To My Friends

To My Friends....
And anyone who may be happy to read the following words...

It has recently been brought to my attention that I am the sole
reason ALM has gone dead. Apparently, I have been disrespectful to
people at Shadowfind, my home is unfit to visit, and I'm a foul-
tempered bitch no one likes to be around. At least, that's what I've
been told.

Years ago, when ALM was first formed, I had such high hopes for it.
We did things. We made a difference. We worked at it. And I took a
lot of grief from a lot of people over it. But I hung in there.
Even when I stepped aside, I still tried to keep the group involved
and active. And when ALM, as a whole, demanded that five of us write
the standards of conduct that ultimately split the group apart, I and
we tried to open dialogues with those who opposed it, only to have
others tell those opposed to "shut up and if you don't like it,
leave." What should have been a positive step, became something
hurtful and negative through the words and actions of a handful of
members whose intolerance wouldn't allow them to even see another
side to a story. And yet, the implosion of ALM has been placed
squarely upon my shoulders, and I am the only reason for its demise.

I have listened to members' personal issues; I've had some of you
crying on my shoulder more than once. I've been there to help when
help was requested. In every instance, I have KEPT your personal
confidences and NEVER done or said anything to deliberately harm or
defame any of you. Yet, according to the one who used to be Master
and now, after leaving me alone for five years, doesn't even want to
be my husband, the vast majority of this group has gone to him with
complaints about me, and I'm the ONLY reason no one comes to ALM
functions any more. I've even heard stories about me being told by
people who weren't even there OR involved in the tale they're
telling. How can people like that live with themselves?

At any rate, I'm done. I'm done trying to make ALM work. I'm done
with the betrayals. I'm done with the backstabbing. I'm done with
people who know practically nothing at all about me talking about me
as if they had a clue, when the truth is the number of people in this
group who know anything at all about who I really am can be counted
on one hand.

To those of you who care, I'll still be around, and you have my email
address and phone number. But I'm done with ALM and am, effective
immediately, stepping down and out of the public lifestyle. If
anyone wants to take over as President, let me know. Otherwise, I
will be shutting down this group next week Sunday.

This hurts me more than anyone could possibly know. I'm sure some of
you will be glad to hear that. All I can say now is at least I know
MY conscience is clear.

Love to all, and I will miss you,

Denise

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