CIRCLE OF FRIENDS

Another day of goodbyes - and I so hate goodbyes.  This time it was a BBQ to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the second group I reached out to 5 years ago when I was alone and lonely in this beautiful city on the sea.  It seems a lifetime ago since I took those first tentative steps toward the group; a lone wolf seeking the warmth and comfort of a pack.  Social interaction, as the founder of the original group knew, is essential to our mental and emotional well-being.  It is almost instinctual for us to reach out, to seek contact with others. After six months of working 2 jobs I hated and coming home every day to an empty apartment I recognized that not interacting with people was seriously affecting me; I was slipping into depression.  I knew I had to step outside my comfort zone and initiate contact with people. Tonight as I sat in the beautiful yard of one of our members enjoying good food and wine, participating in great conversations and sharing memories of past gatherings I was filled with a deep sense of gratitude, and of sadness.  I am grateful for all the experiences I have enjoyed; walks and dinners, croquet and board games, potlucks and laughter.  I am sad to be leaving this eclectic mix of dynamic people.  I want to thank them for welcoming me into their homes and hearts, for the grace of their friendship, for contributing to my social wellness!  I hate goodbyes, so I'm not saying goodbye; I'm saying "Until we meet again!"