Sob Stories

[fortwildernessishome]

Can you send an American Girl doll with it? My DD would love to get one.

Is she back at it this year?

 

[furb & dez]

I have to disagree with this. I have asked for prayers on the board a couple of times. I am not asking for attention, I am asking for prayers because my best friend is fighting leukemia and it's one of the few things I can do. I believe in prayer and sometimes you just feel like you need to do something.

Prayers by definition are demands for attention from *whomever it may concern*.

I can't otherwise comment without breaking board rules, so I won't.

 

[tweedlemom]

 

[pigletto]

I really don't doubt that some of the stories are fishing expeditions. I do however have a different take on some of the prayer requests or venting threads. I think some people are just so cut off from humanity. Many don't just belong anywhere, feel cared for or like they have somewhere to turn. Is it the best coping mechanism? No. But I think that some people start to feel like the internet is their community.
I am extremely fortunate in that I have solid support in real life, excellent family and friends and can use the internet for sharing of information and some laughs now and then.
Not everyone is as lucky.
There's a difference in someone trying to run a scam, and someone who is just alone and overwhelmed.

 

[peekinglemer]

I guess the good thing is, you always have the choice NOT to read those threads.

You know, whether or not all of them are true, there are some people that maybe can't talk to anyone and feel better getting the opinions of people that are more anonymous. Don't have such a hard heart when someone is asking for help. If you choose not to comment, that's your business, but there are some people that truly may need people's help. If you think they're fake stories, don't read them ....but why create a thread basically slamming people that have questions or need help ? that's not very kind.

I'm sure I'm going to get slammed for this, but I don't really care. If you go through your life not caring about what someone else is going through or laughing it off that their problems are fake, you're going to find that when you have a problem that you need help with, you're going to be standing alone.

No slam from me. I think your right on the money!

 

[Suz D]

I think that we live in a world where communicating electronically is very much the norm. I don't have texting on my phone so I'm not one to be glued to my Smartphone, texting while I'm out at a restaurant with friends, but I definately communicate VERY often through e-mail.

I agree that sometimes these posts are trolls looking for a handout, but I believe that the majority of the people who author those posts just don't have anyone to vent to. The Disboard has become a support system to them for whatever reason and this is where they come when they've got heartaches.

I also think that when people post "should I cancel my trip" or "we're going anyway, we need it", they feel this is a place where they will find other people who "get it" instead of people who say, "why do you go to WDW so often?". I know the Budget board is a little different since it is supposed to be "a penny saved is a penny earned for Disney" so lots of people are quick to say, "you shouldn't be taking that trip" but on other boards, that may not be the case.

I'm sorry but I completely disagree with the PP who stated that asking for prayers is demanding attention. For those who believe in the power of prayer, it is a comfort and a blessing. Just knowing that you're doing something proactive in a situation where there may be nothing else that can be done, is helpful.

When our daughter was born (a 1 lb. 1/4 oz preemie, 11 inches long and very sick) we had total strangers all over the country praying for her. I believe it made a difference for us. And as a side note, I just put together the candy buffet for her 16th birthday party tomorrow night. Never underestimate the power of prayer for those who believe.

Sorry this sounds preachy.

 

[maedelken]

I really believe life just becomes too much sometimes. Venting helps. Sometimes it is easier to share with people who don't know you. Coming unhinged in front of people who see you everyday makes you look weak. You may be in that moment but you might not be in a year but people will always remember the time your burden became too heavy and you broke down in front of them. They also may not want to share their failures with close friends and family because they are embarrassed. Being anonymous really helps. I try not to judge because these people no matter what we think about their situations are feeling true pain and anguish. Everybody has hard times when they feel like they can't go on and I hope that when I am going through times like this people will lift me up with their words not knock me down. So I will always send prayers in the hope that someone will do the same for me.

Oh and if you don't like these venting posts I guess just don't read them. You do have a choice.

 

[Belle5]

I think that we live in a world where communicating electronically is very much the norm. I don't have texting on my phone so I'm not one to be glued to my Smartphone, texting while I'm out at a restaurant with friends, but I definately communicate VERY often through e-mail.

I agree that sometimes these posts are trolls looking for a handout, but I believe that the majority of the people who author those posts just don't have anyone to vent to. The Disboard has become a support system to them for whatever reason and this is where they come when they've got heartaches.

I also think that when people post "should I cancel my trip" or "we're going anyway, we need it", they feel this is a place where they will find other people who "get it" instead of people who say, "why do you go to WDW so often?". I know the Budget board is a little different since it is supposed to be "a penny saved is a penny earned for Disney" so lots of people are quick to say, "you shouldn't be taking that trip" but on other boards, that may not be the case.

