My world fell apart when my husband left me. I knew I needed something to help fill the bill. My brother was in a book dinner, so I asked him about it. Then I told my friends, of whom I thought might be interested. I’m fairly quiet so I didn’t actually know who would be interested. I told the women about it; that we would only read Christian books, a wide variety, and stay away from the so-called romantic types cuz they were other than I was seeking.

Discovering The Book Dinner Together

Of course they were surprised. We had ten show up that first meeting. One woman always read by herself, only coming to an infrequent meeting, but I never forgot her. We met like four times a year. The first years were always in the evening. I was working and it worked best that way. Everyone brought something for the meal. The person hosting the meal. made the main dish. The others brought the salad(s), bread, and desert. We had a delightful time together. Everyone enjoyed the eating and rivalry. Then we went to the living room. There we discussed the book. It’s main points, It’s charge to us, and the things that individually spoke to us. I especially enjoyed this part.

I Learned What They Liked

I learned what kind of books the women liked and didn’t like. Fortunately, all of us liked most of the books, which meant something since I was the person who picked most of the books we read. I didn’t pick only my favorites, I picked what I knew they would like. But even though that was the case, I couldn’t pick them all to find favor with the women. Speaking of women, we had a few that joined for awhile and then decided it wasn’t for them. Which was quite all right.

Beyond The Obvious

Last year I told the women that I was quitting, though they could still meet if they wanted to. I was going to have a nice fancy dinner for the last meeting. But I got sick, and we didn’t have a final meeting. I miss the ladies. I really, really do miss them a lot. Yesterday, while I was talking to one of the ladies, I told her my secret. I want to see everybody again!!! I miss them. Their friendship meant so much to me. You feel lonely when you don’t have a husband. I’ve been walking this road alone for almost twenty-three years. The book ladies made it an easier path by being there with me. Some have lost their husbands, and they feel the same about it.

The Ladies Mean A Lot To Me

If you read this and you are one of the ladies…you’ll be hearing from me fairly soon! I can’t wait to see you again. It’s been too, too long. You are the best! Love to all. For now. Norma

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