Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Dear Anonymous

Dear Anonymous, I said they were "ignorant" and "uneducated" about the military lifestyle. I stand by that opinion. I also bent over backwards to mention, several times, that they were pefectly lovely people, yet still somehow managed to ignite an unpleasant dicussion in the comment section.

I think it's time for me to end this story. I can't seem to tell it properly without offending people.

132 comments:

Anonymous said...

Please don't let a couple of detractors prevent you from finishing this story. Some of us don't know anything about surrogacy. You are educating us with your experiences. And, don't we all need to be educated from time to time on subjects that we know little or nothing about.

Mom on the Run
www.writingmylifeoneblogatatime.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

As a long-time lurker - back to your CaringBridge days - I just want to encourage you to continue. It's your life as you've lived it, so who cares if anyone else gets offended?

Bottom line, Kristie: writers share their stories to elicit an emotional reaction (be it positive or negative) from their audience. You are doing that! You are succeeding!

If Anonymous is offended, maybe s/he should leverage the handy-dandy "close" button on his/her browser.

brent said...

"I think it's time for me to end this story. I can't seem to tell it properly without offending people."

Don't you dare.

There's a whole big bad internet out there with plenty of space for people to not be offended.

Catz said...

Please don't stop just because of a few nasty comments. I am so interested in hearing your story.

Jackietex said...

Kristie, you can't please everyone when you blog. Your story has value so I hope you will continue and we, your readers, will try to behave. :)

Anonymous said...

We are interested in your story - please don't stop telling it!

Kelly said...

I really really hope you continue your story. I don't mean to be rude...but who gives a rats arse if you offend someone. The rest of us know that wasn't your intention. I think you go out of your way to be as p.c. as possible. But honestly...why shouldn't you just go ahead and say what you feel, think, believe. This is YOUR blog. Anyone who's offended can just stop reading.

Please keep telling the story!!

Anonymous said...

Most all of the comments were positive, only a couple of "offended people". Please don't let the minority rule over the majority, cause I absolutely hate when that happens. Some people just like to stir up trouble, don't let them get away with it. I find that it is best to just ignore them, if they don't get a reaction, then they eventually go away. You can't please all the people all the time.

I am finding your story very informative. I had no idea there was so much involved in becoming a surrogate. I am ready to meet Couple #2. :)

Shanda

Anonymous said...

Amazing how liberals are supposed to be the "all accepting, tolerant people" yet they seem to be the most intolerant of all! Pisses me off that you can't say what you want to say in your own blog. Please don't stop telling your story.

Anonymous said...

Please don't stop telling your story. Surrogacy has been on my mind for a long time now & it's great to hear the real story from someone who has actually been there. For those who are offended, there always is that big red "X" in the upper right hand corner.

Anonymous said...

This must be such a challenge for you to share as it is such a personal part of who you are. You have exhibited strength in telling your story.
Thank you. And please reconsider- I think you could educate a lot of us, and perhaps open some eyes, by sharing such a rich life experience.

Unknown said...

And here I am, a pacifist, reading - and enjoying your blog. I am sure our political views differ in more than one way, but I actually think that internet provides amazing opportunities to meet IN SPITE OF all that differs in culture, ideologies etc. And I actually find that our lifes have so much in common - in spite of all the differences. Our everyday worries, our reactions etc. (I mean, you really do not want to hear all the prejudices about americans, republicans etc. that I grew up with. In fact, I don't want to hear them myself. I find persons, meetings, understanding and the common ground you can actually find, much more interesting.)

So please, don't stop this story. I appreciate your honesty in telling it. But please do not let yourself be too upset by the comments you get either. Because understanding starts there, just there, in those reactions, I mean, understanding someone you already understand, is no challenge. Reaching out to across ideologies, cultures etc. is. And there I go, becoming more philosophical than I meant, sorry...

/Anna

Anonymous said...

You've done an exemplary job with your story!

cakeburnette said...

funny how folks who want to lecture and take others to task CAN'T SEEM TO BE BRAVE ENOUGH TO LEAVE THEIR NAME. Kristie, don't worry about it and just keep telling the story. Some folks will go out of their way to find something to get offended about and they're not worth the effort it takes to try to appease them.

Jenn said...

Please don't stop!

I'm a liberal AND a military spouse (yup, I'm a pretty rare breed) and I'm loving the story. Don't let a few bad eggs ruin your beautiful re-telling. Some people just don't "click" for whatever reason. You knew that you didn't click and they obviously did too. So what that they came up with a lame and completely uneducated excuse? Shame on them; but it has little to do with politics when you boil it down to the core.

Please, keep going! I want to hear how it all turns out.

Jenn

Jen said...

Please don't stop, Kristie. I'm enjoying reading your story. I've always been fascinated by how you were able to give of yourself in that way.

Don't let some coward who can't even man up and leave his/her name and take ownership of his/her own comments dictate what you do and don't talk about. It's your blog, not theirs, and if they don't want to read it, they have the right to close their browser.

Some people are just bored and like stirring up trouble.

