I have been privileged over the past few years to participate in a unique community program, Sages and Seekers, that pairs high school students and senior members (60s and older) of the community. The program is held in the school, as part of a sociology class. Over the 9 weeks we are together, we have conversation, one on one, and at the end of the session, the kids present a paper on what they have learned from conversation with their particular Sage. In truth, I feel as though I have  learned so much about myself and about my own, rather quirky, life journey. Initially, I hesitated to participate, thinking the organizers probably expected the kind of mentoring the kids get, starting in middle school, about college and career and all that (what do you want to do when you grow up?) ... and in spite of all the standard intentions, my own life unfolded in unexpected ways. So I decided to wade in, be myself, a voice of "life is what happens when you are busy making other plans..." as John Lennon so aptly observed; a voice I might have appreciated hearing, back when I was setting out.

You are such an important service to the community of Delaware. You help people in so many ways. The work that you do really helps others. Especially those that feel lonely and have many problems to deal with.

I don’t always get back to you but it’s nice to have the messages and have someone check if I’m ok.

"You guys helped me out a lot and put my mind where I needed it to be. I went to the hospital after calling but then I didn't want to be there. Being in the hospital helped me put some things in perspective as far as using alcohol and marijuana not getting me where I wanna be. Admittedly, I have a stigma against medication and thought that those who use it were "lesser"...but I now realize that it can really pull you through the dark times."

The ability to feel SAFE and that I BELONG. I have felt so outcast and different, that I didn’t fit in anywhere. With this group my opinion counts, whether I choose to share or not, or I ramble on because I’m passionate about something, I am accepted for who I am, in the space I am, whatever mood I am in. I learned some new concepts, and heard multiple opinions on different topics. I heard people crying for help, and heard them get it, and the help they got helped me too. I have some new methods to help me in days ahead to get stronger, and less reliant on old patterns that don’t serve me.

I got to learn more about depression and suicide when we had the presentation, the presenter did really good.