meetings4

Phyllis - "As I stood inside the doorway watching all the people coming in for breakfast on this Sunday morning, I wondered how in the world I could possibly figure out which one was Dottie. But then I saw a woman with a beautiful smile - and knew that this must be her! I think it was our 'Motherhearts' making that instant connection! We hugged right there, blocking the doorway, but people patiently made their way around us. After we were seated and had ordered our breakfast, we began to talk and get to know one another - which wasn't hard since we had 'known' each other on the Circle for a long time. Dottie is a very compassionate, loving woman who exhibits great courage in the face of the horrendous tragedy she has survived.

After Al was settled in the gift area (yes, for over an hour!) Dottie and I sat in my car and looked at pictures of our boys, shared their memories, and shared our hearts. And I DO believe, Dottie, that Tony was there in Heaven at the moment of Mark's death, waiting to take his hand in comfort and friendship.

The time went by so fast, and before we knew it we were hugging goodbye. But we will get together again - maybe I can get Dottie to come to PhyllisWorld this summer . . . that would be nice . . . so nice."

Joan - "Maxi and I met in Yachats, Oregon, a quaint little town on the ocean. Maxi is just super: warm, loving, understanding, has a soft voice and a beautiful smile. Her hug, when we first greeted each other, was the best of all, as I knew she knew what I knew about our boys - the longing for, and missing our sons. Ron and I enjoyed Maxine's and Lee's company throughout the afternoon and evening. We shared a sunset over the ocean and remembered. Our meeting was beautiful and truly a meeting of the hearts."

Maxine - "On first seeing Joan a feeling of warmness overcame me and I felt a long time dream was being fullfilled. It was the first 'meeting of the hearts' for me and I so hope we have many more. I sincerly believe our boys smiled down upon us and agreed that sharing grief with one that feels the same cuts the pain in half."

Phyllis - "Can you believe it? This was the 4th time that Marlene and I would be getting together!

As she and Tom, on vacation, wound their way through the states, they fit in an overnight stay at our house. It was so good to hold Marlene in a big Slovak Hug once again! After the greetings we relaxed on the front porch with a cold drink and caught up on things. Al took Tom up to his garage/workshop and we didn't see them again for a couple of hours. Later we all took a walk through the woods to the dry dam, enjoying the beauty of nature along the way.

Marlene and I visited Tony's grave and we spoke of our boys, knowing that they were smiling down on the two of us - their Moms - now friends. There's a connection between survivors

that doesn't need words - it's just knowing that the other understands.

The next morning came all too soon and before we knew it we were exchanging goodbye hugs with the promise that we would see them again this winter when we come to Florida.

And it's a promise I intend to keep . . . ."

Dottie - "Something I have long looked forward to happened today! Phyllis and I met, to share first face to face hellos, and share our sons. Wow. Phyllis is every bit as wonderful as I thought she would be after meeting her on the Circle. A warm, caring woman, with an easy laugh and a delightful personality. I'll tell you- she is a Pennsylvania treasure. Of course we shared our pictures and memories of Tony and Mark. After hearing the very trying and difficult story of Tony's struggle with OCD, my heart went out to her even more.

How difficult for a mom to witness her son's inability to defeat his obsessive tendancies and fulfill the wish they both had for his life. That handsome young man showed a lot of courage during his 24 years. A courage that Phyllis shared.

I also met Al, and what gem he is. Phyllis said if I didn't recognize HER waiting in the lobby of the Cracker Barrel, that I should just look for the sweetest man alive and that would be her husband. After our brunch, Al PATIENTLY window shopped at the gift area for over an hour as Phyllis and I shared memories and made new memories of a wonderful meeting.

Thank you Phyllis. I can't wait until we meet again, but until that day it's great to know I can come to the Circle and share with you and others our joys and sorrows."

Phyllis - "Well, here we are again! Meeting # 5. This time Al and I stayed for a visit at Marlene's home. She and Tom welcomed us with open arms and hearts. The timing of this visit was very special - we arrived on what would have been Chris's 30th birthday. We joined Marlene and Tom in visiting Clearwater Beach at sunset and enjoyed a "Pot O' Mushrooms" afterwards, as was Chris's traditional birthday celebration. At the beach Marlene sent off a birthday balloon to Chris and we watched as it floated off to Heaven ... I'm sure Chris was at the other end to receive it."