<p>Marite–NOOOOOOO! 
Somehow, I feel I missed something? Did something happen? I know that a number of threads have been deleted lately. Is it because of that? </p>
<p>Well, of course, you can leave any time . At any rate, thank you for everything you have given to this board. I truly appreciate all that you have shared.</p>
<p>What has been happening in the last few days to cause this sort of commotion? Has it been limited to the parents’ forum? I, too, hope that marite does not leave, and I ask that someone inform me about the “new side of CC.”</p>
<p>NOOOOOOO!! I’ve clearly missed whatever has brought this on (was it me saying that competitive math groups can be fun too??? If so, I’ll leave and let you stay). But I hope that you will reconsider. You are an irreplaceable font of graciousness and wisdom. You are unfailingly kind, and generous with your time and knowledge.</p>
<p>Marite, Dig, and Berurah, you can’t leave us! You are among the most well-respected parents on CC. Besides, think of all of the fun we have had with College Confidentiala (I think that’s what it was called), party admissions, the COWARDS, my big 500, CCers anonymous… I started coming to the parents’ forum because you guys are awesome. People used to flame each other in the cafe and chances forums, but here, we were more concerned with planning colleges and parties! If all of the great posters leave because of a few threads gone wrong, the parents’ forum will empty out. We need you!</p>
<p>WHAAAT!! Dig, too? Well, at least I have Berurah’s e-mail. :).</p>
<p>Booooo. We’ll miss you. Don’t go!</p>
<p>It’s just a weird moon or something. Or backlash to the extraordinary success of this year’s admits? or, as carolyn said, something in the water?</p>
<p>I always look for your posts and I would be very sad to have to do without. :(</p>
<p>Please, if I have offended you in any way, accept my sincerest apologies. We’re heading into winter after a rubbish summer. That’s my (lousy) excuse.</p>
<p>::cyber wave::</p>
<p>Marite:</p>
<p>I’m a relative newcomer (altho my post count seems to be growing faster than my waist line–and that’s saying something!), but it saddens me deeply to think you would feel “driven off” this site…I either missed the problem that’s causing you enough stress to back away, or didn’t “get it” when it happened…so I’m clueless…but that doesn’t stop me from feeling very very bad that someone(s) posted something(s) so disturbing that it would cause you to leave…I’ve thought back–HARD–over the posts I’ve made, and I for the life of me can’t think of anything I might have said that would be offensive…but if I did, please forgive me (and tell me what it was so I can learn to be more sensitive in the future)…</p>
<p>I’m among the “throngs” that very much value your contributions to the give-and-take (which is mostly helpful and positive and interesting, altho I certainly have seen the nasty spots)…</p>
<p>Please don’t go!</p>
<p>And here are cyber-hugs and warm wishes and good thoughts from one small part of your cyber-family whether you come or go–</p>
<p>:(</p>
<p>What happened? :(</p>
<p>Marite, I wrote you privately, but I want to publicly say how much I’ve enjoyed your company here, especially finding out our Wes kids were classmates!</p>
<p>I understand your feelings, and hope to follow your example, but like Dig said, I’m not good at cold turkey.</p>
<p>Best wishes to you and your family.</p>
<p>I also missed whatever happened and can’t imagine the Parents’ Forum without you. (How will S2 ever get to college?) OTOH, what will you do with all your new free time? Hoping to meet you soon in the real world. -1mm</p>
<p>Marite -
You are one of the most knowledgeable and tactful posters on this board. I have enjoyed reading all of your posts and whenever I see your name, I always know that I will be reading something worthwhile and constructive. I am sorry you have decided to leave, and I will miss you. Good luck to you and your family in the future!</p>
<p>I have felt the change in the board as well. Over the last 4 weeks, the tone of many responses has been less than pleasant. I hope, with the help of the moderators and the parents, that we can get back to helping kids, which should be the goal of posting here. Marite, we respect your input. Thanks from Lindsey and I.</p>
<p>Marite–</p>
<p>I’m not sure what’s been happening here the last few days, but of course I understand if you feel it’s best for you to move on. But oh, what a loss for this community.</p>
<p>All too often–in real life as well as on CC–I find myself thinking of William Butler Yeats’ line: “The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity.” You represent the very best of CC: Your knowledge, compassion, and quiet conviction have been endlessly helpful and inspiring. Thank you.</p>