I'm sorry but I completely disagree with the PP who stated that asking for prayers is demanding attention. For those who believe in the power of prayer, it is a comfort and a blessing. Just knowing that you're doing something proactive in a situation where there may be nothing else that can be done, is helpful.

When our daughter was born (a 1 lb. 1/4 oz preemie, 11 inches long and very sick) we had total strangers all over the country praying for her. I believe it made a difference for us. And as a side note, I just put together the candy buffet for her 16th birthday party tomorrow night. Never underestimate the power of prayer for those who believe.

Sorry this sounds preachy.

This is really a great post and I agree with everything you said.

 

[becpee]

Venting is great and expected but trolling is not. Even though I just got ANOTHER car repair bill. I could use a shot of something if anyone has a spare.

I could offer you a shot of bourbon or vodka, it's all I got...

 

[marthachick]

Can you send an American Girl doll with it?

And don't forget the laundry detergent!

 

[MomToOne]

I could offer you a shot of bourbon or vodka, it's all I got...

Party at becpee's house!!!!!!!

 

[3sweetpeas]

Prayers by definition are demands for attention from *whomever it may concern*.

I can't otherwise comment without breaking board rules, so I won't.

Seriously? Are you just TRYING to make people mad? A conversation with you might be really interesting but do you always say whatever comes to your head regardless?

There are several of you that had better never have tragedy strike or you'll be eating your words.

I COMPLETELY agree with Suz D when she says that people share with people on the DIS about they're trip situations because they know people will "get it" here on the boards versus people at home and in their lives. Actually her whole post was very well put and I agree completely.

I get those who are having fun with it...go for it but have a heart some of you. You never know when it will be you....

Ok...go ahead...slam me.

 

[usnuzuloose]

Seriously? Are you just TRYING to make people mad? A conversation with you might be really interesting but do you always say whatever comes to your head regardless?

There are several of you that had better never have tragedy strike or you'll be eating your words.

I COMPLETELY agree with Suz D when she says that people share with people on the DIS about they're trip situations because they know people will "get it" here on the boards versus people at home and in their lives. Actually her whole post was very well put and I agree completely.

I get those who are having fun with it...go for it but have a heart some of you. You never know when it will be you....

Ok...go ahead...slam me.

No slam here. I agree, someday this person will need that prayer and he may not find it. This person has alot of anger. If they dont care why are they posting in here anyway?

 

[kimsuenew]

I guess the good thing is, you always have the choice NOT to read those threads. QUOTE]

I agree with this. Just choose what you want to read and ignore all others!

 

[Stitch76]

I think that we live in a world where communicating electronically is very much the norm. I don't have texting on my phone so I'm not one to be glued to my Smartphone, texting while I'm out at a restaurant with friends, but I definately communicate VERY often through e-mail.

I agree that sometimes these posts are trolls looking for a handout, but I believe that the majority of the people who author those posts just don't have anyone to vent to. The Disboard has become a support system to them for whatever reason and this is where they come when they've got heartaches.

I also think that when people post "should I cancel my trip" or "we're going anyway, we need it", they feel this is a place where they will find other people who "get it" instead of people who say, "why do you go to WDW so often?". I know the Budget board is a little different since it is supposed to be "a penny saved is a penny earned for Disney" so lots of people are quick to say, "you shouldn't be taking that trip" but on other boards, that may not be the case.

I'm sorry but I completely disagree with the PP who stated that asking for prayers is demanding attention. For those who believe in the power of prayer, it is a comfort and a blessing. Just knowing that you're doing something proactive in a situation where there may be nothing else that can be done, is helpful.

When our daughter was born (a 1 lb. 1/4 oz preemie, 11 inches long and very sick) we had total strangers all over the country praying for her. I believe it made a difference for us. And as a side note, I just put together the candy buffet for her 16th birthday party tomorrow night. Never underestimate the power of prayer for those who believe.

Sorry this sounds preachy.

