noticing, you helped me to my feet. Most of the time, I not only walk, I look back and see how many strides I have taken.  
 
And yet, and yet.......... 
 
Despite telling of how my pain is now 'livable with', the internal clock is stirring once again. I am again so fragile.  
 
Some time ago, I told a friend here that I had become an egg. Mostly, the long road of grieving has resulted in my FEELING the shell is intact. Now and again, I realise it never can be. Somewhere in my apparent strong outer shell , a hairline fracture is unseen. It waits. Hidden so well that even I can make myself believe it isn't there. But it is. It ALWAYS will be. As the next weeks unfold again, the hairline fracture forces a break and once more I will be back on the floor SCREAMING. I can almost FEEL the process as a physical rupturing....... 
 
BUT But but I HAVE to hold onto to the fact I have been here before, many times. I DID survive the 'today again' and I WILL again. I HAVE to, we all do don't we. (No question mark Meeting Point, you know how it is..no response needed for the rhetorical question) 
 
I am relieved to read that you will be incorporated into the forum. You and I have a long standing relationship and it would be more pain if you too completely disappeared from daily sight.  
 
My very precious much loved loaned child, you know much you are loved. You always will be. For you, I will be on the floor and scream again. For you, I will then stand and take tentative steps till I feel more secure. One day, you'll see me striding then running toward you for an eternal hug.oh what a day that will be 
 
Meeting Point, thank you for being here, safe transition for the next part of your journey. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  
 
 
 
11039. Georgina 20:41:51, 2007-05-10
Marie, good luck, ill be thinking of you, take care. 
Love 
Georgina x
11038. Marie 11:11:25, 2007-05-10
Hello everyone,  
 
It's a few hours before I leave for this epic journey. I am experiencing a range of emotions at this moment, didn't sleep very well last night dreading leaving my family.  
 
As Jayne said the support we have had from you has been amazing and it does make a difference to us knowing you are all behind us. Thank you for all your emails, pm's and txt and of course to all of you that have donated to the fund. As I have said previously, The Compassionate Friends was/is a lifeline to me. I know I would not have come this far without the support and reassurance of this site and the special friends I have made. Thank you.  
 
A special thank you to Lin, Tom's mum for my scallop shell, you have been so very kind, it will be returned to the Sea at Finnesttera.  
Janebeth, will be thinking of you on the 2nd June.  
Jayne !  
 
A candle will be lit regularly along the way for all of our children that have Gone Too Soon.  
 
Everybody now " We can walk 500 miles".......  
 
Pilgrim Hugs  
Marie xxxxx 
11037. Paula 11:05:27, 2007-05-10
email  For problems with emails I have a few you can use. 
 
tcfadmin@ntlworld.com 
paula_skinner@ntlworld.com 
paula_skinner@hotmail.com 
 
One of them must work. I hate computers. 
 
Paula
11036. Patriciac 09:26:56, 2007-05-10
For Fiona and your family on your dear son Jason's birthday, did post on the Forum, but not in usual place. Hope you see this and know I am thinking of you.
11035. Sue Stevie's Mum 23:28:44, 2007-05-09
email  Dear Paula, 
I too have just tried to email you with a few questions about being able to get on to the TCF Forum, but I too am unable, as it says that your email add is incorrect! I notice another mum posted the same question to you? 
It would be such a great shame to loose this very valuable site please help us......! 
Kind regards, 
Sue Stevie's Mum
11034. Jason's mum Fiona 21:20:23, 2007-05-09
homepage "THANK YOU" 
 
TO ALL THOSE "TENDER CARING FOLKS"  
 
AT THE SCOTTISH GATHERING - YOU WERE ALL A PLEASURE TO BE WITH, NO DOUBT ALAN WILL BE THE FIRST ON THE LIST, WHEN NEXT YEARS DATES ARE PUBLISHED. 
TO THE ORGANSING COMMITTEE KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK YOU DO  
YOU HAVE FOUND THE RECIPE OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP 
 
WE APPROACH JASON'S BIRTDAY TOMORROW WITH  
OUR BURDEN OF GRIEF A LITTLE LIGHTER 
 
"THANK YOU" 
 
 
11033. Susi (Marshalls Mum) 19:03:35, 2007-05-09
email  Hi All 
It has been a while since I have posted and im here today cause ive taken a bit of a nose dive. Its been four and a half years since i lost my little baby boy yet suddenly i cant cope again!(if i ever did!)i dont understand the process of grief its like even when i think i am doing pretty ok i feel so guilty almost like im not allowed to be happy please does anyone else feel like this i truly feel like i am going crazy! to top it all off i now understand that we are to lose this fantastic place that is so much comfort to us all i really hate the world as it is all i do is pray for the day i leave this awful place and am once again with my angel family.Love to all xx xx
11032. Mike (Jack's Dad) 12:48:24, 2007-05-09
email  Hi everyone, 
Thought I would post some better news today. I am running the Edinburgh Marathon for the Child Bereavement Trust since we lost Jack. Hope to raise about £3,500 for them. The school are having a non uniform day on Friday to raise funds so will make sure Michael, Jack's younger brother, has his £1. Must say, I've found the running a good thing to focus on over the months. 
 
