Rope Burns is unavailable right now. I’m rethinking public updates about Michael due to some disturbing emails I’ve received. If I put it back on-line I will let everyone know. I might go to a member only blog with it but you can only have about 35 people as members so I might just allow access to those who have been so kind as to visit and comment. Will update this when I make a decision about it.
UPDATE: Rope Burns is off-line right now and I haven’t made it subscription yet. I received an email from Beth and hit delete instead of reply…Beth, please email me. thanks.
Someone from Canada sent me a ribbon in U.S. mail to give to Michael and I can’t read the return address. Could you email me please? I want to let you know I’ve given it to him and read him your letter. Thank you all.
Sorry to hear that you are receiving disturbing emails about Michael… some people can be so horrible. It would be a shame if you have to take it down. Those posts you write about him and your feelings are so honest and personal and the fact that you share them with everyone is amazing. Plus the comfort it gives to those going through a similar situation.
But it is understandable especially to protect you and your family.
Really sorry about that.
M
Sorry about that Susan! Last thing you need really. That’s incomprehensible, how people do that.
Thats a bit sick – people can be really wierd.
Hope he and you are both doing well.
Red x
Aw, that sucks, Susan. Do what you think best to take care of yourself and Michael.
Susan-
I am so sorry to read that – and yes, protecting yourself – Michael, and the kids from this kind of garbage is number one.
The people that sent those e-mails are the very reason there is a need for GPYP for the rest of us. Darn bananaheads.
Sending you all warm thoughts for a peaceful day – and a nice long weekend.
Susan, I’m so sorry to hear that this but think your decision to pull the blog is the best atm. Honestly, it has been amazing to have been allowed into your and Michael’s lives, but the blog is mainly for YOU, not for us.
I am so sorry to hear that. I read that blog to find out the updates on Michael but understand the need for the privacy. A few ruin it for everyone else who is genuine.
My apologies too Susan – I’m sorry you had to deal with nasty people. Take Care
susan,
i’m so so sorry that you have been the recipient of these disturbing emails….
your open and honest posts on that site have been incredible in their insight, awareness and raw emotion… i’m sure many have benefited from reading what you’ve written
but that blog is for you…so it needs to be a safe place….
protecting yourself is the key thing here….whatever it takes to do that….
Susan,
The transparency you have shown and shared on Rope Burns is unique in its kind. Its sad things are as they are,
to learn to
” ..Take.., this world
as it is, not as I would have it..”
But as it is, I agree with hope, what matters is for you to protect yourself. And your family.
Hugs,
Gia
What horrible, insensitive, messed up people. Nothing better to do I suppose.
I am so incredibly speechless and sorry…we live in an evil world and you nor Michael deserves such treatment
Ugh. I’m really sorry to hear you’ve received disturbing emails. I hope they leave you alone now. I think that blog is important, but not more important than your safe boundaries and peace of mind. Let us know what you decide to do–we support you!
hugs,
K
Yeah, what freaks. Sorry to hear that Susan, like you need that. Jeez. Mind yourself
Some people are just unbelievable…. sorry to hear you’ve had disturbing emails, last thing you need.
Thoughts with you, best wishes whatever you decide. x
I come to this site every day, and I also visit “Rope Burns” a few times a week. I have only posted here once, and that was under a different user name (before registration).
Susan, I admire you so much. I am sorry that there are people in this world who are that nasty enough to do something like this to you especially at a time like this. You are an amazing, strong woman to be able to help others amidst the anguish you must be feeling.
I am grateful every day for the work you do. You have made a huge difference in my life, and are helping me get through one of the most difficult times I have ever experienced. You don’t know how many times I come to this web site instead of doing something that is not constructive or working towards my healing after getting out of a really bad bananahead relationship.
I wish you the best. Take care of you, take care of Michael… and don’t let the idiots get to you.
J.
Thanks everyone. I’ve had a pretty horrible day today and though I’m usually pretty “what you think of me is none of my business” some of this stuff crossed the line on a day I simply don’t have my shield up so high.
Word Press only lets you have a private blog for 35 people and I have hundreds (some days thousands) who visit Rope Burns so I might put it on its own server and have a member only blog. (visible only to members).
I sucked in my tears so many times today that I have a sore throat from it.
I want to talk about a lot of things but I don’t have the energy tonight.
Thanks for your thoughts. It’s nice to have the support.
This is awful. Sorry you have to go through this. I don’t want to comment on those people as to me they are completely worthless.
Take your time, Susan, take it slow.
excuse my ignorance, but what is ‘rope burns’ and michael blog (tried to find it)… and if the comments are insensitive, given the sensitive topic at hand, then, man, that just floors me….emotions like compassion come to mind, but not mean spirited ones.
please excuse my ignorance, but what is the ‘rope burns’ blog (I tried to find it)… and if the comments are insensitive, given the sensitive topic at hand, then, man, that just floors me….emotions like compassion come to mind, but not mean spirited ones.
