POZ Community Forums

Off Topic Forums => Forums Gatherings => Topic started by: RAB on July 08, 2006, 06:29:51 pm

Title: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: RAB on July 08, 2006, 06:29:51 pm: I'm trying to answer a pm from a member who is thinking of going to Montreal.

Honestly, I think all of you could do a much better job.

The question is what is Montreal all about.

I answered that for me I would be going without any expectations, just looking forward to seeing a beautiful city I would never otherwise visit, connecting with other members who I feel I've made a bond with through these forums, and to have a good time. BUT, within all that activity, there is something else that happens. Something deeper, personal, soothing, validating, and strengthening. It isn't frightening, orchestrated, or uncomfortable. It just feels good! I know I will leave Montreal feeling different then when I arrived.

I think this gathering is going to be something different for everyone. I think you all could answer the pm better by explaining why you made the decision to go. What is "it" to you?

My question to all of you is:

WHY ARE YOU GOING TO MONTREAL?

RAB
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: The Canuck on July 08, 2006, 06:44:24 pm: Quote
WHY ARE YOU GOING TO MONTREAL?

RAB...because this is only two hours drive away from me. ;D

The Canuck
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: The Canuck on July 08, 2006, 07:26:31 pm: I needed to pull Rab's leg a little but kidding aside why am I going to Montreal ?

This website has been very helpful to me and started to post in June 2005. Right from the beginning I noticed there were intelligent, caring and funny people in here and needed to come back on a regular basis. I wanted to read what DingoBoi or Matty would write for making me laugh, or simply read Jonathan's articulate thoughts and text. Having said that I don't want anyone else to feel left out but only mentioned the first I noticed when I got here.

I don't know too many posters on a personal level apart from what they wrote/write but they all seem nice and want to pursue this further. This is pretty hard to explain but let's say this is like a magnet and just feel attracted to the core. I have too a good feeling about this, and this is pretty much in my nature to be adventurous anyway. I somewhat regret of not having been part of the Toronto gatering last year, but what is done is done, and not really in my nature either to have regrets.

I know Montreal better than everyone coming although there's a few who experienced Montreal more than once. Yet I never felt obligated to take part but moreover felt the needs to help them enjoying their stays, and be part of it too as I want to meet them ALL. I must add at this point that SAE, my other half in this has worked very hard for making it possible, we both want all the attendees to enjoy themselves and return home with a good feeling.

On a selfish side, I also want to have a good time and intend to do so. I'm really sorry for the lenghty reply but wanted to write what I felt about all this. You don't have much to loose anyway, Montreal is a fun city and surrounded by nice people how can you loose ?

Regards,

The Canuck
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: Sae on July 08, 2006, 09:51:29 pm: Because I live here, and there is no way you guys are having fun without me in my own city (that I actually haven't had time to see yet).

Because I love you all.
Sae.
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: anniebc on July 08, 2006, 10:00:33 pm: My reasons for going to Montreal are for the same as the reasons I went to Toronto.

I went to Toronto so I could look into the eyes for all those who inspired me, supported me and kept my head above water when all I wanted to do was go under..I wanted to hold on to them and know that it was not just words that connected us.

The same goes for Montreal.. I want to see all my Toronto friends again, I want to meet all those I have come to know over the past year...and to say thank you for the new friendships,the love and support they have given me.

I want to stand beside two of my dearest friends when they take their vows, I want to have fun, I want to relax, I want to see for myself that this is not just a forum but a family.

Hugs
Jan :-*
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: jkinatl2 on July 08, 2006, 10:09:32 pm: I am going to Montreal for all the reasons that Jan mentioned. Plus, I want to hug Ann and Andy and everyone else who participates in the forums to make the world a little better, a little safer, a little easier for those passing through it. I want to see with my own eyes the people whose karmic contributions have so inspired me.
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: Robert on July 08, 2006, 10:37:32 pm: Just to meet the people I've come to know over the past year. I went to Toronto and discovered the joy in meeting different people with different interests from all over and instantly bonding to them.

Sort of like the Saturday night square dance. You start your prominade with one partner and before you know it you're doing the Do-Si-Do with someone else and going forward and back with still another. And even though you've never danced before, you're having a blast with a brand new friend.

robert

(god,life is good.)
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: zephyr on July 08, 2006, 10:58:05 pm: Attending the AM Gathering in Montreal goes much deeper than a want, it's a NEED.

You see, I lived for over 13 years without ANY connection with anyone HIV+, and when I found AIDSMeds, my sense of longing for my 'community' was over.

I NEED to meet those individuals who, for 10 months now, have befriended, buoyed, captivated, charmed, encouraged, inspired and loved me.

They have become my FAMILY. They have helped define my purpose in life.

