Ladies and Gentlemen,
Is it just me? Or is it quite strange to find folks on a local newspaper forum (literally) begging others to "please stay"? If we exclude personalities here, what we find is one adult who has announced the decision to no longer participate in these forums. That, in itself, seemed a little unusual - but I suppose one could simply want others to know that all is well and have that closure. Fair enough. I can also imagine why there might be people who, rightly or wrongly, feel that harm was done and who publically apologize for their own contributions.
But for the life of me, I don't understand why anyone here would beg another to stay. It simply doesn't add up to me. Sure, everyone has a right to beg others to stay or go until the cows come home. Yet, frankly, it seems like an odd reaction to me. Am I the only one? If I am, I'll live with that.
I wish you all well. And remember, there is always the option of personal PMs (or e-mails, if you're brave) to stay connected with those who make their own decision as adults to discontinue direct contact here. I really do understand that some develop friendships with others, yet can't those can be continued outside of and beyond the postings here? I enjoy reading everyone's comments, but if you go I will simply wish you well once again. Life will go on, and those waves will keep hitting the shore.