When Michael was diagnosed with brain cancer I did not want to take up room on this blog to talk about it but the community here was interested in him (and me) so I created that space to share and journal and let people here know what was going on. It (was) a very nice place and very important to me.
I am so sorry that you have to deal with idiots Susan. Rope Burns is a site I visit every day to check on updates. The way you share your experiences is a source of strength for me.
I wish you a better day tomorrow!
I rush home to read about you and Michael. Your sharing
is so generous, I love the stories of you and Michael and I
am really pissed that anyone would say anything to upset you in such a trying time.You are helping me so much with
my issues, I back up and support anything you need to do
to protect yourself.Blessings to you and Michael, I am so sorry that there are nutjobs everywhere.Bless you, bless you, bless you!
I’m very sorry for what you are experiencing with Rope Burns. Your openness and writing has been instrumental in my healing and I hope you are quickly able to cut off the bananaheads who are sending you crummy emails. :(
oh, so sorry to hear that. I am formerly marie but changed my username as I registered for the first time today. as the name implies will be a grad soon, which also explains why I don’t get a chance to login as often. felt a bit strange logging in after a long time in GPYP. tried getting into the ropeburns blog but kept getting locked out…this helps explain things. kinda feel left out since we can no longer share or stay in touch with you.
hopefully, you can use a filter which will help you screen unwanted comments, but yeah sometimes these things can be more of a hassle. also feels annoying that a few nasty writers were able to destroy this communication that we shared.
Hang in there and know that we continue to send our prayers & positive wishes to you & your family.
(Used to be Elizabeth – this wordpress name is a very old acct)
Susan I’m so sorry to hear that you have been receiving disturbing emails.
I read both here and Rope Burns, but don’t comment much.
You have shared so much, and have helped so many people. My thoughts are with you, Michael, and family.
Whatever you decide to do with Rope Burns Susan, please know that your website has been a huge help and benefit in my recovery from the end of my 10 year relationship. It has helped me uncover more about myself and how I function in relationships.
Put those boundaries up Susan! It was for you, and also it was a way for us to keep up with what was happening, but anyone uses it in a negative way, close it down close it down! At least for now, you don’t need to deal with rubbish like that. Know that we’re all thinking of you while you are dealing with so much right now.
Lola
It has been a privilege to share in the journey with you and Michael thus far and hope that you will be able to reinstate it. It would be a shame to permanently shut down Rope Burns, I’ve referred a few caretakers to it with good feedback.
Holy crap! So sorry to hear that! People can be amazingly rotten. If you do go subscription only, please do include me if you can. I may not have commented much, but I did read often. Either way, you and Michael are in my prayers and thoughts.
I just wanted to add, in case it helps, that back in the day when I was a pseudo-Z-list-celebrity, I’d get hundreds of pieces of mail a day – mostly positive, but occasionally the scattered nutball got through to add their two cents about how I was a talentless nobody who doesn’t deserve to live. Most of the time I let it go, but I admit it bothered me more than it should have (why is it always easier to accept negative comments than to dismiss them?), but occasionally somebody would hit a nerve. I remember one particular screwball who was mad because I didn’t write back to tell him the “secret” to my success so he started an online hate group about me. The things that were being said were beyond beyond – even people who wrote me fan mail and sent presents to me posted on his site how they secretly wanted to see me fail – unbelievable. Lots of weird things like that. Any time you become something of a public figure, you’re going to attract certain… er… elements. Remember that it’s RARELY about you, and often just some person with way too much time on their hands and no outlet other than spitting vile comments for no good reason. If you need to, shut off the computer and don’t answer any mail from the mailbox for a while. If things get really hairy (and you can afford it), consider hiring an assistant to weed the nutballs out for you. I think Rope Burns was a good outlet for you, so keep journaling even if it’s just for yourself. Good luck, and stay safe!
Susan, I’ve sent you another e-mail. And I echo what others have said here about Rope Burns and its incredible honesty and benefit to you as well as to us.
We’ve got your back here, at least as much as we can in this medium.
Hope today is better.
~Beth
That is too bad that has happened to you! You have to do what is best for you and what helps. Hugs
“What you think of me is none of my business” can be a hard thing to do when you are a caring person. And you are.
– UncertainJourney
Thanks all. Opinions typically mean nothing and I’ve had my share of “you must have done something to deserve this…” emails…but when they get stalkerish AND they target my family (say what you want about me and I’ll blow you off but talk crap about my family and we’re having a throw down) and I’m having a bad week (which I was having) and I’m not feeling well, it just gets to me.