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog for a couple of years now and have never left a comment. I hope I can figure out how to post it now lol. Please dont stop telling your story. If people have been reading your are offended then obviously they are not aware of your unique sense of humor and how it has gotten you through harder times then alot will never know. Please dont stop telling your story. You have been such an inspiration to many!!! Phooey on those who dont agree, its your story and that is what the readers want to hear!!!!

~*~Snappz~*~ said...

I want you to do something for me, Kristie. Right now, while sitting at your computer desk. Ok? Please? Ready?


Step one: Make your hand into a fist. Put out your right/left fist.

Step two: Stick up your middle finger at gutless morons who upset you.

Kristie, I love reading your blog. I know it's rude, and I shouldn't encourage a mum of three to give the finger, but hopefully that made you smile :-) I'm sorry you feel that you can't tell your story without upsetting someone. I'm hoping all the postive comments from this post have made you change your mind? Seems to me that there are quite a few people who'd love to hear about the rest of your surrogacy experience.
Please? Pretty please? Come on, I'll even stick a cherry on top for you ...!

Anonymous said...

Please don't stop telling your story. And, don't worry about offending others when telling it. It's your story - we can come read it or not. We all have our own choice. I think you're doing a great job in telling your story and trying to tell all sides.

Lisa C.

Hyzymom said...

Kristie - I know you won't stop. I love reading your story and I like Jenn am also that rare breed, liberal military wife (there are 2 of us now Jenn) and I love you with all my heart! :o) Keep on writing there are more of "us" (Kristie lovers) than "them." :o)

carolyn said...

Don't you dare stop!
People are not forced to read this blog. I have read blogs that have offended me before and when that happened, I just quit reading. No comments, no righteous indignation, I just quit. I suggest others do the same.
You have an amazing story and touch so many lives. Do not let a couple of mouthy fools silence you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristie!
I'm offended that someone was offended :)
blessings,
Debbie E.
PTC

Anonymous said...

Please ignore those comments and finish the story! I'm a huge fan of your blog and honestly reading your stories of being pregnant and raising children makes me very excited to have children of my own some day.

Eloise said...

Please don't stop telling your story! I have been looking forward to it every day and check your site often hoping for a "double dip" of two installments in one day. I'm sorry that there are mean-spirited people who hide behind their computer and an anonymous label. There are also a lot of us who love and appreciate you!

Anonymous said...

I am a fairly liberal person and I was not offended by your story. Even if I was so what? It is your story to tell.

I do think if you are posting on a blog there are going to be people that disagree with you. A lot of people that read your blog read Pioneer Woman's blog. I love it too. Recently she posted pictures of one of her children pretending to smoke. Some people thought it was cute, other people went ballastic. The point is she didn't seem to care. She is confident in her parenting.

So Kristie I enjoy your blog and want you to continue.

The focus here should be your story, not offended people, you defending your positions, and people jumping to your defense and sometimes getting downright nasty.

Life is short. Lets all enjoy each other's stories and opinions.

Karen

Anonymous said...

nobody FORCES people to read this website. if they don't like what you have to say... so be it! let them comment all they want... if they have nothing better to do with their time, they must live a pretty miserable life! the other 99.9% of us are the lucky ones who ENJOY our five minutes to check up on what you have to say. i never leave comments, but i was just getting really interested in the rest of the story. i just went thru a molar pregnancy and it turned into cancer and traveled thru my blood to my lungs... blah, blah, blah. that hardly matters, what i'm trying to get at is that i might actually consider surrogacy someday. what's better than info from someone who is right smack dab in the middle of it. please don't let this stop you...

Anonymous said...

Please don't let a couple of rude people stop this discussion. You have every right not to discuss money and I like the fact that you were so honest about the people you've met. The story would not be half as good if you just said we didn't hit it off and left it at that. Then we'd all be wondering "why didn't you hit it off"!
Stacie from MN

Anonymous said...

Oh please dont stop! I am enjoying the story on a subject I have no clue about. It has very interesting to me.

Robbin

Ashley said...

I have been lurking here for a long time. Please don't stop. Someone is always going to be offended, or have something to say. If that person is so offended let them leave. I think your story is beautiful and touching. Don't stop!

Alice said...

I, too, will join in with the others - PLEASE don't stop the story. This is your blog and your story. There are so many of us who come here each day b/c we consider it a joy and privilege to share your life. Even just the parts you choose to share. Surrogacy is a wonderful experience that many of us know little about, much less have had the opportunity to see first-hand.

I hope you continue to share it.

Anonymous said...

Kristie don't worry about them poopy people. I love reading your story's and never take offense to any of them. Some people need to tighten their diaper pins before reading anything..:)

Anonymous said...

Please don't stop. Yes I am a long time lurker(years). You let us laugh and cry. You make it real.

Mommy! said...

Ignorant: "lack of knowledge or training in a particular subject;"
Uneducated: "untutored, unschooled, untaught, uninstructed, uninformed;"

I don't see what could possibly be so offensive about those words. There is nothing inherently wrong with being ignorant or uneducated. I am ignorant about the surrogacy process, and for SURE I am uneducated about a lot of things in this world.

