My Very Good Friend Shelley Has Joined Gather

Greetings Folks:
My very good friend, Shelley Parker, has joined Gather.  http://shelleybelly.gather.com/  

Now, let me tell you that Shelley is upbeat, fun-loving, and the kind of person who does not drain your energy.  You know what I mean?  She is happy and giving.  I know this because she and I had lots of good times on my front porch and by her pool in the summers past.  She grew up in my little town but she went to St. John - what we often referred to as The Convent.  I went to Franklin High School and we both graduated in 1967.  She's tiny, petite, has a great shape.  We're always walking and trying to keep those pounds off. 

I wasn't going to mention this but she gave me permission to write about it.  I won't go into details because I want Shelley to learn to tell her own story in writing.  I think it would be great therapy for her.  This past October, her husband of thirty-nine years, committed suicide in front of her.  They were living in separate houses at the time but had become closer than ever.  Naturally, this was quite shocking.  Ron had quite a bit to live for - Shelley, his three wonderful kids, several grandchildren and a great job. 

Now, Shelley wants to put the pieces of her life together.  The holidays in a small southern town are very lonely.  Her kids all live in nearby towns but Shelley knows that she needs to create her own life now.  She wants to meet new friends.  She'd also like advice from folks who have gone through this kind of tragedy.

Thank you all for helping my dear friend, Shelley.  She is just learning how to manuever around Gather so please be patient.  Blessings.  Salud