Mark N - you are still a coach

[GardeniaGirl]

Mark, I know you have posted many times about how you lost your passion in life - being a coach, due to CP.

The other night, though, after reading some of your posts, I realized something.... you are still a coach!

You encourage and inspire people here. You write things to cheer them up. You share your knowledge and experience openly. You are kind and accepting.

All of the things that a great coach would do.

So I believe that your special gifts in this area have not gone away -- you are just using them in a different setting - not out on a field with younger kids ...but on an internet forum with a bunch of CPers.:)

That's how it looks to me --- what do you think?

Take Good Care-- GG

[Kira]

I agree, GG. Mark is always starting new threads about thought-provoking topics that get us to process our chronic pain and to share what we are going through, and he always responds to the things that we post with well-thought out answers. He is really good at giving advice and at encouraging us in our struggles with the pain and in helping teach us what he knows about living with it for as many years as he has. I think it is sort of like mentoring, and I think of mentoring sort of as coaching without the sports. I can see how you'd be a really good coach, Mark.

[Mark N]

GardeniaGirl and Kira, thank you for the kind words. I try to tell my wife the same things but she always twist my words around and sees it as negative comments. I wish she could see it the way you do. I have always tried to be positive and show others that there are different approaches to take. She has seen my former players turn to me when they are troubled and see me as a good mentor and a friend but can't see that for herself when my daughter and son supports me.

I was going to be an astro-physics scientist until I volunteered to coach football and found out I would rather help teenagers by teaching and coaching them. I am glad I have found forums to talk to you and others as an outlet. I like to learn from others as much as I try to teach others.

You two and others her are just as positive and nice to others that are in pain. It is good to come here and have others care about one another rather than being critical of each other. Mforce is a good example of what I go through many times. He did turn to me for advice through PMs and I know he is troubled but didn't need to turn on others here.

It is because of people like you that I stay on these forums and I hope you understand that I appreciate all you do for others as much as you do appreciate what I try and do. I know that God has opened a new door with my disability and I try to be open about the opportunties he gives me.

I will leave you with my favorite saying that I used with my students; You are someone special but remember everyone else is too.

[curiousforever]

They are right!

[Pamster]

I totally agree with the people who posted above Mark, you are still a coach, to those of us here who are in need of mental stimulation and thought provoking insights from other people who are in our situation. Thank you for posting what you do, I am sorry I haven't been able to reply to any of them yet, but I am following them and enjoying the conversations. I have a hard time because my son demands most of my time and I don't always have time to post. But I definitely get a lot out of what I read from you and the others CPer's here. :D

[Mark N]

Pamster, thanks for the kind words and let your son have all the attention he needs, we are still here when you need us.

[BrokenBladder]

Mark coaching is in your blood. You have helped so many people on here and started threads that are excellent!!!
I think you're a wonderful assest to this board!! Keep up the good work!!
In Friendship,

[Pamster]

Pamster, thanks for the kind words and let your son have all the attention he needs, we are still here when you need us.

Thank you for understanding, it's so hard sometimes to find time to post and I definitely lurk and read a lot that's posted here. I enjoy the people and care about everyone here so much, I wish I could make us all have pain free days. :)

I know many of you suffer much more then I do and as odd as this may sound it reminds me of how lucky I am not to be hurting badly enough to need stronger meds then what I take. You all are a blessing to me and have helped to make me feel less isolated since I can't go out socially, the internet is my outlet. :)

[Mark N]

CF and Lisa, thanks for your thoughtful words. I have truly received more than I have given here on this site. I have noticed my days have gotten better since coming here from the spinal disorder forum. It has helped me to discuss some of the issue that I can't find my wife or friends able to understand. Your comprehension of what I am going through and the support you give helps me deal with the day to day struggle we go through.