Perhaps I should say a few words, so please bear with me, since I don't believe "moderating" is one of my skills.

First, on behalf of both Russ and I, I'd like to thank everyone for all the positive and helpful information so many of you have shared on our Amalgam Fillings/Mercury Poisoning Forum.

Russ has been absent from the forum for the most part of the past 2 weeks, due to a series of computer problems we've been having here in our office. Unfortunately, these problems have taken all of his time and then some, which is why he has not been able to be online.

I do expect Russ to be able to return to the forum shortly. I just wanted to let everyone know that he has been away temporarily with good cause.

In the meantime, I do hope everyone will take a moment to reflect on all the good they've given and received. I'm aware of the few threads that have been somewhat contentious of late, and I realize that some people may have felt hurt or offended.

Please remember we are ALL human and, like I told my nephew recently, most of us have both a "good side" and a "bad side". Unfortunately, mercury seems to enhance the "bad side" and can make us act and react in ways that can be detrimental to ourselves, as well as others.

I do hope that those of you who feel you need to "take a break" so-to-speak, will rejoin us soon. Please know that you are valued and will be missed.

This might be a good time for all of us to take a moment and re-read Russ' post at the top of the forum about "Conflict and Kindness." This is not meant to be a reprimand, but rather an encouragement to all of us to "be the best we can be".

Mercury has damaged and stolen from most of us on this forum, to one degree or another. I have tremendous sympathy for those of you who are struggling with your health, especially since I have battled with my own mercury-related health problems for much of my life.

Please remember, we all need to try to "encourage one another" as much as possible, since for many of us, this forum is the only source of encouragement we have. For many of us, our friends and family don't understand what we're going through. Thus, this forum has been a well-spring of help and support to many, many more people than just those who regularly post.

I hope you all will receive this in the spirit in which it is intended - as an encouragement to persevere and not give up on each other or the forum.

Sincerely,