Never give up, when one door closes another opens, and age
is not a factor to be considered.

How Cyber friends got me back on track!

By the time my children were in their teens I took a volunteer job with a Youth Club,
this led into a deep involvement with our State Gymnastic Association, where
I worked as an Administrator for around 20 years.
My lounge room rapidly became the State Office, taking up more and more space
as the years rolled by.

I found fulfilment in working for and with youngsters. During this period of my life
I discovered I had a brain lying dormant deep inside me and I revelled in using it.

My first computer came along in the eighties, work overload necessitated this move,
it was not easy going, as I had no one near to help me learn my way around it.

I also had no time for the fun side of computing.

Then along came retirement for Hubby - I retired also and we took a 15 month
break and toured around Australia in our caravan, it was great but I missed
my family and the many stages of growth in our grandchildren's lives.

Once home again, and with nothing to do, I fell into a deep depression. I was so lost,
I no longer had the wish to be just a housewife, and I was not eligible to join the
work force.
This depression lasted about 12 months!
What to do with myself?

I started going to Bingo sessions where you get to know a lot of people but
friendships were not formed easily
.
Bingo was not enough, it does not take brains to play Bingo or to win, just luck,
although the adrenalin rush, when able to be the one to call out Bingo was
great, it was also fleeting.

Most of this time my computer lay idle.
The family suggested I trade-in on a computer that would allow me to be on
the Internet.

What! - Me! - I am too old was my re-action.

I tried ICQ - but being a self taught typist I needed to look at the keyboard as I typed,
so chat was passing me by and I would end up hopelessly lost.

Surfing the net I considered a pointless time wasting, frustrating pastime, I now
think I am quite efficient, but I have to be in the mood.

But I still thought, "what is the point of it all" I did not think anyone except my
family would see it.

I must admit I am very proud and happy to have achieved this, and the site is
still remaining popular.

The next change came when I needed to get a better computer, this time it was
a new IBM with 10 gigabytes and then the world became my oyster.

I discovered I could create in my "word" program, and have more control over many
areas - there was no holding me back then.

It was through this work that I met wonderful cyber friends and kept my sanity.

I am a great believer in "use it - or lose it", and I sure was using my brain I now.

These wonderful cyber friends have continued to support me in my work and
recently through the troubled times during my Hubby's illness.

So it is to them I dedicate the following: -

You're special to me, your someone I trust.
I treasure the topics that we have discussed.

I'm thankful for the times you have summoned a smile.
I'm grateful our paths have converged for a while.

I'm pleased by each confidence you have displayed.
I cherish these moments you've sought to persuade.

I'm touched by the gestures of kindness you've shown.
I've noticed how fast all our hours have flown.

I'm feeling the force of a friendship that's true.
I'm fortunate knowing a person like you.
Author Unknown