Brecksville support group gives a welcoming space

by Mark Chudzik

:

Cleveland-After I came out as a gay man a little over a year ago, I still felt some degree of confusion. I knew I needed to proceed to the next step. But, what exactly was that step? After quite a bit of searching, I happened upon a LGBT discussion group named Awakenings. I liked what I had read about them and I made up my mind to attend their next meeting.

To say I was apprehensive was an understatement. All I could picture was something out of the '70s Bob Newhart Show. You know, Mr. Carlin verbally abusing Mr. Peterson, the rest of the group involved in their own wacky little dramas. Well, what I found in reality was as far from this scenario as you could get.

All manner of topics were discussed at this meeting. From soup to nuts, so to speak. When I finally felt ready to talk, I related my personal coming out story. The group of men and women in attendance listened intently. I'll always remember their warm, caring eyes. After the meeting, I received big hugs from all, and so many expressions of appreciation for what I had to say. They thanked me for my openness. I felt as if I had known these people forever. It's so corny, but I really felt at home. Needless to say, I went back for the next meeting and have been attending ever since.

I can't begin to express my gratitude for all that has been done for me at Awakenings in the past year. I have made so many wonderful friends. They took me places and showed me things that I had never seen before. I have been offered support and encouragement every step of the way. I feel like my life truly began when I joined Awakenings.

When I have mentioned the Awakenings group to people, I am shocked to found out

that most have never heard of it. Those who had, seemed to dismiss it as just another "support group". We are so much more than

that.

No one is there to judge you or preach to you. Chat about nearly anything at all. Everybody's just there to listen. It's really a wonderful place to go when you just need to talk and see some friends. And whenever possible, we try to have fun. There's no need to be downbeat when the topic doesn't call for it. We also have occasional group activities, too. For example, there are outdoorsy things, brunches, parties, jaunts to dance clubs, just to name a few, not to mention our infamous pre-meeting dinners.

Our facilitator Bob Elias has led this nonprofit group since its inception in 1986. There is no cost to you as a member, although donations are appreciated. Male or female, you are always welcome. Registration is not required. We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 8:30 to 10:30 pm in the Cleveland suburb of Brecksville, in the offices of Benedetto and Associates, 8221 Brecksville Rd., building 4, in the Brecksville Commons office park.

For more info, see the Awakenings web page at http://hometown.aol.com/ awakeningssg. Alternatively, you may contact Bob Elias at 440-526-0468. If you prefer, e-mail me at mark64tc@hotmail.com. We'll be glad to fill you in on the details.

Every Awakenings meeting is a new experience. There are always new topics, new faces. Please take advantage of what the group has to offer. Maybe you'll find your life enriched in ways you never knew it could be. At the very least, you might make some great new friends. We'd love to see you there sometime.

Mark Chudzik is a member of Awakenings.

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