I agree with you. Anyone who believes in what prayers can do is not "just seeking attention". My DH was in a terrible accident in 08, he had a brain hemorrhage, and we really didn't know if he was going to make it. I too had complete strangers as well as everyone I knew praying for him. Today he is fine with no lasting effects from the wreck other than some arthritis in a shoulder that was injured.
We have come through some hard times (everyone has them), and I have vented on here about things, but I never asked for anything other than a kind word, some understanding, and yes some prayers.
I vent on here because I feel that even though I don't know you all personally I still think of this board in whole as a friend. My family is not a close knit family, I am a stay at home mom so I have no coworkers, and my DH works away from home a lot so sometimes I don't even have the comfort of venting to him. So sometimes this board is my only option, otherwise I would be venting to my children, who would just think Mommy has finally lost her mind. Venting on here has helped me let some things out that otherwise would have eaten away at me.
Also sometimes vents can help others, if you were taken by a scam, or a business, or whatever. You can warn others from sharing your same fate. I was taken by a scam one time and lost a lot of $$$$. I vented on here, not to have everyone send me $$$$ to make up for it, but to warn others that this was going on, and not to get taken as well. I also just needed to get it out of my system.
I agree, you will have those who are asking for a handout, but you can usually tell those. But if someone is just needing a shoulder to cry on, a prayer, or a kind word, I am happy to give them the "ATTENTION" they are seeking. Especially at this time of year. And lets hope those who are sick of people needing such "ATTENTION", never need any themselves.

AND TO ALL THOSE WHO NEED SOME 'ATTENTION'!!!

 

[kimberlyWDW]

I believe in lifting big and small things up in prayer and I believe in praying for others - both big and small things. On my facebook page this week I have asked for prayer for a college test and my dog's surgery.

I may occasionally post here on things trip related. I do it because we have been more financially blessed than a lot of people in my life (I live in a relatively poor area). There are some things I don't think I need to pour out to people who are struggling just to pay for their heat.

This fall my husband's dad died and our dog needed expensive cancer surgery. We made the decision to cancel our Disney cruise and help his mom with the final expenses and we decided that we love our dog too much to put our trip first. We cancelled. It was the right thing to do. Thankfully we have frequent flyer miles for the airfare and a timeshare that we can use this year. We're going to stay at Bonnet Creek and use the cruise deposit to buy Universal tickets. We'll spend $1000 instead of $6000.

I don't want money from anyone. I would be mortified if anyone offered. We are still amazingly blessed. I post here because I am the only person I know who is a Mickey addict. No one around me really understands. I've dreamed of a Disney cruise for years. This stinks and quite frankly, I'm a little heartbroken. I just wanted to vent for a minute to people who understand.

I'm sorry if that offended anyone.

I still plan to read the sad posts and offer a bit of sympathy. Sometimes people just need that. I don't understand why it's a bad thing.

 

[Marionnette]

What gets me is that there's even a dedicated board here for all such attention (lady of the evening)s. Calls for sympathy/prayers and vents are all exactly the same thing: "PAY ATTENTION TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE"

I'll pray for you. It sounds like you could use it.

 

[KCMiller]

Um, my original point has been rather lost in the rush to cast me as a soulless, sad troll .

To clarify, I think all those lovely things (prayer, sympathy, empathy, sharing, venting, etc) are great. Just fabulous. When dealing with real live human folks. Reach out, lend a hand, it's all good. But when I see post after post popping up with sob stories about how 'tragedy has struck, but even though we just can't afford it, we can't disappoint the kids', and I know (because I've been on these boards for a good long time) that many of these posts ARE fishing expeditions and that DIS'ers have come back and reported on the boards that they were SCAMMED by these stories - well, I don't think my skepticisim and words of caution mean that I'm a pagan Grinch.

Cause I'm not. Although, dear reader, you have no way of knowing that, because I'm posting on an anonymous chat board (but my DD is REALLY a maid at the Haunted Mansion ).



KC

 

[kathyoffl]

Living in a hard hit area of FL I have seen too many families go from living the high life to becoming homeless. Maybe this forum is somewhere that they can come to just let it out without a face. Do you really want to tell all the preschool moms how bad things are when your husband lost his job and you cannot make your car payments now? Plus your son who loves Santa is wanting a large toy for Christmas and this is the first time in your life that you cannot provide. Some situations are beyond ones control and vetting is actually more healthy than keeping it in.
I feel that it just sad to say that asking for prayers is asking for attention. They are asking fellow Christians for a favor. They are not asking for anything material. You don't pray for others then skip the post.
Also I really hope that those who are showing no compassion, I hope you never fall on hard times because it is clear that you would not be able to handle it. Only when you have walked in others shoes can you then judge them.
This is so sad, especially when people are suppose to be genuinely kind and helping at Christmas if not all year through.

I sure do hope that no one else posts any other problems so you do not flip your lid.
God Bless, Merry Christmas and Happy new year!!!

 

[furb & dez]

I'll pray for you. It sounds like you could use it.

How precious.