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Old 06-10-2006, 02:05 AM   #1
 
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what's happened to the "we're here to help" part

You know - I've read through the last number of posts, and although I do highly admire Barb and those others such as MammR being able to give the 'intellectual' answers that they have to this GSA crisis that we are all going through, I defintelty believe that they've 'missed the boat' so to speak. I'm very confident that those of us here understand the intellectual side of GSA. THAT's not the problem. It's the emotional side - the NEED - the PULL - the immensity of how that takes over. And it does take over - wether you want it to are not. If YOU had not felt it Barb, then you wouldn't have gone what you went through with the feelings you had for your son, and you wouldn't have built this site. If YOU had not gone through those intense emotions - and could not stop them, then YOU won't be on this site either MamaR.

What people are forgetting, is that we are asking for help in dealing with the emotional turmoil, the intensity of it all - the consuming thoughts, EVERYTHING that GSA is. We don't keep needing to hear about the intellectual side of it ALL the time.
Telling someone to 'take up knitting' or start painting, or to remember whats important in your life - is an insult to those of us that are working so hard to get through this. Wait for the feeling to settle. I keep hearing that - the feelings will settle. Well, When the HELL does that happen anyways. I think You've both FORGOTTEN what its like - and WE can't just turn our emotions off like a dripping tap. YES, the intelletual side is real, BUT so are the emotions. Both have consequences. I've chosen the intelletual end of it - because I DO understand it - so everyday I live without my son - and he lives without me. We are both in constant pain - but it's a pain that we bare because we know (and are hopeful) that at some point in our lives we'l be able to be together in the same room, without feeling the NEED to become one person again. So everyday is HELL. Thats my hell and his hell. I work - and I work hard - on my issues, and I do all those things, piant, and punch a punching bag, and write, and read. I'm farther ahead now than I was a year ago - and for sure a lot farther ahead than I was 6 years ago. My son is learning. and slowly understanding. This is not something that can be FIXED over night. THIS takes a lot of work - inside - gut wrenching work.

So - please STOP - telling us to think with our heads. I believe that most of us here do. WE have hearts to - and the people that we are involved with, whether it's our sons, our daughters, or h/b or h/s are people that we love - and we have a love for them like no other.

We ask for help and guidance - and support. NOT to be told that if we cross the line - we'll be condemed for all eternity and will hurt everyone in our lives. So, stop blaming us for feeling the way we do!!!! Maybe you can hide from your heart and soul. I think that those of us that are new and reaching out - can't!!!!!!!!
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Old 06-10-2006, 08:56 AM   #2
MamaR
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First of all, I only gave examples of methods I used to distract myself. The emotions are connected to the mind..you think with the same organ with which you experience emotions. I was not suggesting that anyone do anything except try to find ways to give themselves some mental breaks/distractions from thinking about the object of the GSA desire 24/7.

The distractions I mentioned were valuable for me because I was able, then, to look at what I was really looking for...why the empty place was there and why my emotions became so misdirected. They enabled me to start removing myself from a "me-centered" situation into one that grounded me in reality. Anyone can get their minds and guts together, but you have to be willing to do some really hard work on grief, abandonment issues, etc. It was when I was going through this period of healing that I realized my empty place, the one I was trying to fill with my obsession with my half-brother, had to do with the loss of my firstborn child to adoption and the way her father had deserted me and left me to cope with all the ramifications of an unwed pregnancy in the early 60's.

Also, no one, including me, said anything about being "condemned for eternity"...just that crossing the line causes a lot of damage and hurt to you, your GSA partner and the people around you. If you can think about how that might affect your other loved ones, then you might be able to temper your passions a bit with a good dose of common sense. Realizing that there are other people involved whose lives would be adversely affected should also, at least, make you want to stop and think.

Yes, Barb and I both have been there and we have seen what it can do and no, I haven't forgotten how powerful the emotions are. BUT, I also know that, had I not been so wrapped up in instant gratification of my desires to the exclusion of all that is sensible and right, I might never have crossed that line. Even after all these years, I am still angry at the GSA and that no one then even knew what it was.

You dismiss what Barb and I have had to say as intellectualizing, but I get very triggered, emotionally, by what I read here. We both want to save you and your loved ones a lot of unecessary heartbreak, guilt and family turmoil. Yes, I know how it is to have your emotions shouting at you, "I want...I want!." I know how it is to have met that person and perceive in them all the answers to my heart's longings, however erroneous that perception might have been. But I also know that it can be overcome, and that the damage can be averted and/or repaired, as does Barb. She formed this group to help people understand and overcome GSA..not to endorse acting on it or appease those who endorse and justify such actions.

