They come to us for help and life,
they come to us by chance and choice
because there isn't any out there
except from we who have this voice.

We have this voice to soothe,
to comfort and explain
that they are no longer all alone
because we've shared this pain.

Because we glue and form a bond
that isn't understood.
A feeling grows that intertwines
us with a net of brotherhood.

Elders protect and educate
the new who come along
so they find comfort from the storms,
the horror of the ogre's song.

We have a place to fill their need,
where newbies hear our words of hope,
to read the news that stirs them on
and arms them with the strength to cope.

By Donna Harlacz
07-04-08

Dear Clusterheads:

I am guilty of not supporting our newbies.  I just happened over to "Cluster Specific" today and realised that years ago when the board was small in enrollment, everything we discussed was on a one section board (for want of a better explanation).  Everybody was able to read the latest in news on CH, able to share symptoms, stories, etc.

Now that we've grown so in population and we have specific sections for many subject, we seem to be missing the reason for being here....the most important sections aren't being contributed to as they could and should be.

It's so easy for me to go to the General Section and kibbitz with you all, but I really should be spending more time over on the other sections.

Remember how you felt when you first got here?  Excited, surprised, thankful, eager to learn?  Remember, as a supporter, the frustration, sorrow, fear of the unknown?

From now on, I promise that the first stops that I make on our board will be in other threads.

That's what it's all about.  The rest is a bonus.