I was taught, if you don't have anything nice to say or can't...it's best to be quiet. Leave the man to his problems. Kicking someone when they are down or getting drawn into a debate only turns ugly. Opinions are just words and can't really harm you in any way. Your family and friends know who you are and will always be your family and friends no matter what someone else says. The remainder really don't matter.

Skip, I truly hope things make a turn for the better and you have also been in my prayers. Hopefully things are not still on the way down and you can see at least a little light.

Quoting rorymatt:

Quote:
Just ignore the cretins with nothing but ill will and harsh words, for the apparently either they have no clue or compassion of any kind.

You're mixing two completely separate things here. At least I haven't seen anybody being happy about what's going on his personal life. I for example wish, from the bottom of my heart that he will get his life sorted out and everything ends up well. And I'm saying this to a guy who just some posts ago asked me to jump from the pier.

But... I also wish that just once he would keep his word and doesn't come back here anymore (If he even left). Few months of his absense here were the most peaceful times ever. The minute his back, so is the bad atmosphere. These are two completely different issues and shouldn't get mixed.

Quoting Kulju:

Quote:
Few months of his absense here were the most peaceful times ever. The minute his back, so is the bad atmosphere.

{deeeep breath} Air still smells fresh here.

I looked back on the first page of his post history and all but one was civil - hell, his typing has even improved (cell phone spell correction Skip?). One post was moderated and while I didn't see what was posted, I did see that the three posts above it were moderated in their entirety - sounds like he was provoked.

Skip can be abrasive and yes, I agree the forums were nicer while he was away. But it's clear that it wasn't Skip's fault entirely. Some people seem to purposely try to push Skips buttons trying to provoke a reaction (in hopes of banning?) instead of ignoring him and Skip can't take a punch & walk away. One is Bleach, the other Ammonia. By themselves, they can be nice, pleasant guys (just don't try to smell them). Mixed together though...

Now is not the time to bicker about something as trivial as forum name-calling or how our hobby should be handled.

This is a time of need for Skip and I think a few warm and compassionate words of encouragement are in order.

Skip, I can't even imagine how hard you must have it right now. I'm 35, living together with my girlfriend (and engaged to her too). We're looking to our future: buying our own house, changing jobs so we can work closer to home, secure our retirement and maybe even have kids.

All of that ahead of us ... and the prospect of something going wrong and losing it all just terrifies me. Even more so for my love than for myself.

So, even though I can't fathom the hardship you're in now, I do sympathize and I do feel for you. I really hope your efforts will pay off and you'll find a way out.

I have no clue what happened to you in the last 2 years that made your life so miserable at this point.
But I truly wish you can get back on your feet and enjoy life.
All the best from me!

Nothing more to say.
Donnie

Has Maurice Skipped out on us again?  .. it's been over a month ...

On June 13, he posted responses to someone's thread on Facebook. He used a mobile device to make his two posts.

My prayers are with you my friend.