Crohns and Colitis Exchange

This starts my last day at WebMD.

I do promise to get a regular member name and stop in from time to time. It won't be Louise--they retire mod names like beloved sports players or something.

The thing that I want to remind you as I head off to a new adventure--YOU are the community, the heart and soul of the community. You each lead every time you post. You welcome, you show empathy, you share views, you share your lives, and those actions make this community truly wonderful.

You know these terrible conditions better than anyone else. We all have GI doctors, but no matter how good the GI, you are better set to relate with the reality of IBD.

You know the frustrations: with your bodies, with the limitations, with the meds, the diets, the supplements, the manufacturers of toilet paper and the ins and outs of every style of public restroom.

If you are anything like me, you know the pattern of your bathroom floor and the odd places in the grout in your bathroom. Those things mean the world to the other members and to new members.

Be good to one another. Welcome the new members. Be gentle with the overwhelmed.

I flurry about driving the other mods nuts with last minute do and don'ts...like a first time mom leaving her child with a sitter. I keep reminding myself that the communities I tended were never MINE, each just allowed me a part in the community. Communities belong to the members--that's you. Keep this place great for each other, for the new members that come along, and for me to visit.

Take care of yourselves.Update even when you are doing well. I have often been sad that we don't all post more on those good days or once we get a med that works. We all need the hope that someday we too will head out the door without worrying about whether there will be lines for bathrooms or no clean bathroom.

Thank you for having me as mod, as part of your community, and for all your wisdom and good thoughts.

I wish you all well.