People Who Have Lost Partners
I facilitated a naturalized RC group for people sixty and older who had experienced loss in their lives. There were six people who had lost partners-three months ago, two years ago, and twenty years ago.
We started with something good in their lives (a real struggle). I handed out the guidelines for support groups. We read them aloud. The part about listening, paying attention, and taking turns was new to them.
I told them a little about discharge. They each took five minutes. All of them discharged. They did a good job of paying attention. After their turns were over, however, they reverted back to giving advice, talking at the same time, etc.
The group was a big success. Everyone looked brighter the next day. They had found allies. We're meeting once a month.
Pat Miller
Sussex, Wisconsin,
USA