What do we do with Marissa?

[Malatesa]

Okay people. Where do you stand on the Marissa situation? Let me give as much background as I believe I have on her. I believe she got into some kind of accident at a young age, but for sure after she learned to read and write, based on her fairly good spelling and sentence composition. Don't read too much into that--I'm just telling it like I see it, but your mileage may vary. I believe she lives with her mom and dad and that she's 27 years old. I believe she has very limited ability to remember things, both long-term and short. She frequently leaves and rejoins the room in the belief that it is a new chat room with new people. When she is asked a question that is too complex, she leaves the room because, I believe, the neural messages just get lost, and she then makes the assumption that she needs to rejoin the room to "reset" things and sort of clear the table again. She has a fondness for Zac, and she is able to see him once or twice a week when she is picked up by her group for some activity. I believe the computer is her window to the world--it is most of her social life and experience. I believe the Witches Chat room is her internet home and we are her people. Personally, I can live with her in and out visits, and her repetition. But I'm not you. How do you feel about Marissa? I think in one way, we should accommodate her and continue to give her a place to be. On the other hand she doesn't really contribute much to the chat and some people find her annoying. How do you feel about her? What should we do with Marissa, in your opinion?

[Moonlit Brenya]

To be honest, I can see both sides of the argument having valid points. But personally speaking, I don't mind her, I try to help her when I can, but when I am not in the mood for her, I know how to tune her out, mean as that sounds... Anyway. My vote is keep her, but I can see why people would vote the other way. The only negative thing I have to say on the matter is the uproar she causes...

Moonlit Brenya

[iBool]

The fact that this is an issue suggests that this isn't an open and loving environment for all kinds.

I say let her stay, despite any disabilities. And, if you don't want to talk to her /ignore works for when she's on.

Personally, I've noticed that she does come in and repeat herself frequently, but wasn't sure what to make of it. Now, it seems important that we keep an open door, especially if this is her only social outlet.

[Neala_HPS]

Most days I just ignore not but some days it is REALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLY frustrating! However being that said if this really isn't a joke and something is wrong with her and this is like her little place to come I say we just go about ignoring her. However my concern is some is gonna go off on her and hurt her cause she seems very delicate! IDK! It is a really strange situation...
Neala

[Amberhawki]

Most days I try to ignore her but I also agree that it really is frustrating to try to communicate with someone who keeps having to log off and back on due to her confusions. From what I've seen of her these last weeks I really don't think a chat room, with multiple people and many different answers that confuse her more than help, is a good place for her. She honestly needs one on one communications. I feel for her, I really really do, but most days its simply problematic for everyone, including her. If there was a way to get her to go one on one with people who don't mind keeping her occupied then so be it.

[Widdershins]

I vote to let her stay. We are pagans, we celebrate diversity and compassion...even when its hard. If we only demonstrated love when it was easy, there would be no real growth from it.
Loving someone when its hard, and giving someone a safe place, no matter their differences....is the light we should be to the world.

[KimberlyK]

I'm brand new here,

But I am so heartened to read this thread. I am the mom of a young autistic boy, and the president of the board of a local organization that provides support, encouragement and experiences for developmentally disabled adults. Rarely have I found a group, outside of families impacted by the disability of a beloved family member, who take such care and have such compassion in including someone with neurological differences in their community. This makes me proud to be a Witch! Blessing be withall of you :0)

KimberlyK