A sense of loss..

[Lisaml]

people come and go. It’s natural to have a “transient” population here, as people relapse, move on, no longer need support, etc. 

However, I truly MISS some of the friends I’ve made here over the past few months. Reading back on older messages and posts, these names pop up, and my heart breaks a little, wondering if you’re ok. If you’re lurking, please let us know you’re ok! If you’ve relapsed, please get back in the game. You ARE WORTH IT. 

I won’t call out any names, but please, know that you are missed. 

Come back when you’re ready. We will leave the light on. And remember? It’s NEVER “too late” to quit smoking! Xoxo 

[JACKIE1-25-15]

I know exactly how you feel. It really hurts but it is part of another learning process. There is roughly about 6-8% that make it.  It hurts to know that they may be smoking.  Nothing we can do but pray for them  It is an addiction whereby some recover some don't.   I used this poem and send out every now and then to those who may have relapsed.  You can use it if you like. Once in a while I get a response.  https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/poetry-lovers/blog/2016/07/25/where-are-you?sr=search&sear...‌

[MichelleDiane]

Lisa you always have a way of speaking what I would like to, but just so you know I did come back and your outreach was a contributing factor.  Thank you

[CommunityAdmin]

Lisaml‌  Great post.  Is there a reason in particular you don't want to let the people know they're missed.  You're correct. They might have moved on and they are well on their journey but there are people who return from time to time just to say hello. They may not be a regular but it's great to see people periodically check in. Plus it's nice to know when someone misses you or knows you particularly have some experience with something and you come to their mind when someone asks about something that they don't know about but they know you do.  Even if it them popping in to say hello and respond to something that they know about that shares their value and  helps them give back. That's a beautiful thing about @mention. It mentions the person and the notification (so long as they haven't turned off email) system lets them know what you wrote. Plus sometimes others say I also mix "username_x" as well.  Then that person gets multiple lovely notes.  Also if people have relapsed and they're feeling stuck, it may encourage them to come back and restart their quit knowing the supportive environment that happens here. 

Sometimes I see people say a name but they don't @Mention the person and I worry that the person who's being talked about might need a little bit of sunshine knowing their name is being mentioned. This is especially true when someone is ill and there is a #prayer_circle‌ for them. I also see my name on occasion without an @mention. If I didn't happen to find them on my own I wouldn't be able to help. Fortunately in other cases, there have been times where people have needed my help and someone else @mentioned me to call my attention.

Mark
EX Community Manager

Updated: For clarity.

[Giulia]

I know exactly what you mean.  When this site migrated to the new platform we lost a whole bunch of members that had been a part of this community for a long while.  I miss them and wonder about them.  And I hope all of them are still beautifully Free.

[Lisaml]

And I just read that we are about to lose our friends in the EU!!! Sad. 

[Giulia]

It is.

[crazymama_Lori]

I still after two years message people that have responded or quit with me.  they just fade away sometimes.  Every once in a while I get a response or a message that they went back to smoking again.  I've found that Facebook is a good way of keeping tabs on people.  I've found quite a few that way

[maryfreecig]

Loss does sting a bit that's for sure. Thanks for sharing--duly noted that not everyday or moment is sweet. 

[IrishRose]

There are a lot of people gone MIA from this site.  A lot of people do not like change, especially addicts; otherwise, they would not have such a hard time quitting their addiction.  This site has changed big time over the years. 

Remember when we were all complaining about the pop-up ads that started bombarding us on the "old platform"?  hahahahaha

It is sad about the newest change with the EU Group too.

Irish Rose