Please don't let any "ignorant, uneducated" folks who don't know the true meaning of those words cause you to stop writing this story. I, for one, am fascinated, as I have a desire someday to help another couple in this same way. Just gotta get that whole "have a baby myself" thing done first. :)

Political correctness makes me so angry sometimes. This is YOUR story. You tell it however you want!

Anonymous said...

NO NO NO NO!!! We've been waiting so long for you to tell this story. Don't stop now. Turn off the comments if you need to! But please, for the love of Pete, don't stop now.

Anonymous said...

I really don't think anyone was "offended." The way I read it (and I wrote one of those comments) we're just saying that it was ok not to have clicked with the first couple. Since being a surrogate is obviously an extremely personal thing, it was important that you did at least like and respect one another. Since you mutually didn't really feel that, the decision to not work together was clearly the right one. Please don't be offended by that. I respect you more for continuing on in the surrogacy effort afterward! And I totally respect Blaine's and your military service. Just because I'm liberal doesn't mean I don't recognize and appreciate the sacrifices military families make! (My nephew's in Iraq now.) Come on, Kristie, keep telling the story. It is truly fascinating. Politics aside, I think you rock! (Haha.) :)

Anonymous said...

Dear Anonymous: You would be ignorant and uneducated as you can't even read properly.
1) You need to re-read the posting and then you need to apologize.
2) As this is Kristie's life, BUTT OUT.

Kristie: You are a wonderful person that really seems to care about everybody. Your story is helping many many people. Please do not stop because of a couple "Ignorant and Uneducated" chickens who do not have the nerve to leave their names.

Mel - Canada

Anonymous said...

So, I was just wondering Anonymous...if you don't want to be Kirstie's friend than why the hell are you over here reading her site making trouble???
LA

Tara said...

I read your blog everyday and enjoy it for your humor and the fact you are so willing to share your life story. Your stories have helped broaden my horizons into issues that I don't know all that much about - adoption, battling cancer, military life and now, surrogacy. It is refreshing and interesting to read about a life so different from my own, but as a mother to three young children - sometimes so similar.

I am a liberal. I live in New York. I voted for both Clintons (and I love them both!) I also have great respect for our military and the men and women who serve. My personal views do not mean I can't appreciate and respect viewpoints and lifestyles different from my own. Aren't we all here to learn from each other and broaden our views of the world? I believe one of the worst things a person can do is to surround themselves with people who think exactly like they do. We all have too much to learn from each other.

Anonymous said...

Kristie - as much as I enjoy reading anything you write, I just wanted to say: it's your blog, it's your story, and I for one will support your decision no matter what you decide.

Anonymous said...

PLEASE PLEASE DON'T STOP YOUR STORY NOW. Don't let a few mean spirited people ruin it for all. I love this blog.

Safire said...

I hope you don't stop telling your story. I'm very interested to see what happens next!

Victoria said...

Kristie, I've been reading your blog for a while now, and haven't ever commented, but this had to bring me out of lurkdom. I have enjoyed your blog so much. I am not sure what the uproar is about, honestly, but I hope that you won't stop your story because somebody said something that caused a stir. I read the comments, and honestly don't think anyone was trying to be offensive/offended. To me, it looked like a simple statement of your right to not 'click' with a couple, even though you bent over backward to be accomadatin, kind, and giving.

You're an amazing woman with an incredible story to tell. Please, continue to educate the rest of us with your experiences. Blessings to you and your family.

Becky, in N. TX said...

kristie,

I hope you will reconsider.

I KNOW you are a "Harry Potter" fan, so imagine if J K Rowling had caved to all the controversy after the first book?!?!?!

Where would Christianity be if the new testament writers had allowed the "offense" of others to deter them?!?!?!

Remember the nay sayers in the audience of the show you described watching when you first started thinking about surrogacy?? They didn't stop you then (and families have been made because as a result), so DON"T let them have that much power NOW! This blog may do for some other families to be what that talk show did for you!!!!

In HIS grip,
Becky

Anonymous said...

It's your story, and it's up to you if you want to continue sharing it with us. I, for one, am very interested, and it looks like plenty of other people are too. But we'll stick around to keep hearing DDP stories if you'd rather tell those. :)

Anna in IL

Anonymous said...

To ALL READERS:

I am so sorry I went off topic. I should NOT have commented on someone elses comment. I truly am very sorry.

Anonymous said...

Kristie:
So many great comments already, I am not sure if I can add anything. I love Anna's and Tara comments! I think the offensive part was not necessarily your viewpoints in the blog post, because those were YOUR thoughts and views. I think it got nasty when commenters started waving the labels around ("damn liberals", "Clinton-loving" NY'ers) as to why these people should be despised. Is it because they like Clinton, live in NY or are liberal that we should be mad on your behalf? No, it is because they were stupid people who did not look beyond the end of their nose to see what was important. Those types of people come in all shapes, sizes and political sides.

I have followed you since Caringbridge and love your writing. I check your blog everyday. Please continue.

Sincerely,
Darcie

Anonymous said...