<p>Yeicks…I’ve only been “gone” for a couple of days! What went on here??? </p>
<p>Marite, and others who feel the time has come to go…</p>
<p>One thing I’ve learned about this board, is that it offers ever so much more than college advice. When my children were little, I was part of a “play group”. Of course, they played, but more importantly, we parents shared our stories, our hopes, dreams, frustrations, and questions about everything from diapers to life. When they were in grade school, we did the same, sitting on the soccer field, helping in the classroom, volunteering at school, church or community events. When they reached high school, the opportunites to connect with other parents seemed less available. THere was the occasional football game or theatre production, but little time was available to share during these moments. Our children certainly didn’t want us around, and I found that we parents had fewer opportunties to connect. </p>
<p>This board offers those missing opportunities – now that our children are growing up (and away). The hopes, dreams, frustrations, and above all questions, are still there. Discussing the college journey is just one way to connect, but I’ve appreciated all the stories from sheets to drugs, to the elections, to religion and the pope! </p>
<p>Like it or not, it has developed into a little community. Stay awhile. Your stories have become a part of us. Just because the children are leaving the nest does not mean your input and wisdom is not appreciated – or even needed!</p>
<p>I don’t want to see anyone leave the board, especially you, marite. You have been more helpful than you know. There are so many of you who have posted such helpful messages that I e-mail them to my D (yes, we live in the same house, but you all know what it’s like occasionally when they’re so busy … like ships passing in the night). I can certainly understand how one might occasionally need a break from the board, but I really do hope you will reconsider and stay. Berurah and Digmedia, the same with you. Honestly, you are more help than you know. Berurah, I have noticed on a couple of occasions a poster who followed behind you that appeared to make digs at you. Please do not let the actions of one or two posters ruin it for the entire board. You are valued members!</p>
<p>
splashmom~
I appreciate your sharing this observation because I noticed it too. I tried to ignore it (I don’t tend to be the paranoid type), but it became too overt to ignore. Good to know that I’m not losing it! <em>lol</em></p>
<p>I really don’t want to make a rash decision about leaving. I feel the desire to pay forward what has been so kindly and generously offered to me on this forum this year. I will probably lay a bit low for awhile and see how I feel. I definitely want to stick around long enough to send HUGE (and very colorful) congrats to those who make it off of the dreaded waitlists, particularly my good friend andi’s deserving son!! </p>
<p>~berurah</p>
<p>Marite, Berurah, Digmedia, NO!!!</p>
<p>I wish you guys would stay! I know I have no reason to be here…but I’ve occasionally poked my head in…there will be even less reason to stay with you guys leave. NO!!!</p>
<p>Was it something I said? I did not even notice what it was…was too busy.</p>
<p>I tried to send this private but Marite’s box is full - understandably!</p>
<p>Thank you again for coming through for me last fall. I’m sure you don’t remember the post, or what your response was, but you provided some wisdom and perspective at a time when I really needed it. Your experience is appreciated. Best of luck to your brilliant son at Harvard - and don’t let him come home for at least 3 months ;).</p>
<p>Marite: how about a little sabbatical instead of an all out goodbye??</p>
<p>And, how clueless am I? I’m on this site all the time (way more than I should be) and I don’t have any idea what’s going on here. What deleted threads? What bad remarks? I occasionally see a little snip here or there but nothing that would throw me over the edge. </p>
<p>What exactly did I miss???</p>
<p>I don’t know what was going on either, but then I visit this site in spurts–if I have time, I will read and post a lot, but if I’m busy IRL (what a concept!) I will be hit or miss with which threads I read. </p>
<p>Anyway, I have all but stopped posting on another forum which I used to be very active on for many years. It has just gotten way too catty and whiny and too many condescending know-it-alls have joined, making it miserable for others. So I know how you feel in that regard, marite (if in fact that is what you experienced).
I really enjoy your posts and wisdom. :)</p>
<p>Another idea is to just put the offending person(s) on your ignore list. This might save you a lot of headaches ;)</p>