What
Gateway To Friendship
Means To Me
 

2007

Debbie/TBears

Soon we will celebrate our 6th birthday. It doesn't seem like that many years have passed since we opened our doors. I have come to love so many of the members that they aren't like a group but a family. I look forward to 2007 and many more years to come as I have been blessed in so many ways with the friendships I have been priviledged to make.
Love
Debbie/TBears

2006

Debbie/TBears

We are approaching our fifth birthday and I feel so blessed with all the wonderful friendships I have made. Each day as I open my inbox, I look forward to seeing what GTF members have to say. Many of us have never met but that doesn't interfere with the bond that we have formed. Our logo The Right Place To Be for me couldn't say it any better as each member has enriched and touched my heart.

Love
Debbie/TBears

Nola

It is so hard to believe how quickly each year goes. It seems like GTF just opened it's doors and yet is has been 5 wonderful years. The really wonderful thing about GTF is, no matter what, in happy times or sad, the ladies are always here for you, to share in your happiness or sadness. I want all the Ladies of GTF to know how much I love each and every one of them. I may not always have a lot of time in egroups, but when I see someone needs a prayer, I'm there praying for you. as I know when I ask you are all there for me.

I love you all
Nola S.

Lourdes

Gateway is the most caring, compassionate, and loving bunch of people that I have been involved with and I am very proud and blessed to be a part of this wonderful group. My heartfelt thanks for the hard work and dedication of our Founder, Debbie for making this group more of a family, and to our dear Charo, who is always finding beautiful and exciting things for our enjoyment, and not but not least, to Marie, for all her contributions. Many thanks also for the Executive Committees for their endless support and love when we needed them in time of distress or when we are down and we need some uplifting of spirits.

Love and Hugs
Lourdes

Jade

It has been many years now that I have gotten to know so many ladies from this precious group called Gateway To Friendship. Seems like only yesterday when I can remember first joining. I left and rejoined and left and I think rejoined again *s*. Through it all, I can truly say that this group has long lasting friendships. I know that I have been lacking in participation, but I always think of the ladies who have showed me caring, sharing, and love throughout the years. I thank you all for putting up with me, for caring, and for the love that I feel for this wonderful group.

Love to all
Jade

Melissa aka Danae

GTF is the place for me. So many nice people from a lot of different places are here. Anytime you can email any of them. Always someone with to bring you up when your feeling down. I feel that it's one of the best groups on the internet.

Hugs
Melissa aka Danae

Denise

Wow! Happy Birthday GTF. Its hard to believe that its been 5 years since GTF started. I am very proud to be a member of such a wonderful group. GTF to me means "Great True Friends" everyone here is truly a remarkable lady. I don't know everyone but everyone seems to be a true friend. GTF is compassionate, caring, thoughtful and understanding of each persons feelings. I thanks everyone for all the thoughts and prayers you have given me. You all put a smile on my face. Debbie You have done an awesome Jon with the group and I am proud to be a member of GTF.

Happy birthday and many more!
Hugs,
Denise from Wash State

Margaret

I cant believe that we have reached our 5th. birthday already ,time has past so quickly ,but then doe,snt it always when you are among friends and so enjoy their emails with the encouragement,love and jokes ,we love joking around with our sweet T-Bears and her quest for cookies ,moonpies and fudge lol . i could,nt ask for a better group of cyber sisters they are so loving and caring .Many have difficult lives of their own ,illnesses ,working and bringing up children but are there for you if needed for that i will always love you all .God bless you and your familys my friends.

Hugs across the miles
Margaret xxx

2005

Debbie/TBears

As we celebrated our fourth birthday, I looked back on the previous years and am thankful for all the wonderful friends I have had the opportunity to make. Each one adds that special touch to the group and has helped us not only be a friendship group but a family. God has truly blessed me.

Love
Debbie/TBears

Barbara

Means an awful lot to me. I find the leaders and members to be not only friendly and caring, but very compationate to our needs. I've been in this group only a few months but long enough to know, its where I belong. Thank you Debbie for this group

Hugs
Barbara

Bonnie

All 4 years that I have been a member of Gateway To Friendship, I'm amazed at the way everyone pulls together whatever the members need is. How each and everyone shares in the joy of good news ... and the overwhelming support offered when there is bad news. A group is only as good as the members within it and I can truthfully say that each and every member is just like a sister to me. Debbie is a wonderful owner/leader and she has never compromised her standards or rules for being a member of Gateway. Debbie doesn't care if she has 10 members or 100 members in Gateway, but she does want members to be able to make and maintain friendships that are meaningful, special, lasting and to have fun. We are a family at Gateway and that is why I have been a member since the beginning of this wonderful group. I know this is a very special group of sisters to which I will always be grateful to have in my life. Thank you Debbie for never compromising your expectations of your dream of Gateway To Friendship.

