In a couple of our meetings, we’ve had discussions about possibly calling ourselves a community instead of a group, and I’m considering it seriously.
The word “group” perhaps fails to capture what our meetings and support really amount to. A community shares characteristics and experiences, and maybe that’s why we gather with open hearts and minds to share our common burdens and distress.
I joke with my sister that I like talking to her about the family because it’s like we were both members of the Beatles. That is, no one else in the world fully grasps what we went through.
To have the attention and support of someone who has been through something like what you’ve been through can be invaluable.
In our community, you can:
· Be heard without being judged
· Process your thoughts
· Share your challenges
· Choose to sit quietly and listen and watch
· Celebrate a good week or some other win
· Explore ideas
· Share resources
· Challenge ideas
· Be supportive of people in need
And all of this is done with peers who understand.
There simply is no substitute for such support. I’m grateful to our attendees for making this reality.
