First, let me say I continue to think of your mom and send good energy for a speedy recovery her way. :) And, hugs for you because I do know how stressful it can be when a loved one is sick.

Second, I am sorry (and disappointed) to hear that you have been receiving rude gossip from other players.  You are definitely right...this game is for ALL ages.  Anyone of any age or gender can and has the right to play this game (as long as they follow the rules.)  Harassment is definitely against the rules.  Next time you receive that kind of harassment, please do report them.  Letting them get away with it once only encourages them to continue to act that way (to you or other players.)  You are also correct in saying it is not a good way to make friends

While you and I don't talk all that often, I do know you well enough to know you are a kind person who is never mean to others.  You (and no one) deserves to be treated like that.  It is a shame that some people have to try to ruin things for others. :(

I hope you receive no more nasty messages from this point on, but if you do, please report them and they will be dealt with.

Let's all remember the golden rule:  Treat others how you would want to be treated.  If everyone does that, this will be nothing but a happy place where everyone is treated with respect and common courtesy. :)

I firmly agree that this game is for ALL ages.  There is no reason why we can't all enjoy it and give each other support both in the game and in the real world. 
Many of us (no matter our age) use OMD as an escape for a few minutes or hours from a hectic real life. 

There are true friends on here. Those who are rude haven't found those friends yet and maybe never will, sadly.

All the best for you and your mother.

When I'm on this game I can be in my world and be who I want to be. I don't have to be afraid.

True statements...being who we want to be and having no fear.  Not so easy in the real world but much easier on OMD.

Thank you all for the kind words regarding my mother.

As of 3/1/12, she had minor surgery on her knee (at night) which was only to flush that area out.  But it will make her knee sore and hard to walk on, which she was having trouble walking already.  Perhaps this will help that since her knee was so swollen.  She may be there for 2-3 more days with her knee, hopefully that will be the only thing keeping her in there.  My brother who is here from Georgia and has been since Christmas, plans on going back home on or around March 7th.  He has DR appointments down there so he possibly won't be able to delay his leaving time.

So...  I hope that my mom gets out before he goes.

To my daily voters:
I've been hopping on at least once a day to gather the names from my Last 100, keeping a list of those who have voted.  I may be slow in voting back, but I WILL vote back.