Heading Back

I’m heading back to Michigan tomorrow. I’m not the same guy that came to Florida last September. I’ve gained a new shoulder, added two heart stents and in spite of my new hardware, I’ve lost over thirty-five pounds. I’m basically the same guy inside but with different goals. I never dreamed of being where I am but it’s where I find myself. I’m living differently and plan to keep on my current path. More importantly, I’ve changed my view of the world.

I’ve made several new friends this winter. The key was being open to new even when it was scary. The biggest leap took place with my New Beginnings group. I expected to meet several new single people, but I didn’t think I’d trust them as much as I do. All the relationships I’ve trusted in the past grew over time. This was much quicker. Perhaps we all know we don’t have that much time left. Most of us are in our fourth quarter.

I’ve learned the most from the girls in the group. Sometimes in class; sometimes on one of our field trips. I took my first trip this winter to listen to Rocky and the Rollers at Spanish Springs. I danced with Dixie, Marty and Barbara that night. Dixie taught me how to identify single women. Once you separate the single ones from the taken, it’s easier to make a move. I don’t have many, but I’ve rekindled a couple.

Marty sought my help in class after that night out. She wanted advice for speaking with her about to be a new son-in-law whom she hadn’t met. I offered up, “I know Suzy doesn’t need to be taken care of, but I need to know you will if she ever does.” I’d said something similar to my son-in-law, Sutton, about our Elizabeth seventeen years ago.

Barbara runs the class, so I’ve learned a ton from her. She’s got four go-to veterans that she relies upon.  I’ve learned to love each one.

Joyce is a former teacher who adopted two children. She’s soft spoken and an outstanding reader with a soothing voice. She’s a good dancer and the only woman I’ve ever met who only dances in her bare feet no matter the conditions. She’s a wonderful lady open to sharing.

Nancy is a cancer survivor from New York. She’s an avid reader and leads her own discussion groups. She’s fun to be around and organizes most of our field trips to the various squares, outdoor music venues and honky-tonks. She’s full of life. Always looking for a good time through her deeply serious soul.

Susan talks about sorting through her life that’s packed in several boxes. She’s got a heart full of love to share with some lucky guy, but she needs to get her sorting done. She’s a former ballerina and the best dancer I’ve ever held. I want to dance just like her when I grow up.

Linda was my biggest surprise. She’s beautiful and comes across as an athlete and party girl. She’s much more. She’s got a deeply caring side that she hides from others. Whoever lands this treasure better hold on tight.

The first day I showed up, Daryl and Alayna were first timers too. No one could have predicted that they’d become a couple. When they arrived, they were looking to connect with some fellow singles. That’s all. We all were.

Mary Ann, Shelley, Brenda, Dottie, Tom and John just wanted to meet new people. Make new friends. When Daniel joined, I think that’s all he was seeking. Some found more than they bargained for. Some are still looking.

Barbara is the leader. She formed the group about two years ago. As I’ve written before, the group originated as a gathering of single women seeking advice on how to land single men. She had a magic potion, and she was willing to share. None of them found anyone though until they opened the group to guys. Bingo.

Guys have a different perspective. It’s not better, just different. I’ve appointed myself the captain of the single men because I’ve attended more meetings than any of the others. It’s leadership based on seniority not a skill set.

While I’m gone, I’ll pass the baton, and I’ll miss them all. If you knew them, you would too.

Kisses for the women. High fives for the men.