In good news Michael was alert and awake today like I haven’t seen him in MONTHS. He was joking and laughing with us and using a lot of his old expressions (Gina and I used to bait him into a typical response and we would all laugh and we did it tonight for the first time in many many months and he did his old funny sayings and reactions.)
I took the opportunity to reread him all the kids’ birthday and Father’s Day cards and all the notes the kids wrote. Many many heartfelt notes. He really liked hearing them and I’m so glad he got to hear them when he was in this alert state.
He is forgetful and he sometimes just parrots words but there was independent thinking going on and lots of joking and teasing. I loved it. So very much.
Thanks for all the support everyone!
Susan,
Thanks for sharing the wonderful news of the great day Michael had today. Sending you and your family prayers and HUGS.
Susan,
I’ve been astounded at your generosity to the community you created here when you have so much going on in your world. And I’m absolutely gobsmacked that anyone would think of doing that. Bizarre, toxic people. Glad you are doing what you teach us, and looking after yourself as you need to. Rope Burns or not, please know, my prayers and many good wishes are with you, Michael and your family.
Annae
Susan,
that is great news about Michael! What a gift.
I remember my sister-in-law’s reaction to some mean comment. She also has cancer and my brother is great in taking care of her. Everyone notices that, even the doctors. He is doing an awesome job.
At one point, she had heard from a friend that another lady she thought was her friend had said “it must be her husband who caused her cancer, that is always so”. Guess what. My sister in law became FURIOUS and told that person off in a very clear way. I remember how even I became furious when she told me that story.
That person tried to apologize or state “it was not meant that way” more than once, but she is done with her.
You are right, there are just things that are too much, especially in such a sensitive situation.
Anyways, glad about Michael!!
Susan,
I hope you are able to shake the crapp off you.
Glad to hear about beatiful moments. Its like a zebra ? Moments of joy and laughter and then moments of sadness and despair. Is so amazing you, and Michael are able to be in and meet in theese good moments.
Gia
Susan,
I have been on vacation and just read this. I am heartbroken that someone would be so cruel to you and your family, and I am glad you are taking care of what you need to do. No matter what, we all here want to support you, Michael and the rest of your family. You continue to be in my prayers.
MLM
Susan,
I hope you can continue Rope Burns. Is there some way of continuing with someone else vetting the emails for you to ensure the screwball emails don’t get to you ?
Hi Susan,
(I used to be Libby, then another name before that but had to change that name to keep up some confidentiality :) )
I have not posted in a long time, but come to this site almost everyday! It has brought TREMENDOUS insight!
I know you hear this all of the time, but you have touched MANY lives with your insight, and the posts here are full of heart and wisdom. I also read RopeBurns almost daily to keep up with Michael’s progress, and yours, and send good thoughts and prayers your way. How you have been dealing with it has been a great life lesson for me. THANK YOU! :)
I am so sorry that some horrible people had to tarnish Rope Burns for you. Just like with Madmargaret (thanks for your story), when you work to elevate yourself, or you acomplish something, there will ALWAYS be some petty, envious person there to knock you down.
This fact of life is something I struggle with constantly. I want to say “It’s not fair!” I began life idealistic and naive and believing the best in others and that kindnes and niceness would prevail. While I still try to be as kind and as positive as I can, I have learned to “keep my left up”.
Whoever sent those garbage-filled emails are clearly envious, destructive, and sick.
Take care of yourself!
Libby2
Dear Susan,
I do hope at some time you will continue with Rope Burns as I always look forward to your blogs regarding Michael and your family. This world has people in it who have nothing better to do than to be hurtful to others who are going through a difficult time in their lives. Yet, there are others who understand what you are going through as a family and wish you nothing but the best. I send my good thoughts and prayers to you and your family! Have a wonderful 4th of July with your husband Michael and your family.
Kathleen
I’m so sorry to hear about the negativity brought to Rope Burns by people who lack your integrity and grace. There are so many people who have been touched and helped by Michael’s story and your journey with him. But I understand your need to protect your family. I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, Susan.
Susan,
I think and pray about you and michael and your family every day, and read ropeburns with every update, but understand your need to keep things private. You are an amazing women; your blog, your seminars I attended and your wise words have helped me (and many others) tremendously. I feel blessed for the affect you have had on me and my life, and I am sure Michael and the rest of your family treasures having you in their lifes.
Mary
Susan
I read Rope Burns as often as I can; the love story of you and Michael is just inspirational and I gain so much from reading of your journey together. I am just so saddened that some people have made inappropriate comments through this site; it just beggars belief that people can be so small minded and cruel.
Please know that you and Michael are in my thoughts and prayers constantly.
GRACIE