I didn't know MamaBear but she had a webpage. Abbey/Deb had the technical knowledge to develop into something more. I remember the page with personal stories of parents who struggled. I cried as I read the page because I wasn't alone. Abbey was bigger than life to me in those days. She felt like a light which all of us gravitated to and allowed us to find our voice and listen to the other voices. The folks who were here were varied in stories and personality but accepting. Not much different than today just smaller and more concentrated.
I can never forget the kindness or helpfulness of the many members who reached out to me when I was in pain over difficult child. Sometimes it was the reality check that a more wise member gave me but all of it was given with the hope of offering insight that I may have missed.
Being able to carry the torch to keep the site going was a gift despite the negatives. Sort of like child rearing.
Gratefully,after 6 years, I was able to pass that torch to Cheryl who has kept it going for the next group. I appreciate her hard work to keep the site technologically current and stable.
All 4 of us have different styles and reasons in how we ran the site but it's still here and evolving so the current group of parents can reach out to those parents who are still crying in the dark.