Oh, don't stop because some trouble maker decided to try and hurt your feelings. Your story is so interesting, and I might die if I don't get to hear the rest :)
I'm about as liberal as it gets, you said NOTHING offensive about them, you were just describing someone, not insulting them.
Anonymous, must be pretty dim to not get that.

The Traveling Yogi said...

I say write what you want to. It's your blog and your story and if people don't like it, they don't have to read it. I for one enjoy reading your story. I've never known anyone else who was a surrogate, so I find it interesting.
Briana

Anonymous said...

Please don't stop!!! This is a great story!

I've been reading your blogs long enough to know that our views on nearly everything are completely different. I'm ultra-liberal. Some of my views would probably scare you, as some of yours would probably scare me. But, WHO CARES?! This is your blog. Your story. You get to tell it how you want. Please don't let a couple of comments dictate what you write about.

The rest of us think you're a peach!!

:)

Enya

Anonymous said...

Dear Kristie, Please don't stop telling your fascinating story! It is your blog as many have said, you have the right to talk about what you want and you didn't say anything offensive about couple no 1 after all!! It was their loss that they didn't work with you, if I had needed a surrogate mother to have a child, I think you'd have been great, you have a great personality.
Take care and keep writing!!!
Love Angela

Anonymous said...

Think of the people whom you may be inspiring with this story...YOUR story. It is what it is, people!

Welcome to the nation of the Easily Offended.

URBAN BLONDE said...

First off I ditto Anna ;) Well Said!

Second off, I'm here for the excellent writing Kristie! I've been reading since caringbridge days.

Write on sister! It's your blog and I love to read it!

Blondie

Unknown said...

Please don't.

Tammy said...

Kristi, this is YOUR BLOG! I say screw them! Just look at the reaction you've got from saying your not going to continue your story, don't let a few nasty comments ruin it for the rest of us! I say Anonymous does'nt matter, their to chicken shit to leave a name, screw them! This is your blog, you should say what you want, feel, thats why I enjoy reading, you are real! Now snap out of it, I'm ready to meet couple # 2! Don't make me drive up to OK and kick your hiney! You know Fort Worth is just a skip and a hop away!! lol

Anonymous said...

If certain people don't like your story, or the way you tell it, then they don't have to read it. It's as simple as that!

Ryley @ That's My Family! said...

I say you just block anonymous commenters. People will be less likely to be mean if you can trace it back to them.. I bet...

And plus.. WHO CARES???????????

This is your life and you're story.. you can't let these people win, it's just what they want..

you are stronger than them!!!

keep going.......

Anonymous said...

Please don't block anonymous commenters, some of us just don't want to be logged on everywhere, so we have to put our names at the bottom!

I only read a few of the comments, so I hope that I'm not repeating what's been said a million times before...

I've read your writing since way back when Kendrie was in treatment..I've commented on Caringbridge, and here.. I admire your writing, would love to be your friend, think Blaine is amazing, laugh out loud at your kids stories, and sometimes cry with you.. I just love to see updates... But.. please don't let negative comments affect you so much.. blogs are opinions, opinions of the author. You have to expect that some people will mis-interpret what you say, or will be offended. What I do hate to see is someones negative comment make other commenters get nasty..

As a New York Democrat who has a brother in the Navy and a total admiration for the military and their families.. I'm not a bad person! I know that you were talking about that particular couple and their ignorance about the military, even though there are similarities to my life, I certainly didn't take it personally!!

This is your story.. it's interesting, heartwarming, and YOURS... tell it if you want, but please don't be put off by some negativity.. that's just the way people are!!

Mary Burns
Albany NY
(transplanted from SC)

Unknown said...

I just went back to read your last post that you titled "Rejection".
I for one am glad you don't gloss over your story. You tell it like it is, because, darn it...that's the way it happened.
No matter what the differences, this couple hurt your feelings...

Ignore anonymous. Your whole life is riviting and I for one admire you and Blaine on so many levels. If you choose to stop here, does that mean I have to wait for the book?
Love you guys...seriously

Rachael said...

Please don't stop telling the story. I am really enjoying hearing aobut this part of your life, and learning something about surrogacy at the same time. Don't let those who get easily offended stop you.

Anonymous said...

Kristie, SCREW people that are so ignorant as to be rude to you and totally misunderstand what you are saying, your site and your words are important to us. Please do not stop writing on account of idiots that target you for whatever reason. They are all over the internet being asswipes, not just to you.

Alicia

Pam D said...

I think Anna is correct in trying to understand those who think differently than we do; how else do we stretch and grow? BUT.. the problem comes when someone chooses to scold or denigrate without leaving some clue as to their identity. Those who do that have no interest in dialogue, in reaching out, in trying to find common ground. They simply want to "flame" your site and then sit back and laugh at the damage. Please don't let them do that here, Kristie. Delete those comments (but not the valid ones, such as Anna's, that are signed and respectful). And keep telling your story; it sounds as though there are people out there who NEED to hear what you have to say about surrogacy.

Anonymous said...

Screw anonymous......

Sign your name or shut up!

Anonymous said...

Kristie,

It seems to me that you are being "easily offended" by people being "easily offended".

