This year my theme reveal is big no surprise. Nope! No drum roll will be heard.
A while ago I posted that I was looking for Facebook support groups so that I could highlight them as my A to Z Challenge theme. Thank you to all who shared your Facebook group with me. This has been an interesting and educational experience for me.
I have always loved the concept of support groups. When you participate in these kinds of groups you find that you are not the only one going through a certain ordeal. This can make you feel less lonely. These groups give emotional and moral support. I have heard that those who are terminal often live longer when they are part of a support group.
Many years ago when my father was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer I found a support group at the local hospital. My dad told me he was too weak to go, so I went by myself. I will always remember this old woman who came a bit late to the group. When they asked if anyone wanted to talk she immediately raised her hand. She began by telling the group that she was 84. When she was 25 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and told she would not live very long. Her husband, at the time, decided that he couldn’t be with her anymore because he didn’t want to deal with death and left her. She laughed a little and then said, ” He died five years later and I am still here.” Those words made their way to all who sat at that long table. Maybe someone in that group found the will to fight some more. Maybe it gave someone hope.
And then there are those “fun” support groups. You may have an interest, let’s say in planting trees. It’s always good to be able to reach out to someone for information, suggestions or just plain old support!
When the A to Z Challenge begins please consider sharing the Facebook groups that you will read about on my blog. It might not be relevant to you but you never know….the post that you share may find its way to someone it may help.
Good luck to all those participating in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
~Plucking Of My Heartstrings~ 
I hope to be doing it but I’m off on hols for a week on 25th so not sure what will happen then 😦 …oh and I’ve forgotten how to add to atoz badge onto my blog page. I may give up before I start 😦
Let me know if you participate. I had to THINK for a while myself about how to add the badge.
great idea
Thank you!
Interesting theme, Cheryl, you certainly made me curious!
Very inspiring story about that lady you met. Way to go not to give up!
Visiting from https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.ch/2017/03/a-z-blogging-challenge-theme-reveal.html
Thank you! It’s been quite interesting and fun learning about the Facebook Support Groups that I will be posting about. Yes, that woman was quite an inspiration! Looking forward to reading your A-to-Z posts.
This sounds really interesting! Love the story about the 84 year old survivor/thriver!
https://meinthemiddlewrites.com/
Thank you! Are you participating in the A-to-Z Challenge? I didn’t see anything on your blog for 2017.
Not this year, Cheryl…… And I know I’m gonna regret it. I’ll be following along though. Good Luck! 🙂
Oh what a wonderful idea for A to Z. I’m a member of a number of FB groups and enjoy it. I look forward to seeing these!
I am a member of too many Facebook groups…LOL but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I would expect you would be given your topic 🙂 I must admit I’m not active in many I’m part of, but jump in when there are topic relevant to me. I generally like to surf broadly for my information – and FB groups are part of that for me.
I belong to quite a few, but most of the Facebook groups in my A-to-Z challenge I am not a member of. I am not very active in the groups either. I have found some good information from some of them, which is why I stay.
Now that is different and clever and very useful. Look forward to April.
Thank you! Looking forward to reading your blog post.
I can’t wait to read : What a clever idea and what a way to bring light to support groups. Thank You.
Love this story of the 84 year old survivor. What a commendable theme!