The happiest hello!! by Jessica (Stephanies idea)

[Jessica Merriman]

Eva I cant wait to meet and give you a big hug in November. I will not lose contact with you and I will check in (lurk) to see how everyone is doing.

[dalebert]

I will 2nd, third, fourth (I lost track) what others have already said. Can you just stop being a mod and continue as a member? I've been a mod before and you cannot help but piss someone off no matter what you do or how well you try to handle things. That's very stressful on anyone. You musn't beat yourself up over things people say in reaction to mod decisions. You really can't please everyone. It's nigh impossible. It seems you're judging yourself by an unreasonable standard.

[Miss_Bungle1991]

I will 2nd, third, fourth (I lost track) what others have already said. Can you just stop being a mod and continue as a member? I've been a mod before and you cannot help but piss someone off no matter what you do or how well you try to handle things.

Yeah, I agree with the bolded part. Also, I've been staff before and frankly, it sucks. You always run across someone who will whine and moan about something that you've done or said. It's not worth the trouble.

[dalebert]

I would just add that I have declined being a moderator for another site and I would not want to do it on a support site. It's an even harder job in which you must step ever so more delicately. It makes me respect the mods here all the more, including yourself, for taking that on. That said, if you're really stressed out and upset, it's a good time to retire from the position and just enjoy the site and the wonderful people here with everyone else and let someone else try to tackle that challenging task.

[Jill F]

Jessica, you are one of my favorite people here.  You mean a lot to me and a lot of us here.  Losing you because of someone else's bullsh*t is unacceptable.  Nobody wins and everyone loses.

Being a mod here is a tough, time-consuming, thankless job.  Sometimes you're just damned if you do and damned if you don't and sometimes you are going to get shat upon by somebody no matter what decision you make.  Don't let them wreck it for you or the rest of us.

I would like to applaud all of the mods here for doing what they do and thank them all from the bottom of my heart. 

Think about all of the people you have helped and the lives you have saved.

Big hugs to Jessica and all of the staff here who do this every day without any thanks,
Jill

[FriendsCallMeChris]

Jessica,
I haven't been here long, but I have been here long enough to know that I always look for your posts.  You combine wisdom with understanding and compassion. Your strength has been a big part of making this a safe place for me. As I am in such an indecisive place, I've come to think of your posts as anchors in my confused spinning world. Know that you have touched many people. I'm definitely one of them. Thank you for that.

Chris

[Julia-Madrid]

Hi Jessica

You are one of the inspirational people here.  If you feel a need to pull back and contemplate the trees and meadows for a bit, this could be a good thing for you.  But please don't leave.

I'm wishing you strength and love as you work through the things you're working through.

Hugs, lots of 'em
Julia

[Jessica Merriman]

You are all making me cry! Every time I try to sign out I get yet another supportive post, PM or E-mail begging me to stay. I never knew you all felt this way about me. I will stay as a member only if it is what you want. I am not perfect or indispensable though so be patient when I mess up. I may be a little off for a few days as a lot has happened both here and in my personal life. Yes, I have the same problems most of you have and it hurts me just as bad. Thank you for showing love I have never felt before and accepting me flaws and all. I apologize for the drama and never intended it. I just didn't want to leave without saying good bye and I love you. I will try to be the positive influence once again you all deserve. Are you all in sales? Because you could sell ice in the Arctic circle! Love and *huggles* all! 

[Evelyn K]

Jessica .. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

But I respect your decision.

And I just put on MASCARA.

[JenSquid]

Noooo!

I like having you here! If being a moderator is too much, step back and take a break. Don't leave us!!! We love you.

[Jessica Merriman]

I will stay, but only as a regular member. I never knew so many cared. I hope I don't let you down again.

[mrs izzy]

 popcorn?

[Jessica Merriman]

After this week you have anything stronger?

[radsi]

Donuts!!!!

[Jessica Merriman]

I am staying! I might as well as it would take three or four years anyway to answer all the PMs of people wanting me to stay. Thank you all for your love and support. I SURRENDER!!

[mrs izzy]

Maybe will help

[Jessica Merriman]

Maybe will help

ARGH! So close and yet so far! I need that.

[Adam (birkin)]

I am glad you are staying Jessica. You are totally awesome and I'd miss you if you were gone. While I know you were a good mod, I understand your decision to step down in order to keep yourself feeling OK. As long as you stay with us!

[Jessica Merriman]

I'm so happy you're staying!  We love you

Hard to say no. I have never had this much love and support from anyone. You guys are making me cry again. With that and Spiro I am probably going to drop dead from dehydration now. If so I will haunt everyone here. BWA HA HA 

[Ms Grace]

Well this is very good news Jessica. Apart from being distracted by work and whatnot I haven't had a chance to write anything about this yet but was in the process of composing a lengthy message to you that was in equal parts sad, frustrated, loving, annoyed, hopeful and concerned. I'm glad I don't have to write it now. You are going through a rough time in your life at the moment - I can't even begin to imagine how recent developments with your family must be affecting you, it can't be easy dealing with it. You probably need the forum right now as much as it needs you so I'm very glad you are staying. Hugs.