Why do you care? There are plenty of people who want to hear your story the way you wish to tell it-honesty from your point of view.

I love this blog but am getting sick of this high school fighting among commenters.

Some of us want to come and read the story period.

Anonymous said...

please. please, please finish the story for those of us really interested. For all the others...first...if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything and two...if you don't like what Kristie's saying...use the "x" in the corner! Don't ruin it for all of us!
Kristina
OHIO

Anonymous said...

I have to tell you that when I read what you wrote about the couple being ignorant about the military I thought to myself, "Damn, *I* am ignorant too!" Was I offended? No? Did I think for one minute that I should take the time to learn more? yup.
That is why I read blogs-- I read them to find a little place in someone else's life who is much, much different than me. I relish blogs where the writer is honest, frank and doesn't care if she offends. Like you. Except I know that you worry about what others think (sort of like I do). Screw them.

If I wanted to listen to people just like me, I would call my neighbors. People read you, Kristie, because you are human and normal. If someone has a problem with it, DELETE and move on:)

Anonymous said...

Kristie, Please dont stop! It's YOUR blog and reading it is optional ~~ not mandatory so nasty 'ol anonymous has no right to be offended. And don't change a single thing about the way you tell your stories either. That's what makes you so interesting. I will continue to read no matter what the subject is. Thanks for sharing!!!

Anonymous said...

Kristie:

I would understand if you chose to stop your story. You are sharing something deeply personal and others are trying to impose their opinions on your events. I have enjoyed your story and your storytelling (from way back at CB) so I HOPE you continue.

Diane in Cincinnati

Anonymous said...

Kristie,
I would be so disappointed if you stopped telling your surrogate story. For a year (or more) you have talked about blogging the story (in response to many who have asked to hear more about your surrogacy) and it would be such a shame to shelf it now that you have started. As a reader I have learned so much about human nature from reading not only your blog but also the comments. Because this is such a personal story your opinions, your feelings, your experiences of what was happening at the time have to be part of the story. It is not the place of your readers/commenter to agree or disagree, you have not asked our opinions. Please reconsider continuing. It might require having to don your Teflon Suit so that comments roll off your back!!!
A long time reader of your Caringbridge site and blog.

Pink Lemonade said...

Please do not stop the story just because some don't respect the fact that this blog is your personal views. It is their choice to read or not read. I feel like since you were there with that couple, you probably know more so than any of us what happened. There are lots of people ignorant to the military lifestyle... you really don't know it unless you live it.

People are going to get offended no matter what you say... you could sugar coat things all you like and someone will find something wrong with it.

I really enjoy reading about your surrogacy story and the hows and whys you chose to do it.

These are just my 2 cents worth... but I really do hope you continue to write your way!

krueth said...

Please do not stop now. If someone is not happy about your blogs, they don't need to read. I so enjoy your writings. Wendy

Krista said...

Please continue your story and ignore the ignorant!!

Anonymous said...

Oh please don't stop sharing your story! I have been enjoying it and think you are one of the strongest and bravest women I know.
Those who are offended need to go elsewhere. Don't let them discourage you.

Shelly

Mamasita said...

Kristie,

Along with everyone else, I beg you to reconsider. Maybe you could close the comments like others suggested. It would be a shame to have to put a caveat at the beginning of each blog stating that you are stating facts that were reported to you and your personal feelings on that subject at that time. You would think that would be a given.

Anyway, I for one, hope you continue.

Love ya,
Pam

Anonymous said...

Whoever said it avbove was right: it's not what Kristie wrote that was offensive, it's the comments others wrote (like Trisha in Leesburg, VA, who said, "liberals! ugghhhh! shame on them."). that's what ignited this fire. So, Kristie, don't stop because of the comments. No one's picking on you!

Anonymous said...

No please don't stop!!! I didn't look back to see what anonymous said and I don't really care, they are the minority, the rest of us are the majority...please please don't stop! This is a riveting story!

Anonymous said...

I agree w/those who have said, you can't please everyone. But, you have to do what feels right to YOU. If this is making you feel bad, you don't owe us anything! We'll be here reading whatever you happen to be sharing from day to day - no matter what.
Steph in KC

Anonymous said...

Oh Kristie, please do not stop telling the story! People have a choice of reading your blog or not. These are your words! Tell "anonymous" to find another blog to read and you keep on with the story.
Lisa from Texas

Anonymous said...

Please don't stop! I'm a California living, card carrying Democrat, married to a vegetarian! And I still see so much value in your story (and honestly, I found nothing offensive in what you wrote).

--Laura

Anonymous said...

Being the 78th commentor, I doubt there's anything left to say except: DITTO!

You have so many attributes that draw people to you. I could name them, but the list is too long. I hope you can see that and find a way to ignore the one person who walks to a totally different beat. Or, you could just tell that person to "Phuque Off".....I tried to clean that up. ;)

Dixie

Anonymous said...

Oh that aggravates me. Why can't people just read the story, be intrigued (like me), hang on every word and NOT start nitpicking.

Please do not end the story. It is WAY too interesting to the majority of us who have brains for you to stop now!

Unknown said...