Lovingly and Prayerfully,
Bonnie

Roxi

Gateway has truly been a wonderful experience for me. All members are kind, understanding and helpful if needed. Thank you Debbie for all that you do. I don't have time to participate in a lot of activities now, but I do when I can. The Group Gateway has brought together friends of all nations. What a wonderful experience.

Roxi

Moira

What Gateway means to me is this. It is more than just playing games and learning new things more important to me is this. Meeting lovely people and making new friends. But most of all being there to help others in there time of need. I know that if i ever need prayer and support my friends will be there. I hope that i do the same for my friends in Gateway.

Love
Moira xx

Susan C.

My opinion of Gateway To Friendship is that it is the best group on the internet. Everyone here is loving and caring with the other members. Some of us can't be very involved, but if we need a shoulder to cry on or a friend to share joy with...there is always a GTf member that will lend that shoulder or join in our happiness. I have been told that a group can be no better than it's leader...and TBears...you are the best and you have done a great job. Thank you for starting and continuing this family.

Hugs,
Susan

Kathleen

I am very proud and happy to be a part of GTF. GTF is different from the other groups, I feel like I personally know everyone in the group. It's not just a long list of members who I don't know anything about. I know where some live, I have been to almost everyone's webpage. I know who has kids and how old they are. I know what they like and don't like, who is good with graphics and who is still learning. It's a family!

Kathleen

Margaret

Well another year has past in our family ,we have found new friends and lost a few of the others through illness or family problems and we will always miss them all . T/Bears is still trying to sneak cookies but not as often ummm thinking she slowing down lol ,we all love our *boss* and Charo also Marie as managment they are always there to help if needed . My dear friends may god be with you all ,you are a loving and friendly group of people that i proudly call my cyber sisters ..

Hugs
Margaretxx

Blanche

I had belonged to a beautiful one once that Charo was in but they went by the way side because of something. I had a relapse and when I came back they weren't doing it anymore. I tried others but they were whiny, or grumpy or etc. but not anyplace I wanted to be but when Bonnie said try one more time with Gateway to Friendship and you will love them I found she was right ... it was like coming home to your family for me. I truly am blessed by each and everyone in the group. Thanks Debbie for starting this wonderful group.

Love and hugs,
Blanche

Sandy W.

What Gateway to Friendship means to me, is just that, it is a real gateway to friendship. Since joining this group I have made life time friends that I may not have met in person but I feel just like I have. Everyone is just always right there when you need them. This last year has been a very tough one for me but my friends here know just when I need to be pulled up. Thank you so much for being the place to be. Congratulations to Debbie, Charo and Marie for a wonderful job keeping us all going.

Sandy

Sue A.

When I first joined Gateway To Friendship, I figured, “Well, I’ll give it a try.” I’m so glad that I did. Being here is so much more than just being a member of a group. It’s more like being a part of a family…a beautiful, loving one. I’ve found warmth here, which comes from people from all areas of the world and all walks of life. No matter what they are going through, they stop what they are doing for a moment to offer you the support and encouragement that you need. It works both ways, and they all know that I’m also here for them because that’s what families do….they support one another through thick and thin.
People come and go in our lives but I think our Gateway friends and family are here to stay. Bringing comfort and joy into others lives automatically brings comfort and joy into your own life and that is exactly what this wonderful group does.
When I’m faced with stress, I tend to withdraw into myself. Being here, I find myself pushing myself to stay active, even if I slow down, I try my best not to stop. That’s very important because it makes me get back on my feet faster than I would have ordinarily. From what I’ve observed, many of us are like this. I’ve noticed that people go on LOA, only to return sooner than they planned because that’s what kind of people we are…the “cream in our coffee”…and how refreshing that is!
Since I’m a writer and love poetry, I wanted to write a poem for this wonderful group. Now, I’d like to share it with you here.

Gateway To Friendship

I stepped carefully through the gate
Not knowing what lay ahead
Would my feelings be those of comfort?
Or would I be filled with dread?

The moment I entered the Gateway
The moment I looked about
All of those feelings faded
I found no room for doubt

I discovered that Gateway To Friendship
Was exactly what it states
It’s filled with caring and kindness
And I proudly stepped through those Friendship gates

With such a wonderful founder
And such a caring staff
All of my doubts have faded
As I share and I care and I laugh

Thank you Gateway To Friendship!
Huggs
Sue

© 2005 by Susan L. Anderson

2004

Debbie/TBears

I am truly proud to call myself the owner of Gateway To Friendship. I have been blessed with having contact with so many wonderful and caring individuals. Each person has helped me make what Gateway To Friendship is today. I truly feel blessed that our path have crossed. I look forward to many more years together, not only as friends-but family.

