My Sewing Bee got together for our November meeting last week. There are only twelve of us and we have been a bee for many years. Which means we know each other well and are a close-knit group.

Usually we laugh and talk and eat and share and repeat until we are just worn out and exhausted. You know that feeling when your face hurts from talking and smiling so much? Your abdomen is sore from laughing so hard? You feel like you have shared all your blessings with the group and have shared all of theirs?

This time one of our group asked for prayers for her fifteen-year-old granddaughter who had attempted suicide. Silence gripped the room, until another soft voice asked for prayers for her grandson who was also suicidal. Then two more shared their stories of suicidal grandchildren.

The group exploded with love, comfort, astonishment, amazement and advice. How was this happening? How didn’t we know? We are so sorry! How can we help? What can we do? This can’t be real! They are only children!

The four grandmothers were amazed they weren’t alone. They thought they were the only ones experiencing their trauma. What a comfort to realize others were in the same situation and having the same feelings and reactions.

Then one sister began talking about a surgery she was facing and the fears she had about the recovery time. We were touched by the intimacy of her words and sentiment.

Again the group gathered around with love, concern and care. It was a magical thing!

By now, we were beginning to realize our monthly meeting was taking a different turn than it ever had. We had established a safe place. A place where we could be ourselves and reveal our inside selves, knowing they would be treasured by the others.

At that point, someone brought up her feelings about the slow loss of her husband through his memory loss. Many sympathized with her and understood her feelings of mourning.

By this time, there was not a dry eye in the room. Yet we could still share a laugh with each hug.

And then – we shared our experiences with depression. How we had dealt with it ourselves and with others. Much advice was asked for and given.

This was the strangest and most wonderful group meeting I had ever experienced. It was fun (We did share our recent sewing feats!), therapeutic, exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time.

These twelve women, just randomly put together, had provided the highest level of therapy for each other at just the moment it was needed. They gave comfort, support, understanding, empathy, humor, advice and companionship.

Watching it happen was magical!!!!!

Being a part of it was a privilege!!!!!!