Kristie, I have been reading your blog since the CaringBridge pages and followed the life of your family for some time now.

It is really a shame that there are people who need to pick apart each sentence you write, looking for ways to be objectionable.

For every negative comment you receive, know that there are many, many more people full of positive things to say about your blog. The whole surrogacy story has been very informative, not to mention interesting.

You have really opened my eyes to the fact that the surrogate process is long and involved, thorough and emotional, but mostly, done purely for the unselfish reason that you want to provide another family with a precious, uncomparable gift.

Sharing this story has been a gift to all who have read it. Please don't let a few ugly people stop you.

Anonymous said...

if you are really going to end it, could you just email it to me? PLEASE! And ditto everything everyone has said about not letting a few spoil sports ruin it for everyone.

They can all just stop reading whenever they want!

René S said...

My first thought was maybe you should disable comments when you cover such personal yet for some reason contraversial issues.

My second thought was, this challenges people to think outside of their life, so maybe she shouldn't disable.

My third thougth was, maybe Kristie doesn't want her personal life to be the catalyst for heavy conversations. I'm not sure I'd want to put my life on display for this!

My final thought is I hope you continue Kristie. You are educating many of us about cancer, military life, the importance of spending time with family, adoption, fertility, surrogacy and the value of DDP. Plus, you do it in the best way possible - through story telling. I have never known anyone who was or used a surrogate, so I have loved every minute of the story. I think those considering it would like to know that the match meeting doesn't always go well. And, I've had something new to talk to my husband about. I'd say all of those things are remarkable for a blog!

You go girl! Thanks for being so brave to share your story.

Anonymous said...

NO, NO, NO!! Please don't stop telling your story and sharing with us just because of some numb-skull! The rest of us LOVE you and your family!!

Lexi

Stephanie D. said...

OK - add me to the list. Puhleeze give us more of the story.....I mean, c'mon we are on pins & needles....plus YOU make me laugh! Hang in there GF - your Georgia contingency loves you and wants you to keep on "keeping on"!!

Anonymous said...

If you'll still write, I'll still be here to read.

I love hearing your take on every topic.

Bridget

Anonymous said...

I've not been able to be on here for a while because of something about "Active X" and it kept kicking me out but it stopped now, so yay for me, I'm back. Remember that this is YOUR site (I know everyone else has said that, but I'm just adding my vote to the tally). You're free to share YOUR story and I'm thankful that you do. Keep it up.

Claire in Indiana
Oh...please don't block anonymous comments. I promise to sign my name every time I leave a message! :-)

Anonymous said...

Please don't stop. It is so interesting. Some people will take offense no matter how you state something. I am "ignorant and uneducated" about military life and fairly liberal and I took absolutely no offense. None.
Cheryl

Lisa L said...

Kristie - reading your journal is as important as my daily DDP and my first cup of coffee. You have amazing talent, you are unbelievably insightful, you see both sides of the picture and your humor...omg..your humor is such that my coworkers probably think I'm a wierdo when I laugh at loud while staring at my computer screen! Please keep writing...this story, as many others have said, is educational. I've always, always wondered what it must be like to be a surrogate. I have a dear friend who had a surrogacy business in Kansas for years. Keep writing girl!

Lucia said...

keep writing kristy please!!

Anonymous said...

Kristie,
I am so sorry someone had the unmitigated gall to post something nasty to you. I absolutely got what you were saying. Different strokes for different folks. Everyone is ignorant about something or other that is simply life. Please do tell the story I am waiting on baited breath (plus you are making all of us less ignorant on the issue of surrogacy).

Debbie said...

Hi Kristie~
I've been reading your story since CaringBridge and have emailed you before, when you were down here for the Lighthouse Retreat. I am liberal and I've been working on an Air Force Base for 25 years. I totally understand the military and support the troops all the way!
Please tell us the rest of the story! Don't let a few bad apples spoil it for the rest of us! If they don't like what you write, they should go somewhere else. This is YOUR blog - YOUR story! What they think doesn't matter!
Debbie

Anonymous said...

Please do not end the story so many more of us want to read this site please just delete the ones who don't..You have so many postive supporters remember us :)
Take care...

Betsey said...

Please please don't let some people who obviously didn't learn one of lifes early lessons...if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say it at all...thwart you from telling this story. I had actually contemplated looking into being a surrogate this past year, but I'm 42 1/2 and required some bed rest from bleeding with both of my pregnancies so I didn't pursue it any further than the research stage. I am totally enjoying your story and my belief is that if you blog something I don't agree with then that's just life...we're not always going to agree with everyone but that doesn't give people the right to be rude. I'm sorry that happened to you...but I'm pleading please continue on!!!

scanmom said...

Sheesh, 94 comments!!! That's amazing. Please keep writing. How else will I be able to tell you when they finish the first Sonic in Michigan 1/2 mile from my house!!!

Anonymous said...

