Meetingsoftheheart2

Phyllis - "We drove across Pennsylvania and arrived at Gail's home in Ohio just as the tragic terrorist events were unfolding. She met us on the sidewalk in front of her house and we hugged right there. I could have picked her up and swung her around! Gail and I have been in contact for over 3 years so we felt we REALLY knew each other well already. Again it was like old friends meeting after a long absence - no feelings of strangeness at all. Gail invited Al and I in and we imediately felt at home. In between watching news reports in disbelief, we looked at albums, videos, exchanged memories, laughed, cried, hugged, even went shopping. The time just flew by. Then we all went out for a wonderful dinner and before I knew it, we were hugging good-bye, and Al and I were on our way"

Phyllis - "Having Marlene here - to share my home, my family, my heart . . . . it was like having an old friend come for coffee - so comfortable, so right. She's a wonderfully kind, compassionate woman, with a terrific sense of humor and a limp. :oP Marlene has a positive outlook and an upbeat attitude that help her cope with the ache in her heart. And her smile can light up a room. :o) We didn't get much sleep - too much talking and reminiscing, too many photo albums . . . We ate like fools and laughed like idiots . . . but we also cried as the ache in our hearts swelled with each painful memory. I'm so honored that this friend, whom I'd met only once before in person, would come all this way to spend 3 days with me. But I guess that's what real friends do . . ."

Phyllis - "This 'Meeting of the Hearts' was truly what the name implied. As Marlene and I prepared to greet our guests, we knew that though some of us would be meeting for the first time, there wouldn't be one moment of uneasiness or strangeness.

We had everything ready on the front porch where we'd be eating when they arrived, and as they came up the stairs - Chris, Gary, John and Maria - we just threw our arms around each other and hugged and hugged and hugged . . . . After settling into our chairs, the conversation eventually came around to why we were all here in the first place. Emotions were raw at times, but everyone knew it was OK - no need to put up a good front - understanding hearts were listening. Boxes of Kleenex passed back and forth, and sometimes were even needed to wipe tears of laughter . . . . !

Al took the guys on a tour of his garage/workshop, we ate till our stomachs hurt,

and we all promised to get together again. I'm hoping Chris, Gary, John and Maria will be able to visit at Christmas, and I'll be seeing Marlene again when we go to Florida in February.

All in all, this was a most memorable week-end . . . . my heart is smiling . . . . ."

Marlene - "This was almost too good to be true, not only had I been able to visit with Phyllis, but she arranged for an even bigger meeting of the hearts. She planned a delicious picnic luncheon on her big circular front porch. I'm telling you all, that her home is just so warm and welcoming, just as she and Al are.

It just is so amazing to me, how utter strangers, come together, with one thing in common, one horrible thing in common, the loss of our children to suicide, and there is nothing STRANGE about it. It is so fulfilling, so comforting, to just hold each other, and know that we all understand. Yes we talked a lot, and cried, and shared, and ate, and drank, and just bonded. Thank you Phyllis, for making this one possible."

Marlene - "I knew the first time that Phyllis and I started corresponding on the circle, that we would be good friends. There was that specialness about her. I supposed add to that the fact that she had lost her son Tony, just three months after I lost Chris, they were both 24-years-old, they each were survived by an older sister. . . well need I say more.

When I met Phyllis in February, she had shown us pictures of her beautiful home. I remember commenting about her guest bedroom, how lovely and welcoming it was. She said "It's yours whenever you'd like to come". That planted the seed, which became fruition this September, 2001. (Interesting, I just now realized, that September was the anniversary month of Phyllis losing Tony.)

Phyllis, is truly a very unique person, warm and loving, empathetic and with a sense of humor, at just the right moments. What a joy it was being in her home. Her husband Al, what an absolute doll! He made me feel so welcome. Her home is just gorgious, and truly PhyllisWorld! Her yard and gardens, even in late summer, truly beautiful. Her nine cats (yes there are 9) are just utterly beautiful, you can tell they are well loved, even Wheezer, who is quite mischeivous! "