MarieB-AngelNewWolf

Gateway to Friendship is one of the best online groups out in cyber-land. This group has the most amazing, loving & caring members that I have ever had the privilege to meet!!  I have been a member from almost the get-go, and have recently been given an amazing honor. The position of Assistant was offered to me by TBears, and I must say, I was overwhelmed with heartfelt emotion when she asked me.  And, of course, I gladly accepted!  The love and support for me and my family over the past couple of years has been truly amazing. I am very honored to call all of the GTF members "friends"  Each one has poured out their kindness in many, many ways; & words are hard to describe just how much you all really mean to me!  Best of all, I suppose is the privilege to call myself a GTF member! With Lots of Love & Hugs, A VERY proud GTF Member:  MarieB-AngelNewWolf

Moira

I haven't been in Gateway very long. I was only in one other group before this that ended badly and I swore never again would I join a group. Bonnie, thank you for talking me into this wonderful group. I was made to feel right at home. I can feel the love coming at me through the screen. T/Bears your group is the best and Charo and Marie B you both do a wonderful job at helping Debbie and also helping us. But the members are the life and soul of this group. And to them you are like my family and I hope I'am to you all.
Love you all.
Love & hugs
Moira xxx

Marion

Being here everytime i need them and being my family when my sister and brother decided they didn't want me to be a part of their family anymore. Everyone here are like my sisters and i love each and everyone of them

Sandy W.

Here we are, another year gone and Gateway just becomes more precious to me each day.
I have found that our friendships that we have formed mean everything to me. Can share secrets that I would share with no one else.
Thank you Gateway!! You make my day,
Love,
Sandy

Lyn

Gateway is more than a group it's a family, we all share our sorrow, pain, happiness, when someone needs a hand with anything there is always someone to help us out.
When I down load my mail it's to find out what each of us have been up to sharing jokes, grand children, and just to make sure each of us is ok. I pray for the one's who are hurting and laugh at all the going on's it really starts my day, I love each and everyone that is in this beautiful family.
Gateway was a blessing when I joined in so many ways and I thank Sandee for telling me about this group and Debbie for taking me into her wonderful family.
Love
Lyn

2003

Debbie/TBears

As we celebrated our second birthday, I felt blessed that I have had the opportunity to come in contact with so many wonderful people. My life has been enriched with the new friends that I have made. I look forward to many more years together not only as friends but as a family.
Debbie/TBears

Sassymom

What Gateway To Friendship means to me is.....I'm never alone. Gateway is not just a group...It's a Family that is always there for you. There is always a good morning....A good night and there is always someone to make you smile. I have been a member for 2 years and I have had the pleasure of making some wonderful friends. I'm very Proud to be a Member & Director of Gateway To Friendship.......This is why Gateway Is The Right Place to be....
Love
Sassy

Margaret

Its not hard to say why GTF means so very much to me . The group is my cyber family ,they have become my sisters on the net and like a family i can tell them if im in need of a pick-me-up or just pass on a funny joke .... We are scattered so far ,im in australia , but i still feel like they are neighbours ,and reading the posts in the group is like a friendly chat over a cuppa . So thank you one and all for the friendship and love ,you make me feel special, god bless you all.
Margaret

Sandy

Since joining Gateway I know I found a family of loving caring people. When I had joined Gateway I had recently lost my mom. This had just devastated me, I have lost many people but my mom was just the hardest. Then I found Gateway, thanks to Dori. When I first joined I met Marion and she made me a memorial quilt square for my mom and that was the start of such a great friendship in Gateway. Each and every member is special to me in some way. I have formed super friendships and everything that happens in everyone life affects me just like in my family here. >From the moment I get up in the morning until I finally shut down for the night I keep in constant connection with Gateway. I love the teasing that goes on, especially the cookie thief and cookie patrol, I know some may find it useless but with all the other bad stuff going on in the world we need some fun. We sure get it at times. Thank you Debbie, for being such a precious leader, aka cookie thief, you have sure formed a great group.
Sandy

Nola

I can't believe it has been 2 years already!! What an awsome group this is!! I can't imagine life without this group. We have cried together and laughed together. We have been there through thick and thin. I belong to other groups but I must say GTF is the best!! I have so much fun reading the post in egroups and I must admit that is what makes the difference we are more then friends we really are family, we talk about our kids and grandkids we celebrate with each other when we have joy. and we Mourn with each other when we have hard times. When we are sick we can talk about it and get advice on what we need to do. Or we can just pour our hearts out and know that someone truly cares. You guys mean so much to me!! I love you all!!
Nola

Bonnie

The dictionary says friendship is an attachment between people; affection arising from mutual esteem and good will. Friendship, Support, Family, Love, Respect ..... That's what Gateway To Friendship has come to mean to me. They're a group of people, many of whom have never met, that I care deeply about though I may never meet any of them. It's nice to know if I ever need to talk that somebody is always there for me; just like if I need/want to vent or just think out loud to somebody else. Those are the reasons that people have Friends and I will forever be glad of the day that I joined Gateway To Friendship!! Thank you, Debbie, for putting together such a wonderful group and for all of the noticeably hard work that has gone into it!!
Angel Hugs,
Bonnie G.