Make your comments where no one anonymous can leave a comment...Or where you have to approve them before they are published and just delete them. Anyone without consideration of such a personal story doesn't deserve the time of day much less the space on your comment section. I hope you reconsider and finish telling your story.
Jolene (in GA)

Dear anonymous-One rotten apple spoils the entire basket :(

Anonymous said...

noooooo pleae do not stop telling your story i come to your site everyday am so interested in knowing more we have talked before and i myself was considering doing suro and actually had a couple and a contract and all but then right before transplant something happened and they had to cancel the entire contract i love reading your experience please DO NOT STOP TELLING US!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I rarely leave a comment for you, and I'm sorry about that. Today I HAVE to. I have never thought about surrogacy before. Of course I had heard of it, but it was just never something I ever thought about... until your blog. I find it fascinating to learn from other people's experiences. Please don't cheat me out of the rest of the story. I need to know now!

Anonymous said...

Duh. I commented in the wrong spot.
Here's my comment again, but in the right spot:

Here's the thing. THIS IS YOUR STORY.

This is your story on your blog. You can share the details of your story any way you choose, and I believe you are relating the facts/impressions accurately as you had them.

With so varied an audience, with so many polar views (about politics, religion, minimum wage, heck, even over-or-under toilet paper), you're ALWAYS going to ruffle feathers and/or get high praise for the exact same blog entries.

My unsolicited advice: don't write to the comments. Write what's true to you and your story. If you wore fuchsia socks to the get-to-know-ya dinner, that's just a fact (albeit a sad one :) If the first couple was left-wing and you were not, well, that's just a fact. If you were a lactose-intolerant asian orthodox jewish man, you'd be writing the facts as you saw them from *that* perspective.

I hope you reconsider, and continue to share *your* story as you experienced it.

Regardless of what you say, there will be dumb-ass comments like "all democrats are not evil," or "down with right-wing military zealots!" ...well, sheesh, you can't do anything with comments like that.

You know, if commenters miss the point so completely, then there's no enlightening them to what you 'actually said/meant.'

Don't write to the lowest common denominator! Write to those of us who "get" it! :)

Andee said...

No! Please keep telling your story! I really enjoy reading your blog - please don't let a few naysayers get you down.

Anonymous said...

Kristie,

All of us love your blog, don't let one person ruin it for us. Always remember, there was only one perfect person who walked this earth, His name was Jesus and He could not please twelve disciples. We all are fighting a losing battle if we try to please everyone. So,forget the negative comments and keep on writing, we want to hear the rest of your story.

Love you,

Nananoni

KD said...

I've been a Kristie fan since the CaringBrige days too, and I even bothered to sign up for a Google account so I could leave a comment for this. Don't let the jackasses annoy you. You can't please everyone, and your story is VERY interesting. I want more, so please keep telling. Delete the offenders and keep us all in our happy place. :o) We love you and want you to keep writing!!

P.S. - This is getting as good as PW's BHTTW. I want to meet couple #2, so please don't stop, especially since P-Dub is on hiatus!!

Anonymous said...

No you didn't, girlfriend! And no you won't! You can't! You have at least 101 people on here who are waiting for the next chapter of YOUR story, told in YOUR words on YOUR blog! We love to read your stories and we love the way to write them ~ whether or not we agree with your opinion. Although I don't recall anytime that I've read your blog & disagreed with you, it definitely wouldn't stop me from coming back to read more. We love Kristie & your amazing story telling skills. PLEASE DO NOT STOP! Our odds are much better than theirs.

Libby said...

I'm thrilled to be #104!

I don't know that there's anything more to be said other than ditto 103 times! Please keep on with your story!

Libby

Anonymous said...

Are you freaking kidding me??? Just when you're getting to the good stuff? And my name might be mentioned? Oh no you don't. Keep writing. Anonymous can just suck it.

Deborah
A proud 3x surrogate!!

Anonymous said...

I tune in every day for an update on this story. Do not quit writing it. If people don't like what you are writing, they can quit reading. But many of us are already invovled and need to see how this turns out. It is like watching a good movie, but never seeing the ending.

Anonymous said...

I tune in every day for an update on this story. Do not quit writing it. If people don't like what you are writing, they can quit reading. But many of us are already invovled and need to see how this turns out. It is like watching a good movie, but never seeing the ending.

Anonymous said...

Kristie ... I know how much you love comments. Was this just a clever ploy to get you some comment-love? ;-)

Please don't let a couple of negative people get to you. It looks like you've got at least 104 people who want you to keep telling your story.

S.Z.

Jennifer said...

Don't end the story becasue a person who can't even share there name!!! I agree with the person below. They could have chosen not to read. But for those of us who do read. Please ocntinue your story. Maybe you can just stop accepting anonymous comments. I know that faithful froggers did that. Just a thought... I love your blog. You brighten my day

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry that one person can hurt your feelings like that. I know this is a VERY personal story but I have to admit...I love reading it and I hope you continue to share.

Meg from Ga

Anonymous said...

The majority rules. Don't stop sharing - the rest of us are interested - thanks.

Anonymous said...

I haven't read all the comments, but I'm sure they're mostly saying "no, please don't stop" and I completely agree. It's too bad a few people have to spoil things for the rest of us.

Anonymous said...

Kristie,
I love the story!
Don't stop!

Natalie said...

