Within this
group there are various sets of twos, threes, and fours that enjoy doing different
things together. Some worked in the same office decades ago, two are sisters,
four cruise companionably every year somewhere warm. Three are part of a
pinochle group that has gathered monthly for thirty years.
You may be
part of a similar conglomeration of people. There usually are one or two people
who are the glue and one or two common elements. Over time there is a shared story,
often ways various members have reached out to and been supported by the others
throughout the years. Rivalry and disagreements occur and then become part of
the group’s history. A chair may be empty for one get together or an extra
chair made ready for a guest or potential new candidate.
Such groups,
however tight or loosely formed, are important. They bring a sense of
continuity and community to each person’s life. Within their confines we can
find a safe place to vent or a place where we know we can be challenged to be
the best we can be. Together we mourn and salute those who were once around the
table. We boost up when needed and celebrate minor and major successes.
Our evening
last week included the usual catching up, gossip, and ‘remember when’ stories.
It also contained much laughter. We had the brief ‘ha ha’ moments and several
of the deep belly laughs that, well, you had to be there to understand why we
were laughing so hard while wiping away tears. At midnight we were busy blowing
horns – well, some of us were trying to – and toasting one another, but the shared
laughter of the night was a lovely way to usher out the old and welcome the
new. It set a great tone for the year ahead. May we all find much to smile at
and chuckle over – including our own foibles – in 2015, and may each group we
are part of experience some laughs that resound throughout the hallways.Marilyn
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