The place that I go to for mental rest. The place that I go to for battery recharging. The place I go to just to be me and to let my hair down. And if my friends don’t have hair (not by choice) then I am supporting them that much more. Gilda’s Club are people that welcome me with no judgments, no preconceived notions, no pressure, no stress, and no criticisms. The friends I have made there are true friends, providing me with support and caring just because I provide them with the same. No quid pro quo just unabashed caring and emotional support. We are all members of the “club” and as such share a bond that is deeper and more real than most. I know I get emotional over the good and bad in my life. And if singing (or writing, you don’t want to hear me sing) the praises of a great place with great people is being too emotional….then I am guilty. I have received so much more than I have given. But I will give more. I am just starting.
There is more to this than just the members. There are some great caring people that are part of the staff of Gilda’s Club. I have not met everyone, but if the ones I have met are any example of the quality of person that is part of the staff, I can’t wait to meet them all. And yet I am worried about what will happen in the future. I see the clubhouse is only open four days a week; I would love to see it open on the weekends, because when I go back to work I am afraid I won’t be able to go there as much as I do now. I don’t know the reason for this but I can only express my desire to see it open more. This is not a criticism, just one member’s observation.
When I first got my diagnosis back in February, I had no idea what to do, who to turn to for advice or even what doctor to go to. I stumbled into Gilda’s Club in early March, to a new members meeting. As soon as I walked in I knew I was in “the” place for me. I was welcomed and the person I talked to, talked to me for a few minutes, not an interview and a “sales pitch” for the organization, but a real good genuine conversation about what Gilda’s Club is and what I might get out of it as a member. I was given a tour of the entire house and told the history of how Gilda’s Club was formed. It was my decision to join right away. One, I had nothing to lose (the pragmatic part of me), but I also felt so at home there that it really was an easy decision. The next week I attended my first group meeting. I walked into the room and sat down and immediately felt at ease. I sensed such a good vibe and a warm feeling of acceptance. I get that every time I walk in, no matter what is happening with the other members (and sometimes it can be really bad), no matter how bad someone feels for themselves, I always get a vibe of support. It is the most amazing thing to get emotional support from someone who is not feeling well. To me it is the epitome of giving. Actually I have run out of words praising the members and staff of Gilda’s Club. I will end by saying that it has been an enormous factor in helping me deal with my cancer and the aftermath of surgery and the emotional turmoil that follows both. Without Gilda’s Club, I would not be anywhere near ready to go back to work, to go back to dealing with reality and to go back to living. I know that with my friends help I will get there. Thank you all.
Very well put indeed. From where I stand (or sit), it is the members who give each other srength to get through another week. We don't have to know each other long, share the same religion, or travel in the same economic or social circles. Cancer bonds us. We become family in which we would do anything for each other. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all of life were this way -- without disease?
ReplyDeleteYours truly,
A fellow member and staffer. (Do I get extra credit for being both?)