You call it "judging," or "intellectualizing," but I really think that it is just that we say what you don't want to hear. That is why I don't get hurt or insulted by this attitude. I was definitely once in your shoes...the only person in whom I confided...a good friend...tried to tell me what I am telling you and others and I didn't want to listen to her either. But, on the other end of things, I realized that every word she spoke was true and born of her genuine concern for me. She has kept my secret to this day and I treated her rather badly at the time. Thank God, I was granted the good sense and humility to tell her that I was wrong and I was sorry for not listening to her.

Reading here moved me to make more moves to reconcile our sibling relationship with my brother, and it's working out. I also called my friend who now lives in another state and told her of what I was learning now about GSA and adoption reunions and how glad I was that she has been there for me. A lot of very strong emotions have cropped up...Yes..I do feel them. I feel an inordinate amount of emotional distress and concern every time I read these posts, here.

I ache for all of you for the very reason you cited...I've been there. For that reason, I will say what I think is right and you can either delete, read or ignore. Either way, I have to wonder why you put so much emphasis on what I am saying if you feel that your heart is in the right? Is it not easy to hear that I have lived long enough to know that you can't trust your emotions 100% and that letting the heart have what it wants isn't always wise or right? You can refrain from any action if you really want to.
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Old 06-10-2006, 09:20 AM   #3
MamaR
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PS: I don't knit...I crochet, do crewel and tapestry embroidery, and paint. All I was saying that involving oneself in a creative endeavor, or doing things that are relaxing and enjoyable, can take your mind off the object of your desires for a short period of time and allow some equilibrium. I never advocated arts and crafts as a cure but as a "stop-gap" measure until you have the strength of mind and purpose to do the really hard emotional work.

PLUS, I don't see a thing wrong with the advice to start involving yourself in the ultimate welfare of your other loved ones. THAT can be a real eye-opener. I know it opened mine, especially where my, then, 3-year-old daughter was concerned.
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Old 06-10-2006, 04:05 PM   #4
Leia
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It seems to me, that people can be very adamant about why its so WRONG, or BAD, to act, (act?its very real) ) and all the whys and therefores...to avoid it,
to think, to stop. to wait and so on...
because because because...

...because THATS the way it turned out for THEM...
the family distruction, the chaos,
BUT,
there is the flip side,
like me, and my brother, who have it ALL

We are happy, friends are aware of us,
we have their full support.
we have both,
a sibling relationship AND a couple relationship.
I know of a father and daughter who are just the same.
and friends who are also bro/sis.


...and the fallout we were expecting just NEVER happened.
everything is just as it was before, accept now EVERYBODY concerned
is happier.

maybe i'm a minorioty, but i know i'm not alone.
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Old 06-10-2006, 04:31 PM   #5
MamaR
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It might not have happened yet, it might not happen tomorrow, but it will happen. Somewhere, someone that cares about you is not happy with this. You can't tell me that you are able to be perfectly open to all your friends and loved ones and that they all accept it, joyfully. I don't believe that any more than I believe that I can buy prime real-estate in the Misissippi delta. What about children of these relationships? Do you think that it is fair to them? How would you like to grow up knowing that your dad is also your uncle or that your mother is also your grandmother? Get real.

If you are wanting to persuade me to think your way or expect me to say "Oh, ok, it's just fine for you to have intimate relations with a close relative," then you are asking the wrong person. Justify away, but it still is NOT smart, right or without a lot of danger. I really hate to see people wanting approval for this and touting it as a good move when there are other people trying so hard to overcome it and move into more appropriate relationships with their loved ones.

I don't begin to think that I can prove to you how inappropriate this is, but the least you could do is not act like it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. If you are able to believe that it's great for you, then fine. But to recommend acting on GSA as a viable life-style?? NO WAY. There are vulnerable people here who feel, in their hearts, that it is wrong to step over that line. Give them a chance to heal without showing yourself as a happy-ever-after poster child for sleeping with the kinfolks.

I don't think that the people here in ongoing GSA relationships really want help. They want approval, endorsement and someone else to blame. I understand the feelings so don't say I don't. I had them and I crossed the line and I was damn lucky that my entire family didn't go up in smoke. And, years and years later, I had to struggle to forgive myself because, when the fog really lifted, I knew that what I had done was just simply dead wrong.
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Old 06-10-2006, 06:56 PM   #6
Leia
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I didn't once tout it as a good move, I'm not the only one on this site perfectly happy, there are a lot of us with an opposite veiw to YOU, your opinion is noted but not the be all and end all.
we dont intend having kids, we already have them.
not that its any of your business, if we'd met younger maybe we would have.