ARGH! I'm so angry! This is YOUR blog, Kristie, and you can damn well write what you please and how you please. One of your best qualities is your tell it like you see it/feel it nature--don't let people (one person especially) make you feel like you have to censor yourself. There are many, many more of us who appreciate what you're saying and want to hear it. Personally, I think it's lame that people feel the need to leave negative/disagreeable comments on a Blog--YOUR BLOG. People, if you can't leave a friendly, supportive comment, then perhaps you shouldn't say anything at all. Would you say what you wrote to Kristie's face? I'm guessing not. That's why you didn't sign your name. So lay off and maybe think twice next time.

Go Kristie!

Lori said...

Hell No!!

You can't just leave us hanging. Do you realize we can't wait to get up to finish this BOOK you are writing. This is more interesting than any book I have ever read.

I will personally come and get the story out of you if you don't finish it.

Anonymous said...

Do you know how many people will be stalking you if you stop???? Maybe just don't read the comments during this story???
Please continue.... look at the volume of pleaders!!!!!
mcs
crosslake/san diego

Anonymous said...

Kristie hun it's YOUR story! Who cares if you offend someone! If they dont like it then they can STOP reading your wonderfully hilarious, enlightening, heart touching biographical stories LOL! I offend people b/c I'm outspoken but those who really know me, love me. Just as all of us love you & look forward to your blogs. Keep up the good work girl!

Cindi said...

I would greatly appreciate it if you would continue your story. Yes, this is YOUR blog, on which you can share YOUR thoughts and YOUR feelings, so the it is entirely up to YOU as to whether or not you'll continue. But please consider the countless readers who are learning so very much by you sharing your experiences. You have taught me a lot with your bravery and selflessness, and I thank you for that.

Anonymous said...

Really Kristie, just tell it and don't worry about what the comments say. You never care what people say so don't let this bother you either.

Memarie Lane said...

I just read through your previous post, I can't believe people read so much into it. If you were talking about a different institution, like Citibank or something, they probably would have understood. But the very word "military" has so much emotion wrapped around it anymore that some people just can't read past it to see what you were really saying.

I'm pretty much on the liberal side, and I fail to see what that has to do with it at all. Every American should support every other American's right to express their opinion, end of story. I admire you for expressing yours and sticking to it, and leaving the negative comments up for all to see. Most bloggers don't have that kind of courage.

Anonymous said...

Don't let some kill joys take the fun out of your story. I am so enjoying it. I hope you don't stop.

From Pam in WV.

Anonymous said...

Please keep telling your story! Don't worry about offending anyone, it is your blog, and your story, share it how you please!

Angie

Anonymous said...

Please don't stop your story. If someone is offended...so be it! They can read elsewhere! I am interested in the rest of the story. Seriously, if someone is going to judge what you say on your blog, then they need to "get a life on another blog"!

Anonymous said...

Kristie, I hope you will please continue your story. So many of us are really enjoying it!!! (BTW - I'm a dyed-in-the-wool liberal, and wasn't the slightest bit offended by ANYTHING you said. You were clearly referring to their familiarity with military life and nothing more.)

Anne in MA

Anonymous said...

I think the only ignorant and uneducated people are the ones who write ridiculous posts and then don't even have the courage to sign their names! (Now watch me forget to sign this one! :-)

Please don't stop Kristi..it's a WONDERFUL story, and those who don't want to read it CERTAINLY don't have to!!

Pat in CA

Anonymous said...

Please, please, please, please, please continue.

You rock!!!!!
You rock!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Please continue.

We love you!!!

Anonymous said...

Please, please, please, please, please, please, don't stop writing.

Kristie

You rock!!!!!!
You rock!!!!!!

Again You rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is this enough to convince you along with 125 other people?

Anonymous said...

O.K., obviously as #126 you probably know what i am going to say - keep it coming. i have no idea what was posted and why exactly they were offended but really? this is your site, your blog, your life and you are graciously sharing it with us "cyberpeople". i for one suggest you simply ignore the comments or do like dooce did just recently(go and read her responses to some really weiner like people). I have enjoyed reading your story and think a little "duck like" back would be good. Let her roll off and keep goin'! Most sincerly and appreciatively, Tammy in Oh!

carrie said...

I have been reading your story since the Caringbridge days. I have laughed many times because of your posts. I enjoy reading all of your stories and I hope you continue with this one.

Unknown said...

Kristie,
Lots of people care about your story. I know it is hard, but I wouldn't worry about a few people being offended. They will be fine, and they can choose to NOT read! Now, I have another blogger question for ya. How can I make it so my blog title and the picture don't overlap? I can't figure it out. Thanks!!
Melissa

Haley said...

Kristy,
I first learned the definition of ignorant in 8th grade. My teacher explained that to some people, it was almost like a curse word, as they didn't know the definition. Maybe anonymous is ignorant in that respect, they simply don't understand the meaning of the word.

Please don't stop sharing your story. You know I'm a lurker, but you also know that I've been following your and Kendrie's story for many years (since before your last surrogacy birth!). Your words have helped to educated the less fortunate of the world and enlighten others.

Please continue...