I too am sorry for your loss!!! Thank the Lord I didn't see the previous thread, that would make me upset. I'm finding late in life I'm almost 54 that people grieve in different ways. Whatever it takes for that person to get through their sorrow so be it. When I saw the picture I thought what a sweet baby. Even after I found our the child was deceased he's still a sweet baby. Nothing wrong with his picture being there. I think it's a good thing actually for each time I see it I will say a prayer for you that God gives you added strength daily to be an overcomer in this trial of life.

Maybe it makes some nervouse for they don't have the strength that you have to endure this. I don't know , but I'm sure no one actually meant harm, I wouldn't want to think anyone to be that cruel to add more hurt to a Mother that must be devastated for her loss. I've seen other avatars that bothered me , but I'll not go there. Anyway, keep looking up!!! Your a strong person, stay that way.

Food for thought:

When our feelings have been hurt, "we want to talk about it to get advocates on our side". (author unknown)

You'll decide to forgive when you've decided you've had enough pain.
(author unknown)

Is your pride more important than your peace?

Twooten, I have never ever before seen your avatar but, as soon as I saw it I realized what it was. For a moment there I felt I could not breathe and asked myself why is this person using this picture as an avatar, its something personal and it kind of bothered me. Then I read your comment and it opened my eyes. The picture of your precious baby was not what was really bothering me, what was bothering me and leaving me short of breath was that I was facing my biggest fear: the death of one my children. I have three children (27, 25 & 16 year old) and every morning when I wake up and every night before I fall asleep I ask God to keep them safe and healthy.
I understand that for a time there, life was very tough with you and a person has to be very strong to deal with all that and be able to face it. I'm sorry for your loss because I think that is the worst loss a person can suffer, cannot even begin to imagine how you feel. On the other hand, you have to understand that not everybody thinks the same way and, what makes some of them stronger will make others (like me) take a step back because as I said before it might represent our biggest fear.
I'm not judging you, just expressing my opinion as so many others have done. Hope you find the comfort you need and may your future bring you happiness because you deserve it after this rough time.

twooten, I've been away for the past week and had no idea that something like this was going on and I'm sorry that this has happened.
When I first saw your avatar I just saw a sleeping baby then realised that it was a different type of sleep and I smiled because you have a beautiful angel watching everytime you log on here.
God bless you and I hope that your angel remains in place.

I used to teach for a famous or infamous online university in their College of Education. After one particularly troubling class that I took at the last minute to help them out, I found the students still discussing the horrors of having to put up with some mentally retarded students being placed in a classroom once in a while. They thought it was the worst thing that could happen to them in their careers and others mentioned "they have tests for that so those type of kids don't even need to be born". Well, I told those students that every night and every morning they should get down on their knees and pray to whatever God they pray to or just be thankful they had healthy kids who were not mentally retarded. I think this is the same thing here, for those who have not sufferred any such loss, thank whatever God you pray to or just be thankful that you have not had to suffer this. In 1996, I was unmarried and the father was not particularly thrilled with the idea of this baby being born, when I lost my child at 6 months due to being hit by a drunk driver. On the otherhand no one thought to take a picture. I wish I had something to remember him by besides my memories.
As far as the removal of tag lines or avatars, I think each individual chooses their own. Some of us pick ones for different reasons. However, it's everyone's choice and while I said that perhaps I may lurk, why should I or why should anyone leave. Aren't we here to learn from each other, ask questions and to try to cheer each other up? Yes, there is some nastiness but ever live in an sorority house? Seriously, we're all supposed to be sisters but sometimes people buck horns. That doesn't mean we don't still care about the others. Again, JMHO.

In my family and others, we take pictures of the deceased. It is not displayed, it is just remembrance.

I went to the Worlds Body Exhibit last year and they had an exhibit of different stages of fetuses. There was one that was 7 - 8 months developed. Was it heart-breaking? Yes. Does it make you count your blessings? Yes.

Maybe the picture hurts some but helps others.

And another note, it is unfortunate that others feel they have to leave because they cope with death differently. Some of the avatar comparisons are not the same. And we all have choices. We can choose to read or to post. We can choose another forum all together that doesn't have avatars or tag lines. I believe Wilton's forum is monitored and might be a good alternative for those that are offended by religious, political, cat ate my cake ...you get my point.

You also have the option of creating your own cake forum and you can spend the time to only allow post about cake and cake only.

I come to this site because there are different views. And if I choose to stop coming here, I will not make an announcement about it.

If people want to leave over a picture of a child, then leave.

Yes, this is a cake decorating website but other topics come up too.

It was awful how this started on the original thread, I felt like I was in middle school again. Lets all pass notes (pm's) behind someones back instead of just talking to her about it.

This is the stupidest thing I have ever read on here and I hope everyone who is being rude to each other realizes how petty this all is.

ITS A PICTURE, get over it, OR don't look at it.

My so called "announcement" was for people that I have meant over the years, my way of saying "Bye". And you wouldn't make an "announcement" good for you, I chose to.

I thought about putting a new thread to say my goodbye but changed my mind.

People just couldn't let me leave they had to attack. There was no way I was not going to defend myself.

And in the past my family took pictures of the deceased and the first thing I did when my Mother died is throw them away.

I am not offended by religious or politcal av I just think it's inconsiderate and I do ignore them. What happen to the day people where just plain consideriate of how others feel.

There are so many av out there, kittens, puppies, cartoons. Why would you chose one that will cause all this hoopla. I am not talking about the baby av I am talking about religion and politics. I wonder sometimes if people do it because they want a reaction.

I guess I am not making myself clear enough. This is not about chosing to read a post or not read a post. This is about seeing a thread of interest and as you read it a picture of a dead baby pops up.

And that is just silly to suggest that I am looking for a "cake" only site. This is getting so off base.

Our main topic is cake. And there is a section for General discussion if you don't want to talk about cake.

You say grieving? I say goulish. I hate to put it that way but I've been pushed into a corner.

I don't think you needed to tell me there are other sites, that was just rude. I was going elsewhere but no it just couldn't be left alone.

So a deceased baby is no longer a baby? Harsh words.

I have a problem with people acting like this is an attack against them, that's the stupid part.

Plus, I thought you were leaving.

You've made me change my mind.

I am making an "announcement"

I'm not leaving, I have been convienced to stay.

<----- was it my avatar that made you change your mind?

Welcome back!!!

That is great to hear! (I'm not being sarcastic) I personally don't know you but don't want anyone to leave just because they have strong feelings against a topic. I didn't mean to be rude I was just expressing my opinion.

HHmmmmm......seems curious........this thread is still out here. It's of an excessive length. There's been abusive, nasty, offensive posts. Members feelings have been hurt. Everything that was noted to be criteria for locking or deleting a thread.

So where are the CENSORS on this one??????????????

GROUP HUUUUUUGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!

Someone always has to suggest locking a thread.

If we can have what ever av's we want why can't we have whatever thread we want.

By the way the censors are on a coffee break