I read barbs latest post and it made sense.. then you come in and write this,
Justify away?
Who made you a GSA guru?
I wasn't trying to justify ANYTHING.
i was stating how it is for ME,
MY OWN personal circumstances.
of which you have not an iota of a clue

Your post is full of sarcasm, rudeness and no compassion whatsover unless it suits YOU, no one on here is the same,
as stated by myself and many other readers/posters.
we dont write here to sway people one way or another we post our INDIVIDUAL experiences, for people to SEE similarities or to see how it could be/might be/might not be/
.... mine just happens to be the complete opposite out come to yours.
save your anger and preaching for someone else.

If you want to become admin and jump in barbs boots go ahead.

do you know how cynical you sound? its one thing telling it like it is, but as soon as someone makes a post you're straight in their with your holier than thou opinion which you dont pass on as a warm gesture but more a shoving down our throats.

Quote:
There are vulnerable people here who feel, in their hearts, that it is wrong to step over that line. Give them a chance to heal without showing yourself as a happy-ever-after poster child for sleeping with the kinfolks.
and THAT was totally un called for.
an insult directed at ME....to ANYONE involved in GSA
plain and simple.

and it's pretty much the reason i feel that you've just narrowed down the 'help and support' for people that ARE in GSA relationships.

There is not just one little compartment, one pigeon hole for all concerned.
There are many many different walks of life in here, many different needs, many different outcomes, and many different ways of dealing.

That comment alone was out of order,

Thanks for making me feel like a sack of shit and for feeling i can any longer post freely here, without someone like you leaping all over every word like its personal to YOU.

I'm not you, you are not ME
you are not the last word and you DO NOT have all the answers
thanks for NOTHING.

Quote:
but the least you could do is not act like it's the greatest thing since sliced bread.

and the least you could do, is not launch an attack on me speaking to me as though i were 5 years old, and have NO clue as to what is going on all around me
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Old 06-10-2006, 09:34 PM   #7
 
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MamaR, I do respect that you have gone throught the emotional turmoil, and the pain and suffering of GSA. What I am finding so difficult, is exactly what Leia says. You believe your words are helping. I can tell you for me personally - most of the time - they don't. You recommend reading the books - I can tell you I've read them ALL. Primal wound, Joe's books - Adoption Healing, everything I have been able to get my hands on. And - yes - understanding WHY the feelings are there helps - BUT it DOESN'T take the feelings away and the feelings are REAL. Reading can only do so much. Helping - is with gentle and kind words - saying DON'T do it - reminds me of adults trying to tell young people "just say no". That just doesn't work.
When my son tells me he NEEDS me - when I see he so much wants me - I'm everything he's ever wanted - I'm the person he wants to spend the rest of his life with. How do you think that makes me feel - having to back away - pulling away from him - telling him no - we can't be that close - when I Feel EXACLTY the same way. I've told him he can have me in every other way - Just NOT in that way. It's painful - and he hurts - and because he hurts - I hurt. The longing I have to be with him is just as intense - if not more so. It's a constant aching, longing, wanting and needing him. You say that it's the adults responsibilty to keep things "in-line". Well - just who the hell is the child anyways????? Is it my son!! Is it me!! I'm his mom - yes. I was still a chid myself when he was born. Well - HE already has a mom that was allowed to raise him. I was not. Where do I fit?? You say for 2 weeks you went through the greiving. I will tell you for me it was over 4 months - 4 months of absoulte torture, of not sleeping, throwing up, not being able to eat, having an aching in me that NEVER went away, night sweats, the whole nine yards. I barley functioned. AND - I had to keep saying NO! For me - and my son. And my son had to keep saying No as well. Is THIS worth it!!! And to be able to Work and make a living - pay the bills. Forget that!! I've told my son all about the bonding, the genetics ALL of it. He says "Look at me - I'm a man!!" Like the song he sent me says - "There's a light - a certain kindof light, that never shines on me. I want my life to be - here with you - I wanna be with you". How much can one person take - to see my son suffer so. There's no island for us. So - what?? Do we keep being apart - we've been seperate all of our lives - because of him being taken away from me. GSA - is unbearable - it truly is. I'd rather have a terminal illness, and know I'd be dead in a short while - than to have to keep bearing the pain.
So - ALL I'm asking is - that if you feel that what you have to share is worth your words - then I would ask that you TRY to find a way to be kind and gentle. We've ALL had enough pain in our lives. We certainly DON't need anymore.
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Old 06-11-2006, 02:22 PM   #8
Luke
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MAMAR - You are one hell of a piece of work. I'm so amazed by your opinions and attitudes that I can't be bothered to waste my time typing out a lengthy explanation of just how so self righteous you think you are?!

I'd say you are seriously bitter and twisted about what has happened to you, and now you just want to shit on anyone else who has experienced GSA.

This is one site you don't belong to. Your comments are not helpful - find another group to vent your blinkered views at you sour old bitch! Thanks for making me feel like the shit on the bottom of your shoe!
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