I wonder if one way to get rid of the spam postings is to have a username and password to enable you to post online. Might email TCF with this suggestion. 
 
Take care 
 
Mike
11031. Frances Speakman..Angela's Mum... 11:21:43, 2007-05-08
email  Dear Kathryn 
 
Forgive being a day late! but thoughts and love to Simon, your precious brother on his 2nd Anniversary Day... 
 
Much love Kathryn xx 
 
Frances x 
 
11030. emma-hollys mum 23:49:50, 2007-05-07
email  homepage so sad meeting point has to go just because of some very dreadfull people, do they not realise what they are doing, i have only been here for 2 months after my 18 year old daughter to an asthma attack on 31st jan 07 do they not realsie what they are doing to bereaved parents, god forbid that they should ever be in our situation, they are scum, this site has helped me so much its not fair that the minority can win
11029. Margaret-Debbie's mum 18:43:09, 2007-05-07
Dear Jane 
I have just sent you a private e-mail about your posting. These 'spammers' have no idea what destruction and upset they are causing. Or do they? Please ignore them. I am also having problems getting my TCF contact sorted and it is obviously a very difficult task that Paula has taken on board.Hopefully my confusion will clear and we shall be able to get our problems sorted.Don't give up. We are all in this together and are only an e-mail away from each other. 
Take care, Margaret -Debbie's mum.
11028. jane elizabeth ryan 14:02:22, 2007-05-07
email  paula I have tried to answer your e-mail with the answers you asked but it wont let me send it as it says its the wrong e-mail address!help!!
11027. Paula 13:35:43, 2007-05-07
email  Jane - I sent you that email we will contact you privately to explain. 
 
Warmest regards 
 
Paula
11026. jane elizabeth ryan 13:30:54, 2007-05-07
email  can you please tell me why i have to supply my home address and telephone number,the date my daughter died the cause of her death and her name,all to be allowed to post on the forum as i did not want my e-mail address added to my postings! I found the e-mail i recieved today very upsetting and spoke to somebody on the help line who advised me to call the office tomorrow as they had not heard why this information was needed either!Iunderstand that we have a problem with spammers etc but felt this e-mail was very intrusive as you all ready have registerd with the website when you first joined and had to werify an e-mail link back to the forum. I use this site to write letters to my darling daughter,an all tho i know people do answer each others postings ido not.We all have are own needs on this horrible journey we now all face since the loss of our children,and i really feel that these questions about my daughter were unnessesary and very personal ,if it means that we are not allowed to post without these details it will be like losing my last point of contact we my darling daughter kelly! Please can someone explain these crazy sitution to me i feel so low now just like i did 4 years ago when kelly left me.Ireally thought this was a place where we all felt safe and understood now i am not so sure. thank-you for reading this and sorry for going on but just felt i had to write down my feelings about this sorry once again.night-night meeze mum loves you xxxxx
11025. Jim Pringle 19:35:25, 2007-05-06
I would just like to add a little to Paula's message. 
 
For many years, I have helped Derek, our previous webmaster, to keep our website up to date and to wage war on the spammers who try to undermine the good that TCF does. 
 
Following Derek's resignation, I have kept the website going until Paula accepted the position of Web Administrator. I also visit Meeting Point, Poetry Corner and TCF Forum at least four times daily to remove unwanted spam, pornographic messages and on-line traders.  
 
I am slowly handing over to Paula with the assurance that I will always help her should she need it. 
 
Meeting Point and Poetry Corner are accessible to all worldwide and those with malicious intent can read your most precious messages, so invading your privacy, and can harvest emails from the site using specialised software. Continued use of this facility increases the risk of someone being able to infiltrate the site and cause possible abuse to vulnerable bereaved persons. 
 
It is for this primary reason that the Trustees decided to close Meeting Point and to ask that you use TCF Forum instead. It is easy to register and your privacy will be better protected. 
 
As Paula said in her message, there will be special threads for your messages and all the existing postings will be archived so that they will still be available to you via TCF Forum. 
 
Can I ask for your patience whilst the transition takes place and that you give Paula all the support that she needs in her continuing job of TCF Web Administrator. 
 
Yours, in compassion, 
 
Jim. 
 
11024. Helen 16:54:50, 2007-05-06
Hi everyone - thank you Paula, it just really annoys me when people can be so selfish. Thankyou for doing a great job!! 
 
Love Helen 
 
xxxxHollyxxxx
11023. Paula Skinner 13:32:47, 2007-05-06
email  Dear All 
 
I am sorry that we all have to suffer these spammers and peddlers of pornographic material. They blast our site daily using special software that will post multiple messages on multiple sites at the same time. Since taking over as Web Administrator I am checking Meeting Point and Poetry Corner at least three times each day. I am also notified every time a new post is made on these pages and each morning I must receive around 50 emails. As you know there are not 50 messages posted in a day and I do try to remove them fai