[cinderella]

Thank you, Heart, for your thoughtful and kind words. You've made some excellent suggestions, many of which I have already entertained. However, I live in a very isolated place where this no gay community at all. The nearest would be Philadelphia or NYC. Both are approximately 2 hours more or less from me. Both would include a stay-over if I ventured there, and I have financial issues which would make staying at a hotel/motel impossible. A day trip would involve leaving before dark, as I have trouble seeing clearly at night, so I don't drive at nightfall.

As for therapy, I can't afford it for one, and for another it's just not for me. I have tried it several times in the past, and it's done nothing for me.

I do want to find community, but there is none in The Poconos that I know of, or any members of this site nearby that I'm familiar with.

As for a seniors organization - I have heard of Sage. They have weekly meetings and social gaterings. But again, the nearest Sage I know of is located in NYC, and the social events are usually in the evenings.

But you are correct - it's the isolation and lack of contact with the gay community that is causing me this depression. I do have friends on here I speak on the phone with occassionally, and that assauges the pain somewhat, at least for the time we're speaking, but once the phone is hung up, the lonliness comes back. It is difficult to say the least - and I'm in pretty good shape considering. I have no friends or family that are close, so yes, the isolation and seperation is acute.

But I don't want this thread to be just about me...I want others to come here to share their experiences and feelings as well.

Originally Posted by Heart

Cinderella, have you thought about some therapy to help with those mean reds? It could be very helpful. Or maybe some kind of fellowship - like Alanaon? Do you live alone? Would it help to live with someone or in more of a community? There are very interesting senior cooperative communities around the country these days. There's also SAGE and other organizations for queer seniors. Reducing the isolation you feel is important in alleviating the mean reds I think. Wishing you the best.

http://www.sageusa.org/index.cfm