Nandina, I had not thought of that, that the drop off has to do with coronavirus. What you say seems counterinutuitive to me. I hink people are more isolated, more vulnerable and needing of support. But I do think I agree with you, in that I think it's related to the times we are in. It's not just a public health crisis we are in; but an economic and social justice, a spiritual crisis and crisis of racial justice, too. Maybe people are cocooning, and minimizing their personal woes. But it would seem to me that things would only get worse in these current crisis situations.
I have had a glass of wine, and I almost never drink, so take this for what it's worth. There are people like RN, who never leaves us. I believe that for her this is rooted in faith and gratitude. I believe she has told us that she prayed to G-d that he heal her son, and I believe her devotion to this forum is part of this. She was here when I came. What I am struggling to say is that there have been many people who have come here in my five years. People have given to them selflessly without expectation. Yet, I don't understand how they can leave without a sense of responsibility to the community.
There will come a time when I will leave. I have been slowing down. I have done my part. I have other interests now, Thankfully.
I feel bad that there are so few people stepping forward to carry this. It may be sparse and not so much fun but if we each of us respond, even to older posts, we will keep the traffic going. And that traffic is what brings new people.
There used to be so many trivial and fun threads. I resisted most of them, but I admit, they were fun. Right now, I would love it if somebody started a few of them. That's all it takes.
I think you're right Nandina. I think we are all of us mildly depressed and panicked. This is a time the likes of which I have never seen or experienced. We need each other.
There is no place like here. I hope we don't lose it.