Hi and welcome ..... like Moira said, it would be so good if we didn't have to welcoming new people into our group every day, but the facts are that we have no choice.
Don't get me wrong, it's not a chore for us to be here and offer our support, it's a joy. Hopefully in some small way we can help you settle in so to speak. You are right in what you say about about understanding, unless they have "been there, done that" our well meaning friends have no way of knowing how we are feeling or what we are going through.
I had so many offers of help when I was in hospital and after I was out I almost felt suffocated. Terry was upset too ..... don't they think I can look after you ..... use a vacuum cleaner .... do dishes ... wash clothes etc etc. In the end I had to be a bit strict and tell them "please respect us and what we want ... if we need help we promise to ask" .... that worked ok.
Call in here to have a chat whenever you feel up to it --- wheyther to have a cry, vent, or tell a silly joke .....
Cheers ...... Shirl xxx