Front Porch Help, Hope, and Wisdom for Women: Counsel about Love, Fear, Anger, Sadness, Situations that Derail, and Moving Forward with Faith

INTRODUCTION: About fifteen years ago, I began inviting people to "Tea and Talk" gatherings in my humble home. I kiddingly called my place "The Dew Drop Inn," a pun on "Do drop in." One Tuesday a month, friends came by to sip lemon tea, nibble on apple cinnamon cake, home-made jelly and biscuits, and whatever anyone brought to the potluck party. We chatted in a circle near the fireplace, at the kitchen table, or on the front porch. It was a warm and faith-filled environment. We discussed all kinds of things such as what was going on in our homes, precious memories of our children, the painful ends of relationships, blessings in our lives, stories that inspired us, our creative projects, and the problems of daily living. We smiled, laughed, dried tears, and encouraged each other. It was a friendship journey for all of us. Over the years, I wrote down some of the thoughts that were shared. I hope that as you ponder some of the wisdom of my friends, you will find some "refreshment for your mind, body and spirit." I wish you could have been there for the lemon-tea and cinnamon rolls too! Patricia Gallagher "We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend." - Robert Louis StevensonTHE BEGINNING OF THE GATHERINGS: When my father died, my mother was 75 years old. My three daughters, son and I lived with her for a few months. We were a family in transition. When we moved to our home in April, I worried that my mother would be alone too much. I asked her to invite her diverse friends to my house for an impromptu housewarming gathering. Rosie, Jane, Evelyn, Pearl, Terry, and Mary came that day. We had such a good time. I decided to host a group in May, and that continued for years after the first gathering. (Sadly, they have all passed on.) We had great discussions. Not the typical women's topics about weight-loss programs, home decorating, gardening, clothes, weddings, or recipes. Serious issues were discussed. Encouragement was served along with the steaming coffee, homemade cupcakes, grape juice, Fig Newtons, caramel pie, Oreos, and doughnuts. (Everyone brought a potluck snack.) I marveled at the wisdom of my mother's friends as they solved tough problems. Being a note-taker of sorts, I wrote down their sayings about faith, and the way they went through "the caught between a rock and a hard place" issues. As you look through the tips in Front Porch Help, Hope and Wisdom for Women, I hope you find ideas that resonate. Discard the ones if you don't agree with them. Every situation is different. Only you know what is best for your family. Do everything that you can possibly do to help a loved one who is in trouble. Then you will have no regrets. When you are at the end of your rope, and you can think of nothing else to do, re-read this book, get out your yellow marker, and underline the tips that make sense to you. My message to you: "You are going to be okay. It is not too late. You are moving in the right direction. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Everything is going to work out. Hang in there. Things will get better. All is well and God is good." Thank you for letting me share the wisdom of the precious friends, who sat in my kitchen, living room, and on my front porch - in April of 2001. And to the many other people, who have joined me since then, I cherish you all! ,