wife for the remainder of the evening. At times she would accompany him to the coffee shop with the others; or they would seek diversion at a pleasant restaurant, a drive by the lake on a moonlight night, a suitable movie, anything enjoyable and soothing to put the mind at rest before bedtime. Collin’s wife had always done things like this for him. They had continually been very close. She understood, for not only had she been through much with Collin, but she too was the same kind of person, one of us.
So Collin left his wife there in the library and headed for Room 405. No sooner had he started out, than his mind began to toss around the happenings of the last session. It had been obvious that remembering had been strenuous, though beneficial for Donna Coyne. What had been a burdensome experience bearing heavily in the back of her mind was now a burden shared with, and understood by others. And although this is not the same as something lurking in the sub-conscious, it does have a similar, though often heavier effect. A burden in the subconscious may have an unconscious effect on the person; but to be conscious of a burden is to be conscious also of its effect. Therefore it can be all the more heavy to carry. There are often times when we cannot eliminate such burdens. Nevertheless, a burden shared is usually a burden lightened, when it is shared with friends.
There were things Collin would like to discuss with Donna concerning her story. One thing in particular at this time was the pros and cons of her move into the family business. Was it withdrawal into a cocoon, there being assured of survival, but forfeiting the right to be free to fly as a butterfly. No, I hardly think that of Donna Coyne. Here she is studying at University now.
Then again, a family business, because it may bring Donna a measure of security a person such as she wouldn’t have at the corporation, by no means indicates that it is short of challenges, troubles, and the opportunity for fulfillment. On the contrary, a family business is one of the greatest avenues there is to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment in life. Collin himself had experienced that.
Or again, perhaps this was a tactical withdrawal by Donna in order to do better in some future advancement. Generals of armies have often withdrawn to regroup their forces only to make a new approach under a new plan of attack altogether. This perhaps is Donna’s design, a wise maneuver rather than withdrawal.
Collin decided against questioning Donna any further now. She had been through enough for the present. Anyway his questions would be answered in time as the group members got to know each other better. Already, Donna was showing evidence of being a person game for life.
As meeting time approached, enthusiasm was evident as usual. All the group members were present. Dr. Eldren, the enabler of the group, was as vibrant over it as were those seeking help through this unusual, experimental gathering. His manner and interest showed no lack of enthusiasm. He was an aged and much experienced psychiatrist, yet this event in his career seemed to be an adventure which was pushing back his horizon. He truly was being caught up in it.
As the group members still stood around chatting before the formal session began, Dr. Eldren approached Collin Seldon and Owen Winslow who had been talking together.
“I’m really pleased with the way things are shaping in the group,” said the doctor. “I do believe we are isolating a rather peculiar fact of life that has never been really brought out in the open sufficiently to explore it and enable people to grasp its significance and deal with its impact on persons and society.
Owen spoke in response. “Personally I am deriving a great deal of benefit from simply hearing the stories of people who have had similar experiences as I. Perhaps after we have all shared our stories you as a psychiatrist can shed more light upon our problems for us.”
“I think I can help some,” replied Dr. Eldren, “but since this is turning out to be such an unconventional case in the history of my experience, I rather believe we will have to help each other.” Then, as if losing himself in his own thoughts for a moment, he added slowly and in a low voice, “where the matter goes from this room when we are finished with it, I am not sure yet, but - but,” he dallied, then bringing himself and his thoughts back to the present, he turned to Collin, “would you like to see things proceed as is, or do you see some other course we might take?”
Collin replied, “All is well as is sir. Specifically I would like to hear Brett Culver’s story this evening. When he is finished, I would suggest we hear Owen Winslow’s experiences. After that I would be interested in hearing from Albin Anders. Albin is young, but with the understanding I believe he is deriving from the other stories, he will certainly be able to tell of his experiences very well.”
“And what about you Collin?” Dr. Eldren caught him up quickly as though eager to have him included. “Can you help us help each other?”
“I certainly can help to bring a measure of understanding to these matters, doctor, but I assure you, if you view us and our cases as unconventional now, you will view them that way much more so when I am through.”
Dr. Eldren smiled at Collin. “I think we can take that in this group. In fact, I would say its what we ought to expect - unconventional explanations for unconventional problems. We will hear you out.” Then smiling to Owen, he asked, “Okay. Owen?”
“Seems to me, doctor, that it’s just what we’ve been looking for. I’m all for it!”
Good!” replied Dr. Eldren, his vibrancy becoming obvious as he turned to Collin again and earnestly requested, “But you will tell us your story also, won’t you Collin?”
Collin paused, as his eyes moved about, revealing a mind in gear. Then he replied slowly, thinking as he spoke, “We are becoming more relaxed with each other and with you, Dr. Eldren. By the time we get to my story we will have delved into analysis, and the whys and wherefores enough to make my story more believable. Then, when all that is said and done, and we have a fair understanding of our problem, hopefully we can find ways to help each other, and people like us.”
Owen was pleased. “It was a providential meeting the evening I met you in that classroom, Collin,” he remarked. “I knew you could help us.”
Collin shook his head. “Don’t get your hopes too high. Only so much can be done under the circumstances of a problem mostly unexplored in society as a whole. But I think I can be of some help. However,” he continued in a now lighter manner, “you are one of the older and better educated members of this group. Much will be expected of you also, Owen.”
Owen smiled and responded with a remark that befitted two clergy people talking to each other, “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; (Luke 12:48. R.S.V.) is that it, Collin?”
“Indeed,” came Collin’s reply, “there are people to be helped. Albin Anders is only one example. He needs our help badly. We just have to help him somehow!”
As Dr. Eldren looked at his watch he remarked, “we have a good thing going here.” Then he called the group into session.
Brett Culver began his story with a brief verbal profile of himself and his family. He was a quiet unassuming type and people generally would not associate such a modest and seemingly reserved person with such business accomplishments as he was about to reveal in the telling of his experiences.
“I am in my early thirties,” he stated. “For some time I have been the owner and manager of a chain of gas stations and automatic car washes spread over a wide territory. More recently I have become involved in a manufacturing or more accurately, a re-manufacturing business as well. My growing business interests account for my being enrolled in an evening course in business administration here at Quilibet University, and consequently my presence in this group. So you see it is easy for me to
