divulge secrets they have held for years. What do you think?” Jon put down the book he was reading and looked at her thoughtfully. “It’s something to consider. Do you think you’re qualified for the task?” “I don’t know. I’m not a therapist, but I have had years of therapy and analysis. I know from personal experience their pain, their suffering. Perhaps we could help each other.” “How would you go about it? Would you establish rules?” “Oh, yes. As a matter of fact, I wrote up a few. Here they are.” She handed Jon a piece of floral notepaper that contained the list. Everything said in the room must be confidential. Treat everyone with respect. Listen, but do not Do not ask probing questions that might embarrass the speaker. Encourage and/or compliment when appropriate. Do not interrupt when another is speaking. Be on time and try not to miss a meeting. “Can you think of any others?” she asked him. Jon shook his head. “That’s a good start. Where will you hold these meetings, Emma?” “I don’t know. Do you have any ideas for a place?” “Maybe.” “Do you plan to be upfront with the women and tell them you hope to write a book?” “Yes.” “Then give it a try.” Jon smiled and hugged his wife of more than years.
brunette curls. She looked up and smiled as Emma approached the gate. “Hi,” Emma said. “Beautiful roses.” She gestured towards the blooms. “I’m Emma Johnson, we spoke on the telephone.” Emma began to explain her mission. Kelly stood and pulled off her gardening gloves to shake Emma’s hand. When Emma had finished explaining, she said, “May I think about it? I really don’t like dwelling on my past or reliving the pain. It’s over and done with.” She drew a rose she had just snipped off the bush to her nose, and sniffed it. “I understand, Kelly. Your friend Janice is considering participating, and we’d love to have you join. Here’s my number. Just give me a call. I think you could offer much to the group.” As Emma was leaving, Kelly said, “It might not be for me, although I’ll consider it. But I have a friend, Barbara, who suffered from abuse. You might like to speak with her. She lives a couple of blocks from here.” “Oh, that’s super. If you give me her address, I’ll stop by this afternoon. Would you call her and tell her I’m coming first?” “I’d be to.” Kelly ducked inside and returned with Barbara’s address. That afternoon, Emma paid a visit to Barbara—a petite strawberry blonde and retired social worker. Barbara thought the group was a great idea. “May I be a part of it?” she asked. “I’ve lived on the West Coast all my life, and it would be nice to have some more female friends out here.” “I would like that,” Emma replied. “By the way, I have a friend, Jean, who suffered abuse by a family member. She might like to join.” “Thanks, Barbara. I appreciate the tip.”
“Theresa, I would like to introduce you to Barbara. She’s from the West Coast and was a social worker,” Emma said, smiling. “I’m so glad you both could come today.” “Hi, Barbara.” Theresa reached out her hand. “Where do you live, Theresa?” “I live in a subdivision for retired people.” Theresa obviously felt uncomfortable saying any more. “And you?” “I have a home on Lincoln Lake,” Barbara replied. “I feel like I am living in the country, yet I’m five minutes from Wal-Mart.” “Oh, that is a beautiful area,” Theresa remarked. “There is a path around the lake and I walk my dog, Lucy, there every day.” Their conversation was interrupted by Emma, who introduced them to Jean. “Theresa, Barbara, let me introduce you to Jean. Barbara, I believe you and Jean are acquainted.” “We are. Hi, Jean, it’s good to see you again.” “I met Jean yesterday at Starbucks. She was having a latte, sitting alone, and I asked if I could join her. One thing led to another, and here she is. Welcome, Jean.” “Thank you, Emma.” Soon, two more women entered. It had started to snow, and the warmth from the fireplace made their faces glow. “Ruth, Tia, I’m so glad you could make it. The weather conditions are really becoming bad.” Emma shivered as she spoke and smiled. “Good morning, Emma. Thanks for inviting us.” Everyone appeared a little uneasy, unsure of what they were getting themselves into. Each had a secret they had carried all their lives; to divulge it now, to total strangers, was a bit daunting. The one person they had all met