The joy is here! Thank you Active Rain and the members who showed up at the Annapolis gathering on the 22nd at Famous Daves! You see, I buried my mother on Dec. 19th in New Mexico; after her long suffering with Alzheimer's. Many of you know I traveled to Dubai this past summer to bring her back to the US. She was visiting my sister in the middle east. It has been hard. but here's how my return to Maryland started last weekend. I flew home on the 21st and waiting for me via email was an Active Rain invite gathering from Margaret Romeand Pat Hommel. I hesitated for a bit, but something edged me to get out of bed despite my mourning to get myself dressed, and cover up for a cold brisk Dec. morning.
As I crossed the Bay Bridge I thought to myself, just turn around as the tears streamed down my cheeks. But somehow, I ended up at Famous Daves. To my surprise, I walked in and instantly was welcomed by some of the greatest AR members in the MD/VA market. Margaret Rome made me so welcome by introducing me one by one andwithout a hitch I was conversing about life, death, mothers, real estate, books, and shopping.
The thoughtfulness and consideration that shadowed over me was so warm and welcoming. I knew why I was there, I felt the camaraderie, I felt the empathy and I felt friendship especially during this difficult time for me. Yes, i could have stayed home, but I believe an angel put wings on me and whisked me over to be amongst other AR angels. Call me strange, but I do believe in Angels, and I needed the fondness of my new friends. My emotions were charged and fueled as I looked around the table, for a moment I felt the spirit of Christmas -they kept me smiling and I found myself bubbly and a sense of peace was evident. So, even though I am missing my mom terribly, I know I can always count on my new online AR friends. Thank you, thank you and here's wishing you all a Happy and safe New Year!
More Clips about our Annapolis gathering on the 22nd.
PS. CONGRATUALTIONS TO AUTHOR AND AR MEMBER MARGARET ROME FOR MAKING THE TOP TEN BOOK LIST on Trulia.com. Her book is titled:
An inspiring story Margaret. This should be featured.
Rainers helping each other is one of the "hidden benefits" of membership.