Advice to Newcomers

Since I recently extolled the virtues of Mayo Clinic Connect, its excellent leader, Colleen Young, asked for suggestions as to what might aid newcomers to the site..

I echo Judi Mahoney's pithy "don't suffer silently." But I would add something about the process of gaining maximum benefits. Unless you have a critical question that warrants immediate response, ease yourself in. For about a year after joining, I was a bystander, reading avidly the queries of others, and responses thereto, as they might apply to my own escalating concerns.

In that year my admiration grew for the formidable heroes and heroines whose courageous fortitude and experiential wisdom. I became especially connected to a very small number of fellow-caregivers who rescued me when I was down, and whom in turn I tried to help. And eventually to pay public tribute to the larger group.

I came to gain strength from their strength and to develop thoughts I could share. Giving to others helps oneself. And feeling blessed, by God and his faithful servants, enhanced my own dedication.

In our respective struggles, patience is surely a virtue, and the emergent feeling of togetherness an indescribable asset.

Tom G [@pcetng0202]