THANKS FOR THE RIDE

I WAS TOTALLY DEPRESSED when they walked into my life in the body of a woman about my age.. with M.S. Multiple Sclerosis, her acupuncture specialist for pain, her hubby, and preoccupation with writing a book about the wife of a religious leader made up the purpose for living. "I have this friend I want you to meet. Your agonies seem to be similar to hers. She's in our local group. Be ready Friday evening now that your son is gone off to college and I'll introduce you." I agreed with reservations. I rarely went anyplace lately, unless it was a necessity for grocery, pertaining to a class I was enrolled in or a trip out of town to visit family and friends back home. There had been too much commotion over the recent onset of war and the involvement of troops from the National Guard unit I was enlisted to. I was set aside as nonparticipating due to the late location of military records proofing injury in an accident and residual effects of the injury sustained. I was told for the second time to, "maintain contact." Veteran Affairs was going to contact me regarding follow up on my active file. I agreed to meet the father of my son's classmate on Friday.

That Friday evening was a total shock. I sat quietly as the other members of this group did what they called a "fireside" routine then ate cookies and sipped tea while singing, "Kumbaya... kumbaya, Oh ohohhh Kumbaya." Basic introductions and wide eyed appraisals for the upcoming plans to build a universal house of justice once membership monies rolled in, before walking out of the door left me with a potential new friend for visiting and chatting with... something I had not done since moving onto the university campus. Being an older student, I was not interested in the usual folly of the high school graduates running around on campus with their mom and dad's pursestrings dobbing around the necks. My free time found me delving through map records and title records in the campus library or diving into the computer room. Freetime meant room to push my brain through an independent study course for credit on a project in real estate or of interest to the engineering firm I worked for... and the county drain commission internship spot I helped the hiring entity create in my downtime. I didn't attend parties or socialize otherwise on campus, except for working with university professors on projects to be funded by state or federal programs that would increase the university budget and operating potential. An acquaintance would be appreciated. So many weeks passed and at least three or four firesides and chanting among her friends... other members of "the group" before I was invited to see the universal headquarters. I would have to travel out of town. They were going by car in three carloads. I rode along to get out of my apartment and not be left alone with all or most of the campus emptied over spring break. We rode to Wilmette near Evanston... one of my favorite spots in the Chicago area. By the time we arrived my head felt as though it was splitting like a crack in a china cup. I was dizzy and reeling on my feet. As they bustled about readying themselves for the Founder's day event, I sat on the steps before the massive lace cement structure we had come to tour. I took an aspirin hoping to alleviate the pain, with no resolve; then beckoned for my new friend and the others to go on inside, I could find them when my headache lightened up. They helped me to my feet and inside the building instead. There, we met "greeters" who issued cards for those to be seated in a great room... in exchange for a "record of attendance" which required relaying one's social security number before passing further into the seating area. It was a security and safety measure. Two black women recorded my details... name, address and social security number; and within minutes, handed me a pass card. I believe it was a temporary pass with a permanent card and number to come to my mailbox... I don't remember but I could not stay outside, they would be in their meeting for several hours. Inside again and card in hand, I phoned my mother and a cousin to relay my location and that I was with "friends" met near the university. While sitting through their meeting I remembered the importance of not sharing my details. I had secret clearance in the military and my number would give anyone else that waived access. That was the horror of the scene... the true horror.

"I could not remain outside... " They grew concerned that I was involved in a cult. They made plans to rescue me.