A Week of Gratitude, Day Three - The UCF

Tuesday, December 6, 2011
UCF Powers - Activate!
I've been blogging since 2007. Since that time, I've been privileged to be included a Blog Circle flippantly named The Union of Collaborating Founders. The group started out very informally as a silly, surreal discussion thread on a now-defunct Bulletin Board, and then we essentially followed each other home, and the UCF was born.

In the years since it's inception, we've supported each other through the deaths of spouses, parents, and extended family members. We've supported a member whose house burned to the ground. We've simply been there for each other during our own illnesses and the illnesses of those close to us. We've gotten to know each other's families, friends, and partners. We've offered each other our skills, our help, and our love. And just one month ago, we cried together due to the sudden death of Wendy, one of our members. 

The growth of this community - and make no mistake, that's what it is - was completely organic. Over the years, members have drifted away, and new ones have been invited to join, just like any community. These men and women are my friends. Not my "on-line" friends. My friends. Each and every one of them represents a unique addition to my life, and I care deeply for their triumphs, their tragedies, and their happiness. And they care deeply for mine.

I have no idea how I got so lucky to be included with such an amazing, diverse, and interesting group. But I'm happy to be included, and grateful each and every day for this odd, diverse and spread out community. Thank you all, for being my friends.

6 comments:

The Mechanicky Gal said...

Open letter to the UCF:
I am grateful to have met some of you, and look forward to meeting more!

Shawn Powers said...

I mirror your sentiments, and must add -- our diversity is the part that amazes met the most. We have members on polar opposites on just about every political, religious, and social front.

It's pretty cool. :)

Carol Elaine said...

Janiece: the sentiment is very much shared. I too am constantly amazed that I was lucky enough to fall in with the UCF and am grateful every day to be part of this wonderful group.

Mechanicky Gal: I am also grateful to have met you - you are one of the loveliest, funniest and most gracious people I've ever had the fortune to meet and run from insects with.

Shawn Powers: it really is very cool, I agree. However, as diverse as we are, we all have two things in common - respect and humor. Even when we disagree with one another, it is done with respect for each other and is usually softened with humor. That is one of the things I love best about the UCF.

Well, that and the cookies.

Anne C. said...

<3

Dr. Phil (Physics) said...

The UCF is a major force for good in my life.

Dr. Phil

Megan said...

Back atchall.