I CAN'T WAIT TO SHOWER THEM ALL WITH KISSES AND HUGS!!! :-*

With love,

Zephyr
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: Lisa on July 09, 2006, 05:09:08 pm: I am going so I can look into the eyes of all of the people who I have come to love so much. I am excited to finally have the chance to wrap my arms around them, and tell them how much I love each, and every one of them.
I have no other expectation but fellowship.
.......and to see a city I might not otherwise visit.
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: Oscar on July 09, 2006, 06:25:26 pm: Quote from: Lisa on July 09, 2006, 05:09:08 pm
I am going so I can look into the eyes of all of the people who I have come to love so much. I am excited to finally have the chance to wrap my arms around them, and tell them how much I love each, and every one of them.
I have no other expectation but fellowship.
.......and to see a city I might not otherwise visit.

What she said...

Dan
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: AlanBama on July 09, 2006, 06:36:50 pm: To me, it's going to be a family reunion! I've grown to love everyone as if they were my brothers and sisters (and nieces and nephews).

Oh, and I'm also going to DANCE. I intend to dance with Danny, Jan, Sue,
Trish, Zephie, Rocky....and anyone else who is so inclined.

Alan (a dancing fool)
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: Ric Wilke on July 09, 2006, 07:48:54 pm: For us, it's about reuniting with dear old friends and establishing relationships with all of the new ones we have yet to meet. It's a time to gather and a time to share.

Most importantly, it's a time to remember those dear friends we have all lost and a time to relive the thought of "It's okay. I understand. I'm positive, too".
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on July 10, 2006, 01:49:50 am: For me, I am in a position where I am not able yet to reveal my HIV+ status to family or others. I have one close friend who now knows and my doctor. They agree that in my personal circumstances, it is best that I remain discreet. AMG in Montreal affords me an opportunity to meet and speak with others and talk openlly and honestly about what's happening in my life. I feel certain I am going to make new friends. I am really looking forward to this opportunity.

Gary
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: Moffie65 on July 10, 2006, 03:19:11 pm: I am going to Montreal because I was told I had to go...........JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This "online" AIDSmeds family is one of the most important collection of souls I have ever had the privelege to meet. Toronto seems like it was just the begining of something very important, and very dear to those of us who went. I am chomping at the bit to meet some of the members we have not had the joy of meeting, so off to Montreal it is, to bond, kiss, hug, eat, party, shop, stand in awe at the scienery, and just have a wonderful time celebrating life with people I have spiritually met, but have yet to see.

There, I hope that is a good synopsis of what I am going for.

In Love and anticipation.
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: Trish on July 10, 2006, 05:48:05 pm: HI ALL,

Well, I went to Toronto with no expectations and just wanting to see all the wonderful people I came to know through the forums. It was actually more of a need. Like Zeph, I too hadn't related to any other poz people for almost 15 years -- I was drawn to Toronto and needed it badly.

The same holds true for Montreal... I want to hug those I already met in Toronto. I want to feel those feelings again... the warmth, bonding , strengthening, support, comfort, empowerment and most importantly I want to feel "all the love that radiates from each of you." Unlike Toronto, I do have one expectation, and that is to add to all those fulfilling feelings with those I haven't met yet, and bond with them too. I want to extend my AM Family and feel even more love and give my love back.

And yes Alan, I will dance with you (if John allows it... ;) I don't think it will be a problem, right John?) :D

Can't wait to see you all.

All my love,

Trish :-*
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: kcmetroman on July 10, 2006, 07:08:21 pm: I feel smitten................. >:(

Well, honey....Alan is going to be WAY too tired to dance with you when I am done with him

KC

(who is going to make Mr. Bama regret keeping John off his dance card) ;)
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: AlanBama on July 10, 2006, 09:02:44 pm: John,

You're added to the dance card! I feel like it's prom time.....
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: DingoBoi on July 10, 2006, 11:49:24 pm: i'm just going to see naked dicky waggling in my face at the stripper clubs :)
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: The Canuck on July 11, 2006, 10:42:43 am: Quote
i'm just going to see naked dicky waggling in my face at the stripper clubs

How come I'm not a bit surprised with this one ? :-X

The Canuck
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: Lou-ah-vull on July 11, 2006, 04:47:19 pm: I am wondering if "waggling" is somehow a combination of "wiggling" and "wagging." This is what happens when i have to much time on my hands...lol.

Gary
Title: Re: What's "IT" all about?
Post by: david25luvit on July 12, 2006, 08:07:15 pm: Wow! I think Jan pretty much summed it up. She's a hard act to follow.
But I'm going to meet those who have inspired, supported and kept me from going off the deep end. (Not that I didn't a couple of times) I'm going to "get away" from it all...to see Montreal....and to share some "wonderful moments" with my cyber buddy Marc. I'm also hoping to find a direction for my activism. All in all I think its going to be a great weekend.