First Contact

I just moved. It's not that big a deal, really. I've moved at least 10 times in my life, and that's not counting any of my various apartments in college, etc. I figured once we got settled, I'd contact the local support group and join the party. No big deal.

It was harder than I thought.

The group out here is pretty big, I guess, and very organized. Their website is amazing, and actually helped me choose the hospital where I want to deliver Lizard Loaf, which also led me to my new doctor (who I hope is amazing... she sure sounds like she will be). For contact info, there was a phone number and general email address, too. I tried the number first. Even just dialing it, I felt anxiety. What do I say? I got some sucky news this past summer, so will you guys be my friends? Everything I thought of sounded pretty much as bad. But even worse, no one answered. The contact number for this support group went to a voice mail. "We try to check these messages frequently," it hedged. Try?! So, if you're busy, my petrified call for help would be what? Over-looked? Misplaced? Out-dated? Forgotten? I started feeling like I already belonged in the 'round file' (aka-trash can). No one was going to listen to my message. There wasn't going to be anyone in my new town to help me. I was alone.

*sigh*

I cried a little. Then I sent a terse note to the email listed and left the computer. My daughter's preschool tries to use redirection as the primary response when children get upset or misbehave, and I thought I'd try the same thing. I don't remember what I did, but an hour later my husband happened to check my email. I had such a wonderful note from one of the board members of the local group, and she had responded to my email within 10 minutes. It was a few days before I responded, and I still haven't called to set up a time to meet her and her son, but hearing from her has been such a comfort, such a strength. I'm not in the 'round file'; I'm not alone. My new friend says that I'm part of a special club now and that 'we stick together'. I think I believe that.