by Bob B.
Member since:
October 20, 2007

Apryl - Goodbye Dear Friend

December 04, 2007 08:33 PM EST (Updated: December 04, 2007 09:33 PM EST)
views: 82 | comments: 51

One of my closest connections on Gather is leaving. I have known Apryl, through Gather, for over a year.

I can relate with Apryl as to why she is leaving. I also left Gather after being viciously attacked by less than a handful of short-sighted, narrow-minded people.

Apryl is the most sincere, caring connection I have ever had on Gather. She has been a beacon of light for many of us. She has endured more pain and suffering in her life than any of us could ever imagine, yet she has been able to overcome it and share it with us in such inspirational ways.

I shall dearly miss Apryl L. I pray that she returns soon. Gather will not be the same without her.

To those who have hurt Apryl so terribly, I just want to say, "I am proud that Apryl L. is a friend of mine."

 

Bob

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Comments: 51

Lori F. Dec 4, 2007, 8:57pm EST
Bob I dont know why people do things like this. But at least on gather they are faceless and just on a computer screen could you imagine having to deal with some of them face to face? Makes me shudder.
Apryl Just Apryl Dec 4, 2007, 8:57pm EST
I am proud that you are my friend, Bob! Thank you for such a loving and wonderful article. I am in tears as I write this. Thank you for everything!
Bob B. Dec 4, 2007, 9:00pm EST
Lori -

I think because they are faceless, it's very easy for them to attack. They are cloaked in their computers. There is no way they would have the guts to attack others face to face. They are sniveling cowards.
Bob B. Dec 4, 2007, 9:01pm EST
Oh Apryl, I, too, am in tears my dear friend.
Lori F. Dec 4, 2007, 9:01pm EST
Amen to that Bob.
Lori F. Dec 4, 2007, 9:02pm EST
Apryl why let scum run you off from gather? Yes it is alot to put up with but people like Bob make up for it and then some.
Apryl Just Apryl Dec 4, 2007, 9:11pm EST
Lori, I am ashamed of myself now for even considering leaving. I wish I hadn't already told gather to unplug me. Now I feel like a coward and a traitor. My husband was right, I shouldn't be run off.
Trish A. Dec 4, 2007, 9:12pm EST
It saddens me to see you leave but I respected your wish and disconnected. Please treat yourself gently.
Trish A. Dec 4, 2007, 9:15pm EST
I will gladly reconnect with you at any moment.
Apryl Just Apryl Dec 4, 2007, 9:27pm EST
Thank You Trish, You are a good friend!
Lori F. Dec 4, 2007, 9:29pm EST
Apryl dont feel like that...you are human like the rest of us:)
Bob B. Dec 4, 2007, 9:29pm EST
Apryl -

You have nothing to be ashamed of. Some people are very effective at hurting others. Simply sign up again as soon as you verify your account has been closed. You'll be welcomed back with open arms.

Lori -

Thank you so much for your remarks. I appreciate them and I know Apryl does too.
Lori F. Dec 4, 2007, 9:48pm EST
Bob no problem and you are very correct...some people thrive on sensitive people they go out of their way to cause them pain. I guess its the only way they can feel better about themselves. So sad.
Bob B. Dec 4, 2007, 9:50pm EST
It's particularly sad in this case because Apryl has never been anything but kind to everyone.
Bob B. Dec 4, 2007, 9:50pm EST
Thanks again Lori.
Bob B. Dec 4, 2007, 9:50pm EST
Trish - I'm sure Apryl will love to reconnect with you when she returns.
sherry h. Dec 4, 2007, 9:52pm EST
There are few plugs that once unplugged cannot be reconnected. There are more of "us" than there are of "them." Be brave Apryl, be strong. Don't let the bastards win.
Bob B. Dec 4, 2007, 9:57pm EST
Apryl won't let them win. She's too strong. They're very, very weak. She'll be back. Thanks Sherry.
Sue M. Dec 4, 2007, 11:27pm EST
So sorry for you and Apryl, Bob... :(
Bob B. Dec 4, 2007, 11:35pm EST
Thank you Sue.
Sue * Dec 5, 2007, 1:09am EST
I agree...well said. I didn't realize you were back...glad to see you!
Sandra T. Dec 5, 2007, 2:44am EST
I see a lot of this on pajamas at work, but I think this phrase says it best right now...
Mean people suck!
Bob B. Dec 5, 2007, 8:52am EST
Thanks Sue.
Bob B. Dec 5, 2007, 8:52am EST
I couldn't agree more Sandra.
Dee - Nature Babe! Dec 5, 2007, 9:00am EST
Sorry Apryl had to go. There are a lot of insensitive people out there. Come back soon!
Bob B. Dec 5, 2007, 9:03am EST
She'll be back Dina.
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 5, 2007, 9:24am EST
This is a wonderful tribute, Bob.

