I have been reinstated! I can honestly say that for the life of me - I don't believe I should have been banned. I DO think that was a bit extreme. I don't mean ANYONE any harm. Never have. Never would.
I'm the sunshine girl. The Lemonade Stand owner. And I came here to this bb 7 years ago much the same way as the rest of you. DEVESTATED!!! My marriage ended at the same time as 9-11! Go figure! The same time my daughter became a teenager and my son started college. A time I will never forget.
When I came to the bb (after reading Divorce Remedy) I didn't even know how to post. I had to ask my son to show me how. And I was so proud of my first post. My name was travelbarb and my thread was "25th Anniversary Blow Up". The first person to post to me was Crisch whom I met a year later at a DB party. I will never forget her because she directed me to the MLC bb and made me feel less of a loser.
The first year SUCKED! I was here more than I did anything else. And there was always someone to listen. To support. To dry the tears. And they were endless. Just writing about it makes my heart hurt.
And I made friends. Lots of friends. Pearl (still one of my bestest), Frosty, Hopeful, Nursemom, Rapunzel, Friend - just to name a few who were there daily in the beginning. Many were to come along after me. And I tried to be their welcoming committee. Because you never forget those who reach out to you. And make you feel less of a loser.
These days I feel more of a winner. I think I'm winning at life. At parenthood. And in love. I didn't save my marriage but in my mind now - that would have been a loss really. Because when I really dug deep - I learned that it wasn't so wonderful really. But I had put up a good front. And a good fight.
I may not stay here forever or even for much longer. But I still have some advice to give, based mostly on my own experience. I still have a few newbies I check on daily. Who I truly care about.
And then there are the oldies but goodies whom I love. And I will never lose touch with no matter what.
My feelings about the issue that caused the ruckus have not changed. I am not mean. But I do stand up for what I believe in. And so do most of you it seems. Because while banned - I did read! And I learned that most of you also feel as I do. And I SO appreciate you taking a stand for myself, Beth, Jill and Fig. It really meant a lot to me and I'm sure for them as well.
OK, now its time to get back to life. Back to reality and back to the Lemonade Stand.
So - I'm pouring. And I expect a full turnout tonight. Because I'm mixing up Lemon Drops. And boy are they good. And I'll keep making them all night.
