We barely got to the dining-room before the breakfast line closed. We filled our trays and headed for the familiar table, where our friends had gathered.
“You two look happy,” Julie chuckled.
Kate and I grinned. A few minutes later, Norma and Otto joined us.
“How’s it going?” Kate asked Norma.
“I think everything is going to be just fine,” Norma said with a blush.
Everyone had questions about the status of the fire and when Highway One would reopen.
“Sounds like the northern part of highway one may open before nightfall,” I said. “We’ll probably see the Sheriff’s deputies tonight or tomorrow.”
At nine we walked to the Carl Rogers conference room for what we expected to be the last workshop. Kate and I took our usual seats. David and Cheryl waited five minutes before starting.
Cheryl said. “Now let’s go around the room to say good-bye. Everyone can speak for as long as they want. We’ll start with Tom.”
I stood up. “I’ll always remember this workshop as the moment when Kate and I became a couple. The moment we formed a powerful bond.” I looked at Kate and she broke into a big smile. “Of course, lots of other things have been happening this week: the death of Malcolm Eastwick and the death of Bryn Moore.”
“Don’t forget Kate clobbering Ivan,” Lucy yelled.
Everyone laughed.
“Yes. I won’t forget seeing Kate using her formidable Taekwondo skills to floor Ivan the giant.” I smiled. “A lot’s happened this week, but at the center has been this group. There was deep sharing. I made a lot of new friends. Thanks to all of you and thanks to Cheryl and David for being such effective leaders.” I sat down.
Kate bounded up. “I came here to get over being a US Marshall and I ended up back in my law-enforcement role. And that was okay.”
“We appreciate all that you did,” David said. The group applauded.
“It helped that I found a partner in Tom. It meant a lot to me that I had him to cover my back.” Kate’s voice caught as she said this and when she looked at me her eyes were wet. “I came here with two heavy burdens: I didn’t like my job and I felt that I was a total failure at relationships. I still don’t like my job and, when I get back to San Francisco, I need to figure out what to do about that. However, I’m beginning to believe that maybe I can be my ornery self and still have a great relationship. So, I’m hopeful.” Kate smiled at me. “Thanks to all of you for being so open, so supportive. Thanks to Cheryl and David for being skilled workshop leaders. And thanks to Tom.” She walked back and kissed me and slid into my lap.
Everyone applauded.
When the applause died down, Rory scooted forward. “This workshop has meant a lot to me; I’ve learned a lot. Thanks to Cheryl and David. Thanks to all of you. Thanks to Tom, who has become my surrogate dad. I look forward to visiting you in San Francisco.”
Rory and I had made plans to go to a Giants’ game.
Rory scooted back and Lucy scooted forward. “I’ve been taking better care of myself. I’ve made some new friends.” She turned and looked at Kate. “I plan to spend some time with Kate and Tom. Thank you, all.”
Julie went next. “Thank you, Cheryl, and David. This has been a good workshop for me. I haven’t found true love, like some others, but I have gotten clearer about who I am and what I want. In the fall, I’m going to enter the veterinary school at UC Davis. In the meantime, I’m going to hang out in San Francisco a lot; spend time with Kate and Tom and my other new friends. Thank you all.”
Aoife spoke, “This has been a good workshop for me. I’ve had a break from my stressful home life, and I’ve made new friends. As I mentioned, my stalker has been incarcerated; that’s a great relief; I’ll be able to return to teaching.”
Norma went next. “Thank you, Cheryl, and David. Thank you all.” She took a deep breath. “I’ve made some good friends here and that’s important to me.” She looked around the circle at each of us. “I’ve been reminded that life is precious and to have happiness sometimes you must take risks. Otto is starting a new life and he has invited me to be part of it.”
The participants applauded.
Norma blushed. “So, for those of you in the bay area, you’ll be seeing more of me. And Otto.” She reached out for Otto’s hand.
Otto spoke. “This has been a memorable workshop. It has had excellent leadership from Cheryl and David. Thank you.” Otto nodded at Cheryl and David and lead a round of applause. “As someone who is launching a career as a psychotherapist, your leadership has been inspirational.” He looked around the group. “And all of you have been brave and warm workshop members. It’s rare to find a workshop like this, where all the participants fully participate.” He took Norma’s hand. “I’m starting a new adventure and I’m proud that Norma is joining me.”
Theo scooted forward on his pillow. “I echo the sentiments expressed by the others. Although I haven’t said much, this has been a good workshop for me. I’ve resolved to move out of oncology into family medicine; I’ve resolved to take better care of my mental health. And I’ve resolved to spend more time with friends.” Theo nodded to me. “One of the things I realized in the group is that I enjoy hanging out with ‘the guys.’ When I get back to Palo Alto, I plan to spend more time with my friends.”
Tammy spoke. “I’m leaving Ernie. I’m going back to Fresno and filing for divorce.” She clasped Lois’ hand. “Then I’m going to come back here and see what happens. Thank you, everyone.”
Lois stood up. “I enjoyed this workshop.” She smiled at Tammy. “I’d given up on love and then I was surprised.” Lois sighed. “I enjoyed the women’s gathering. Even though most of the women are straight, I felt respected and included. I’m hopeful.”
Lucky scooted forward. “By nature, I am a positive person, but I was depressed coming into this workshop. Now I’m not.” He squeezed Paul’s hand. “This was a warm supportive group and some of us found love. What could be better?”
Paul spoke. “I’ve closed one door and opened another.” He looked at Lucky. “The other night, in the baths, I realized that for years I’ve felt completely isolated. Now I don’t. There’s a refrain from a blues song, ‘this is a mean old world to have to live in by yourself.’ It helps having a friend, a partner.”
Kate squeezed my hand.
“Thanks to all of you for your hard work,” David said. “This has been an amazing group, particularly considering the unusual circumstances. I’ve been running this workshop for more than twenty years and this group rates among the very best I’ve been part of.” David ran his hand over his forehead. “There are several reasons: you have several folks who have experienced intensive workshops and, as a group, you are willing to take risks. The other thing I noticed is that you’re very supportive of one another, particularly the women.” He turned to Cheryl.
“I would agree with what David said: this has been an unusually strong group. I can’t remember when I’ve been part of a stronger group of women. It may not seem like it, but Satori has often been a bastion of the patriarchy. That hasn’t been the way this group operated and for that, I’m thankful.” Cheryl sat down.
David remained standing. “I thought for an ending, Aoife could lead us in a song.”
Aoife stood up and we all followed her lead and clasped hands. “Here’s a song you all know.”
Amazing grace**
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first received.
We hugged and then we all left the Carl Rogers room and trooped down the hill to the dining room.
Kate and I and our workshop friends were sitting on the deck, enjoying the sunny day, when Detective Laura Sanchez and Detective Sergeant Dan O’Malley walked up.
“Looks like it’s time to go to work,” Kate said. She kissed me and went off with the detectives.
* Public Domain