Cerb Family

[mrrnice2 157005]

I read a comment left on an entry that I made earlier today in the Highlights of the Day thread that caused me to think a bit more about our CERB family.

CERB - the more that I get involved with it and the more that I read contributions that are made in its forums has many of the characteristics of a family. This does not refer to a 'traditional' family, but also to the dysfunctional family, the family divided, the extended family and probably any other sort of family that one could devise as well.

There is certainly a common denominator for all of us that explains our initial presence as a part of this family, but once involved, I see so often how people begin to interact with each other in ways totally apart from that commonality that we all have. These differences are many but I am thinking today of the ability of CERB members to support each other in the same way as families members might do.

I have seen so many examples of this in the past year where people who have never met each other, and in all likelihood never will meet each other have gone out of their ways to help another member. I have seen the genuine welcomes made to new members. I have seen the assistance provided to those who are finding their way through this maze called CERB. I have seen the authentic best wishes sent for birthdays and milestones. I have seen people reach out to those who are in trouble, be it those who are fighting an addiction or those who are trying to cope with a death in their circle of friends or family or those who are fighting an illness or other personal trauma. Something as simple as sending a hug when it is deemed necessary, or sending a personal PM or email at just that "right" time can make a difference to someone else. I can see or sense how the determination and ability of individuals members to cope in certain situations can and has inspired others.

For myself, CERB has become a family in its own right. There are only a few here who truly know how much they have helped me. In many cases members probably cannot even think that I might be referring to them when I say that or be able to think of what they said or did that impacted me in such a profound way.

Sometimes we as individuals do not realize or are never made aware of just how important a little personal gesture can be in making someone feel better or even how that simple gesture might turn a persons life around for the better. Do you recall the young fellow who got that hot air balloon ride, largely due to the CERB members and the initiative of Chanel Reign with her Random Act of Kindness thread. That is something that he shall always remember. The CERB family makes a difference in so many ways.

Good on the CERB family.

[Chanel Reign 28097]

To put it bluntly, if there was no CERB I would not be an SP.

 

On FaceBook yesterday I saw a "funny" that had a scraggly street walker standing by a post. The caption was, "If you have to ask, you can't afford it".

 

I just shook my head, as there was that stereotype yet again.

 

Here on CERB I know I am not alone. I know I am reasonably safe by my own practices and this site. And I definitively know I am not/and never was, that woman in the picture.

 

Because we are small in population and a gov't town, that puts Ottawa in a unique niche. One we should be thankful for.

 

Other cities have their unique qualities/problems as well.

 

We may fight like cats and dogs sometimes, but when push comes to shove, we tend to come together when we need to. If that's not extended family, I don't know what is.

[mrgreen760 37785]

Well it certainly does put the fun in dysfunctional :)

 

Peace

MG

[Miss Scarlett 25073]

Mr. Nice,

 

I could not agree more, I have said it many times "Cerb" is my hobby.

 

Mod,

 

Sorry to say it again, but you are kinda like a Dad. You read our posts and laugh at us/with us. You keep us in line when we need it, but are always there to help us when needed.

 

I luv my Cerb family! Many of you (some of which I have never met and maybe never will) have become so close to me.

 

Cerb has been here when I was sick and needed a laugh, it has been here when I having a bad day and needed a distraction.

 

To all new members,

 

Be proud to be a Cerbite! I know I sure am. Always ask for help when needed, we will always be there to help. Together we STAND, divided we FALL!

[Chanel Reign 28097]

Like Ive said before; this is Mod's livingroom, we are guests, act accordingly.

 

Another rule I practice (tends to keep me under the radar - whew) is that I wont type what I wont say to your face and if I have something to say to you that might be negative or private or to answer a question, I take it off of the public forum.

 

Just reread this. It sounds preachy, but Im not really trying to come off that way. :redface:

[drlove 37204]

Whenever I read a thread like this, it always reminds me of the movie "Boogie Nights" for some reason. I suppose it's because people will say "Oh, that's a movie about the porn industry" or whatever. On the surface, I suppose that's true. However, what I've always found striking is that what the movie is really about seems to get lost on many. That is, if you take the time to read between the lines, you'll find that the underlying theme is one of unity, bonding and family.

 

The same can be said for Cerb, since the site promotes an atmosphere of acceptance and belonging. Much like the movie, Cerb transcends the prevalent stereotypes which encompass our industry and at its core, reveals a thoughtful, articulate, caring community - one which is built on mutual respect and trust. These are the attributes which are rarely evident to those on the outside, or society at large. It's a shame really, since it is precisely these qualities which make Cerb so special. I'd say, people would do well to remember the old adage "never judge a book by its cover", as it certainly applies here.

[LaurenAdams 170]

As a new member of CERB, this is such a welcoming and comforting post. It really shows the character of the Board and its members that the founding principles of respect and inclusion are still present today. I'm really excited to get to know the members of CERB more and become more active in the community.

[Nathalie L 112512]

Sometimes we as individuals do not realize or are never made aware of just how important a little personal gesture can be in making someone feel better or even how that simple gesture might turn a persons life around for the better.

 

I love how this applies not only to CERB, but life more generally. It only takes a moment to make a difference in someone's life. A passing hello, a "how are you?", a "do you need help carrying your groceries?". Sometimes it's recognizing a person's vulnerability, or giving them back their dignity when someone is being disrespectful.

 

It's those little moments that are so important, and they are apparent on CERB (and in our lives) everyday. When we're rushed we have a tendency to forget how a moment can change someone's life. We're so impatient as a society, and I try as best as I can to take my time and be mindful of those around me.