Circle of Friends WILL Continue!!!!

Dear Missouri Board, The thought of the Circle of Friends ending deeply saddened me.  I love this group!  It means so much to me. I have said that I didn't want to lead a group, but after all the things that has happened the last few days......things change. When Claudette told me that she would no longer be leading the meetings, I was so upset at the thought of not having a Circle of Friends anymore that it sure made me do some hard thinking about this. So I am here to let you know that I will be leading the Circle of Friends Support Group.  The group will continue.  I have talked to Claudette about this and I have her blessing, and the name of the group will remain the same.  Also, the dates, times, and location, for now, will remain the same. I realize that I am not Claudette......I don't have the knowledge that she does nor the personality, but I do care about you all and will do the best I can. I'm not perfect.....and I know I will receive critisism from time to time......Just like anybody that leads a group does, but I ask that we try to focus on caring for each other and not be so critical that we hurt one another. When I get my feet on the ground.....I will be sending out reminders approximately 1 week in advance of the meeting and then probably one the day before the meeting. I really don't know how this works in with the schedule of the other support groups reminders.....I have not been keeping track......but whenever I post, it will have no reflection as to whether someone else has posted a reminder recently or not.  I have no ill feelings toward any of the other support groups in this area and I think we are very lucky to live where there are several to choose from.  (remember some people live where there are no support groups) I hope to see you all at this months meeting on the 22nd. Please say a prayer for our group as we go through this transition. Sincerely, Glenna Vestal

WOO HOO, Glenna.  I love you and I'm here for you always. Hugs, Lana

Glenna, I think you'll do just fine! Congratulations as I know this would not an easy decision for anyone to make. With all the folks who care so much about COF I know the group will continue to help many, just as we intended for it to when we first began the group a year ago. You've just made alot of people very happy! Prayers for the GROUP!

Thank you Glenna!

Glenna I think you will be great as a leader of the circle of friends support group. You have been a very positive role model first at New Beginnings then at Circle of Friends. You make it look easy! You are very knowlegable about WLS. I know that when you,Tammy B and I first began talking about starting Circle of Friends we did not know where it would go. It has been very sucessful. Many people have been supported/helped through the meetings.I am really glad you have decided to take the position. If there is anything that I can do to help ,just let me know. I know you and I had talked a couple weeks ago about adding a supplemental meeting for people that needed more than one meeting a month.This has been requested by many people This will not be competition but  a supplement. We are trying to come up with a name. Some friends from the COF supprt group and I have spoke for the room at The Library Station on north Kansas street. We will be having the first meeting on November 3 at 6:30 pm-8:30 p.m. We also have Nov 17th scheduled same time same place. This will be very informal discussion/support. Everyone is welcome. There will be a different facilitator each time. Life is so busy for everyone this will give more opportunitiy to attend a weight loss support group that will fit into thier schedule. We are lucky in Springfield to have the choices that we do. Whether it is location,schedule,format,personalities or what ever works. I hope everyone can find one or more support groups to meet their needs.      Weight Loss Surgery saved my life. I lost 225 pounds 3 years ago.I have been given the chance to live again.I spent several years existing. Now I am living again. I am going back to school to get certified as a nurse practitioner. This is how I feel I can help people,primarily obese people. I was discrimiated and treated so badly as a patient prior to my WLS that I nearly died. I see and hear about this all the time. I know I can't save the world but maybe I can make a big ripple.God left me here for a reason. I am thankful for every day God gives me. Lets all grab our boot straps and keep marching forward. Keep loving one another.Keep caring about one another. Try not to judge. You never know what that person has been through or is going through. We can't always fix the problem but we can listen. Sometimes we just need to listen.

God Bless

Jean E Wood

correction: I had a typo on the date of the new support group The first meeting is November 5th..(that is the 1st monday of the month.)

Sorry for the confusion!

Jean E Wood

I am SO glad to hear it...I know I can only make it now and then to the COF meetings but...I enjoy it soo much when I do get to come and love knowing I have such a friendly and informative place to go when I can manage to make the trip....Congrats to all the COF attendies!!!!!! Hugs..Tammy~ammy

  I'm so glad to hear this!  I'll be praying for you all. 

Dear Glenna, You made my day!!!  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! When I have come to the group when you have filled in for Claudette-you did an AWESOME JOB, and I cant see where any of that will change!! Everyone loves you and Im glad to have someone like you filling the void. What a blessing!!! Again, Thank you!!  I feel like our prayers have been answered and I feel blessed to be able to help with the transition!! If you need anything-please let me know. I will help you out in any way I can, no matter how far away I live. Good luck and love you much!! Janet

I got up this morning to this news!!!!  Man I am happy.  Glenna you are so great for doing this.  I know like you said you are not Claudette but hey no one is.  I am very thankful for this (not that you arent Cluadette but that the group will go on).  Also, someone (AMANDA) didn't call to tell me the news last night.  That is it someone (AMANDA) I am gonna get ya.hahahaha  I am in a great mood now.  Thanks again. Britt