Hattiesburg Support Group

Not that anyone attends these anymore, but there is a support group meeting in Hattiesburg at Pine Grove tonight at 6:30 in the Assembly Hall.  We used to have anywhere from 20 to 30 in attendance, but now there may be 6 there each month now.  But I still post about it in case there might be someone looking for a group to attend.   I think what the problem with the group is that now we have so many who are 2 to 5 years out from surgery, and the group just doesn't meet their needs anymore.  It is like we need a long timers meeting so that we can discuss what happends further out and get help from one another.  Maybe I need to start a new group.  I will have to think about that one.  Probably alot to bite off and add to my to do list.   Melissa

I can't speak for anyone but myself here but.......Not only do I feel it does not meet my needs, I work about 30 miles from my home.  And with a new baby I already feel like I dont get enough time with her.  I dont get home until 6pm and by 7:30 she is ready for bed.  I already had feelings of being a horrible mom, my child does not love or know me ect ect.  I am sure this is all new mommy stuff and I dont need to be told it isnt true cause I know she loves me and needs me.  Just feeling as a new mom that I have.  I used to LOVE LOVE LOVE coming to the meetings even though they dont really do anything for ME persay.  But I am all for telling others about my experiences.  So it is sad to say that unless I am off the day of the meetings and can come back to town for them after having all day with my baby I prob wont make them for awhile.  I know I still need the support but I need this special time with my baby right now to!  It is like she was just born and I blinked and now she is 6 months!  If I lived closer or she was here in daycare (she stays with my mom 1/2 week and my mother in law other half which is 2 miles from my house) I know I would still be totally involved.  Call it an excuse or whatever but at this point I am just not willing to give our anytime I can spend with her right now.  And after waiting 10 years for this miracle baby she deserves every waking moment I have for her.  If only I could quit and stay home.  Wait a min.  I was day dreaming again.  lol lol  I hope that turn out does go up cause I know there are A LOT of people out there that need it.   Denise  

I did not mean this post in an ugly way at all.  Nor was I condemning anyone for not attending.  I just remember when we were all new and very involved and how wonderful that was we were there for each other.  My post came across wrong I guess.  Basically, what I meant to say that while we have all had our surgery and moved on, his newer patients are not taking advantage of the group like we all did.  And that is sad for them.  I met some wonderful people and made some friends including you through that group that I would not have been as successful without you guys.  I just wish his newer patients knew the benefits of being involved early out.   And if I wasn't involved in planning and helping with the group I would probably not attend as regularly myself as it really doesn't help me like it used to.  I get support elsewhere now adays.  But I enjoy working with the group as it does keep me focused and on track.   And if I had a new baby and worked full time I wouldn't be going either.  So I totally understand because it wasn't too long ago I was in your shoes.  Catherine is now 6.  But when she was a baby I quit everything extracurricular to be able to spend as much time with her as possible because the one thing I couldn't quit was work.   But, support group isn't the only place I can see my buds.  So, if you are ever free from lunch give me a buz.  I would love to meet you for lunch.  And I am sure Christine would as well.  She was at the meeting tonight with her new little one.  I, of course held her the whole time.  And got all of her sweet baby sugar.   Love ya, Melissa

I dont come here near as much as I used to nor to the support group meetings. I went tonight... First time in a long time and there was a girl there that made me feel like the old me. The old big girl me. I forgot what it was like to look across the room and see success stories. I myself miss seeing the ones before me and how they are these days. Tonight we asked about everyone. Denise, Robin, Rita, Crystal, etc.  Seems the ones that come these days dont have the benefit of the larger groups like we did. I rememeber one meeting where the room was packed. Everyone really  needed it. I needed it more than I know. I know the newbies need it as well.  I for one put my life first for a very long time and until tonight I had forgotten how much support I needed. In saying that though I realize too that I have you everyday to keep me going in more ways than just eating wise.. I also have Denise .. but I miss ya girl. We need a luncheon and Chesterfields lunch steak and broc is calling my name...  Most of life fell apart after I stopped attending meetings - not saying that is the cause but I think it kinda helped keep me on track. Sometimes being an inspiration to others is all we need to keep us on track and motivated. Helpin someone with their eating and knowing the struggles helps me with other issues in my life.  I plan on coming here more often and I plan on attending the meetings. I have missed it.. Thank you my dear friend for keeping me on track. Christine October 2004 -125 pounds

Who is this Melissa In Petal Chick and where is my Tweedle Dee??? 

They changed up some settings on here one day and it put me back as being Melissa in Petal.  I don't know what the heck happened.  This board went nuts for a while.  My profile got all messed up too. I still Tweedle Dee though. Melissa

Melissa, I in no way took your post in an ugly way.  As I stated, I was just speaking of the way I was feeling.  If you took that wrong I truly apologize!  I would NEVER EVER try and be ugly towards you!!!!  I Miss you and Christine very much.  I hate we did not get to chat longer the other day when I saw you at Walmart.  It is just truly HARD when I live so far away from work to attend the meetings.  I know that others might look at that as an excuse but if that is so so be it.  I in no way was inplying that was you!  I know of all people around here you would NEVER do that! Denise

You don't owe me an apology.  I just thought I hurt your feelings and wanted to explain what I meant.  No problems here.  I really just miss seeing everybody.  But we do all stay so busy trying to do it all: work, family, and anything else in between.  And it is truly hard.  And really all you want to do is stay and be with your kids.  And, oh the guilt that comes with not being able to do that.  But you are a great mom and we are too tough on ourselves.  That baby girl is getting all the love she needs.  And they do truly survive us working.  We are the ones who struggle.  But things will get better.  It was good seeing you the other day.  I hate we didn't get to chat but I was on lunch hour trying to run errands so I wouldn't have to after work.   I like to get on home.  You know how it is.  I think, you were probably doing the same thing.  But I think you spent more than me though. LOL.  That formula is costly, isn't it?  Whew, I remember the days of diapers, wipes, and formula.  Expensive!!   Love ya, Melissa

Hey Denise... I have missed you and I want to see your sweet baby girl real soon. I cant believe Mary Grace is 8 weeks old today. It does fly by. Seems like yesterday I was holding her in the hospital and today she is just an old paw paw.. haha..  Seeing your profile picture reminded me of where we were when that picture was taken and what all we learned about ourselves and each other.  I remember you from one of my earliest meetings and I know I told you before but I worried about you so much. You were so afraid. I was afraid for you and look at you now!  You're beautiful girl and have done a great job. Maybe you can come back sometime soon so I can see you. I think between you and me and Mel we can be a powerful combination and get others to come or be something someone can look at and say -"Hey, I wanna be her!" .. We have always been honest with each other and with the group and never covered anything up.  Think about the others who go to the meetins who think they know all... Oh no.. It takes all 3 of us to squash the rotten and stupid things they say to make it right again. Haha.. Even though yall ALWAYS get me in trouble with Janet. (*Isnt she great, BTW.)  I changed computers at work and my contact folder is gone. Email me.. [email protected] I miss you.

Oh girl I miss you and Mel so much to.  I often look at that picture of me to and remember that weekend we all had together!  I wish we could have another one.  lol lol  Although like yourself I would HAVE to bring my baby with me.  lol lol  I can not STAND being away from her.  In fact I just took my teachers assistance test and past.  Just mailed my application for the elementary school about 5 miles from my house!  How great it would be to get off work at 3pm every day and have the summers off!  Lord willing it will all pan out!  I do plan on getting back to the meetings I do miss it to.  And I know I need the support!  Just hard to work it out right now! Love ya Denise