2002

Debbie TBears

I feel very blessed the day Gateway To Friendship opened its doors. I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful, caring and loving people. My life has been enriched and for that I am very grateful. I look forward to more years to come and getting to know every member and making this group the right place to be.
Debbie/TBears

 

Voni

Gateway means so many things to me. Most of all a place I can always be sure to have a shoulder to lean on in fun or hard times. Always find committed members willing to help out in any way that has ever been needed. Gateway Is the best group of friends I could ever ask for...Hugs~Voni

 

Maria aka Sassymom

I have been a member for a year, And I have met some of the most wonderful people on the net. You are never alone when you belong to Gateway To Friendship. I was blessed the day I joined. And continue to make new friends and Memories that I will Treasure for a lifetime.......We are not just group here we are a Family. With Love to all my Gateway Family........Sassymom
 

 

Nurse Deb

Gateway is a wonderful group of ladies and run by an excellent leader and
co-leaders...Ppl sometimes say the net is bad or evil, but if they would
just look around. and see that friendships that will last forever are made
here. and Gateway ppl have made me feel special and needed and for that, I
am eternally grateful.
Hats off to the leaders and all the members...
Love and hugs
Nurse Deb

 

Jade

GTF has broadened my experiences of having my own website. It was the first
group that I ever joined online. I have met many and loyal friends thru
correspondence. I really enjoy being a member. Everyone here in the group
is just SUPER!....Thanks for having me...Hugzzz...Jade

 

Marion

I've had a tough time in the last year and couldn't have got through it without Gateway and it's members. I owe them a lot
hugs Marion

 

Roxi

Being a member of this fun group has meant a lot to me. I had just left another group due to hierarchy, and some being above reproach with their titles and duties and how they treated others. This is a much sweeter group of ladies and I love being a part of it all.
hugs roxi

 

Ruth aka Arcy

I am so grateful that I joined the wonderful members of Gateway! You have all been so nice to me. I am an old senior citizen {old ones are over the age of 80!!} and live alone in a senior hi-rise. But it is to my friends at Gateway I turn when I need company, advice, help, love, and fun. Someone is always there to fill whatever need I have at the time. It doesn't matter what time of day or night it is. There is a website to go to, to meet a new member or renew ties with an old member. There is always a game to play, a riddle or a puzzle as our leader keeps us busy. We are never bored at Gateway!! Thanks Gateway for making my days delightful instead of frightful!! Hugs and blessings to all, Ruth aka Arcy

 

Lady Susan

To me Gateway has been a great support group. Even though I don't post much, I read all messages and the love and support all members send help me allot. Thank you all for being you!!
Lady Susan

 

Nola

GTF Means I don't have to go through anything alone. If it be sadness or happiness. I can share my sorrows hope's and dreams, and I know my GTF Family truly cares.
I know I have wonderful friends all over the world!!
ok That's it he he
Love ya
Nola

 

Melissa

Gateway is such a wonderful group full of caring people. There's a lot of
fun things to do here. We have a wonderful owner that spends a lot of time
making it a fun place to be. We pray for each other & do all we can for
people that just need a brighter day. I'm very honored to be in this group.
If you are considering to become a member here....I hope you will give it a
chance. Gateway has all kinds of wonderful people here.
Hugs,
Melissa aka Danae

 

Lyn

I would like too add some thing.
Gateway is full of Love and Friendships and you all mean the world too me.
I'm not too good with words so hope this is alright.
Love Lyn

 

Laura

This has been a little hard as I have only been a member for 2 months!  But, here you go!
I've only been a member for 2 months, but Gateway means a lot to me in that the people are down to earth, caring, compassionate, and inspirational. I just couldn't be in a finer group.
Hugs,
Laura
 

 

Bonnie

Gateway to Friendship is a wonderful group of caring friends and a very big support group in time of need and troubles! I don't post much on Gateway but I sure do read all of your trials and your triumphs. Gateway is a very important support group and Debbie is a wonderful leader and gives 150% of herself to the group! That is why I love Gateway to Friendship!
Bonnie

Any member that would like to add a testimonial, please email to the below addy:

gatewaytofriendship@yahoo.ca