And have I told you lately that I am glad you decided to return?
Bob B. Dec 5, 2007, 9:26am EST
Thank you Shannon.
Bob, this was a very nice article to post. I am not connected to Apryl, but can relate to feeling the need to leave gather (if only for a little while). I, too, felt that I needed to leave this site and did it. In the end, I missed it terribly and am glad to be back. When people bother you so much, somtimes it can be overwhelming (who needs to be put down by others).
When I returned, I connected to some old friends and found new ones. I haven't connected to those that gave me a problem in the past. Maybe Apryl will return soon.
Apryl Just Apryl Dec 5, 2007, 10:34am EST
I just recv'd an e-mail from gather asking if I was sure I wanted to close my acct. I told them to leave it open. I will just take a bit of a break from writing. Thank You for all your support and understanding.
William M. Dec 5, 2007, 6:06pm EST
I'm so glad you are staying, April. You are a wonderful inspiration to many of us. It would hurt so much if you were leaving.
Lydia (part of the solution) Shelley Dec 5, 2007, 6:56pm EST
Apryl, I don't know you... but shame on whomever has caused you to want to retreat in this manner. I hope you'll be back.
: )
Bob B. Dec 5, 2007, 7:01pm EST
Renda -

I just don't understand why people can't disagree and show respect at the same time.
Bob B. Dec 5, 2007, 7:05pm EST
Apryl -

Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kathryn E. Dec 5, 2007, 7:14pm EST
Most people here I think including Apryl do not remember or do not know when I was viciously attacked daily for three months.

See what I mean? News to everybody on this thread.

IT IS WORTH IT TO STAY AROUND. What's more, this was news to me...
Bob B. Dec 5, 2007, 7:17pm EST
Eileen -

I'm happy to say she will be back.
Donna Besso Dec 5, 2007, 7:34pm EST
I'm not connected to Apryl, but I would love to be! I'm sorry that she feels that she has to leave Gather. People need to get a life and clean up their own back yard before they tell other people how to keep theirs up. Jerks.
Bob B. Dec 5, 2007, 7:41pm EST
Kathryn - I think there are many of us that can relate.
Bob B. Dec 5, 2007, 7:41pm EST
I'm glad she's staying too Diane.
Bob B. Dec 5, 2007, 7:41pm EST
Well stated William.
Bob B. Dec 5, 2007, 7:42pm EST
Thank you lydia.
necee t. Dec 6, 2007, 1:47pm EST
hi Bob... you are a wonderful friend and everyone else who responded...
i'm soooo glad Apryl decided to stay... we need her and love her...
Blessings to you for helping us keep Apryl...
Bob B. Dec 6, 2007, 7:38pm EST
I really didn't do anything Necee. Apryl simply made a very good decision.
Cristina S. Dec 7, 2007, 4:22am EST
I checked - she's back!
If we don't give jerks any power over us - they cannot touch us! Glad Apryl decided to go this route!
Bob B. Dec 7, 2007, 8:14am EST
I am too Christina.
JoAnne D. Dec 7, 2007, 2:37pm EST
A hearty welcome back to Apryl, thanks Bob for the very nice article.
Bob B. Dec 7, 2007, 3:53pm EST
When it comes to Apryl, it's easy to be nice JoAnne.
Elsie Duggan Dec 7, 2007, 6:47pm EST
I am so happy Apryl is staying , I heard she might leave and would have missed her , thanks for this Bob, perhaps you have a part in her deciding to stay.
Bob B. Dec 7, 2007, 7:01pm EST
Thanks Elsie, but Apryl made the decision herself.

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