Thank You!

[stride]

Dave,

For some reason your reply to BB's "pushed" posts has moved me very deeply. I am aware of tremendous gratitude--and admiration--welling up inside for you and for the other men who participate on this site.

As pitifully little resources as there are out there for men who have been sexually abused, there is equally little available for their partners. Since discovering this site last February, I have been blessed with the opportunity
to hear firsthand accounts of both the trials and triumphs of men struggling to overcome the effects of their SA histories--a privilege I cherish. The posts I've read here, the replies to my own, the PMs, all of it has been an incredible source of insight, learning, strength, and inspiration. Perhaps all the more so because I am "just" a partner and yet so many of you have been there to provide feedback, reality checks, support, etc.

Sadly, the man I love is not a member here and is not yet willing to look at his SA stuff. I would not be leaving him now if he were. Regardless, I accept his right to make his own choices and decide for himself what he does with his life. It is very reassuring to know that if he ever does decide to visit here, you will all be there for him.

I wonder if any of you could ever know just how much your contributions have meant to partners like myself?

God bless you all. And thank you so much for giving us (partners) a place to share our struggles alongside you. Moreover, to have you (collectively) be so caring towards us even while you are here to help each other (survivors) is a truly beautiful gift to us. Sometimes it's simply amazing just how healing sharing our respective journies can be!

Thank you all again. I don't know what I would have done without you these past many months.

Stride

In the right formation,
the lifting power of many wings can
achieve twice the distance of any bird
flying alone.

 

[PAS]

I second this post - I have learned so much about the whole issue.. have been able to vent and rage on here, get another point of view, and 99 times out of 100 the view I get here is RIGHT ON with what is going on in my "real life".

And I too have the utmost respect and gratitude towards ALL the guys who have taken the time to write to me, to discuss, (and even argue ) with me on the various posts that I've made on here. Your honesty and candidness about your experiences and your recovery and the challenges therein have really made a HUGE difference in my life and my relationship with a survivor - and in turn with his own recovery.

I know its small comfort compared to all the pain and anguish of the abuse and its aftermath, but you really have helped to help me with dealing with my own feelings about abuse, and how it has affected my partner. I tend to look at my own abuse experience this way - nobody can undo the neglect and abuse and pain of having an alcoholic/abusive parent, but at least I can use that to help others who are currently struggling with family members trapped in the pain of addiction. The only way to really make sense of all of this, I find, is to "pay it forward".

You're one great bunch of guys!!

PAS

 

[Lloydy]

Thank you both for all your kindness, I genuinly appreciate it.

In the last few years I have discovered the joy of helping others where I can. I might not get it right every time - but I try. And it's so much better than the misery that followed me around for so long before.

Thanks again.

Dave