101 Dalmations

This weekend I went to see the production of 101 Dalmations put on by Our Lady of Prompt Succor School and The Family Playhouse. I am so glad that I did. I was struck by the similarities of that story and support groups. (Stay with me). When Pongo and Perdita needed help after their precious puppies were kidnapped by the evil Cruella DeVil, they asked for help. Then a community of their peers came together to "support" them in finding their pups. After the pups were found, Pongo and Perdita, as well as their human pets Roger and Anita, gave back by adopting all of the other dalmation puppies that had been stolen. In the end for all involved, except maybe for Cruella and her henchmen, their lives were enriched by the experience.

When an individual's life is in crisis, the individual has to want and ask for help. Then a community of their peers who have a passion to help and support them gather around and do just that. Part of the healing process is that the individual will, at a certain point, give back to others who need help. The comment that I hear most often from participants in a support group is that the experience was so much more than they ever expected.

I hope that if you are the one in need of help that you will reach out and ask for help. If you are the one who has received help and healing in an area of your life that you will be willing to reach out and help others. That is what support groups are all about.

By the way, the beautiful dalmation in the picture with me is Gabby. She was the reason I went to the production.