What of Support Groups

I once cut a cartoon out of the New Yorker that showed two ladies sitting at a Bistro table having cocktails, and one said to the other, "My support group told me to go to hell." Now, that's funny! I thought. I laughed because that's my sarcastic style of humor. And it unveils an unspoken grain of truth: that for many, many people support groups just aren't that supportive. The speakers may be informative (or not), interesting (or not), inspirational (or not), but members don't always reach out to bring in the new member into the fold.

One that I have attended has formed a lovely little clique of four. When I last attended just as I was about to take a seat, next to one of the four, a newish member who suddenly said "Oops, sorry, these three chairs are saved." It was one hell of a welcome. Turns out that two of her "buds" are women I have known for years, one's husband is a friend of my husband.

As the months have passed, I've found out that these four have made plans to go on "the cruise for a cause" being sponsored by the MSAA. I don't know how three of them are going to come up with the, perhaps $4500, it will cost with airfare, but my friend has received a promise from her husband (from whom she is separated) that he will pay for it. He's probably going to take the money from his 401K or IRA or whatever nest egg he has that recently most likely shrank by God knows how much.

I'm being judgmental, because her husband is still my friend, who will do anything for her - except finish the remodel of their house, the main reason she moved out. But more so probably because I'm a little jealous that the four of them can do this together. Their bond has grown closer through many shared meals at restaurants, and other events that I couldn't participate in, and politely wasn't invited to, all because I don't have the means to pay my way. However, it does sound like fun - if you, like they, still have the energy, and $$ to travel independently.

Good Night, TTYL and Be Well