GatewayToFriendship

When I first joined Gateway To Friendship, I figured, “Well, I’ll give it a try.” I’m so glad that I did. Being here is so much more than just being a member of a group. It’s more like being a part of a family…a beautiful, loving one. I’ve found warmth here, which comes from people from all areas of the world and all walks of life. No matter what they are going through, they stop what they are doing for a moment to offer you the support and encouragement that you need. It works both ways, and they all know that I’m also here for them because that’s what families do….they support one another through thick and thin.

People come and go in our lives but I think our Gateway friends and family are here to stay. Bringing comfort and joy into others lives automatically brings comfort and joy into your own life and that is exactly what this wonderful group does.

When I’m faced with stress, I tend to withdraw into myself. Being here, I find myself pushing myself to stay active, even if I slow down, I try my best not to stop. That’s very important because it makes me get back on my feet faster than I would have ordinarily. From what I’ve observed, many of us are like this. I’ve noticed that people go on LOA, only to return sooner than they planned because that’s what kind of people we are…the “cream in our coffee”…and how refreshing that is!

Since I’m a writer and love poetry, I wanted to write a poem for this wonderful group. Now, I’d like to share it with you here.

I stepped carefully through the gate

Not knowing what lay ahead

Would my feelings be those of comfort?

Or would I be filled with dread?

The moment I entered the Gateway

The moment I looked about

All of those feelings faded

I found no room for doubt

I discovered that Gateway To Friendship

Was exactly what it states

It’s filled with caring and kindness