Reflections on Your Group Experience

[SaraWicksLMSW]

CancerCare’s online groups usually meet for several months at a time. As our groups come to a close, members are invited to share feedback and reflections on their experience as a member of such a community. The process of writing closing words facilitates group closure and creates a sense of legacy for the group.

At this time we also invite group members to return for the next cycle of the group. 

[LaurenS]

Here is an excerpt from one of our group members:


We have created such a virtual vigil !
I feel embraced in a circle of sisters who are linked in hope and loving concern -
HOW GREATLY THAT HELPS !!!

Lauren

[Lydia30]

from a member of our Ovarian group

Would you have believed that keyboard clicks could have created such a genuine community? Our strength is greater than the total of our numbers. Our secret of staying power or emotional fortitude comes from our taking turns to manage our fears and anxieties....I can be weak in one hour and you, friends, hold me fast. Tomorrow, I find an hour to be strong and can try to anchor another.

Lydia

[Ted]

From a member of our Post-Treatment Survivorship Group

This group is so fast paced sometimes it's hard for me to keep up. But as I read your posts I'm filled with many different thoughts and feelings in that moment. A prayer goes out, a sadness shared, a joyful news, a smile, a laugh, awe at gardens and houses being constructed, inspiration of courage and advocacy.... all of these have been felt and experienced as I read your posts. 

The raw truth people here share is unlike anything I've experienced before. This has to be one of the best uses of the internet.  As I type that word - internet, I think of inter- connection from one to another and net- what we construct together. We weave a net together.  A net woven as a group, woven from our common experiences and our uncommon.... a little bit of Alaska and Mexico, some vulnerability, intimacy and challenge, fear and anxiety, relief and hope.  It's all raw, real and amazing.  The risk taking inspires me.

Ted