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Now that I found what I was looking for, I feel that there is a perfect fit. I have joined the HypoplasticRight group on yahoo, and I already feel at home. The mothers that I have met have answered every question that I had, and I have even been able to answer a few of theirs! With their help, I have asked the right questions at Houston’s doctor visit, I have ordered his medical records for more information, and I am even placing an order for a medic alert anklet for him. Without their guidance, I wouldn’t have known where to start. In addition, I am still planning to enjoy the hospital group when they have an event, but probably not as part of their regular group meetings. I have kept in touch with a few members that I met when I attended one dinner, but I don’t see myself really staying involved. I also joined the HeartCenterOnline discussion board, and I put my two cents in every once in awhile there, and at parentsplace.com, another group. However, they will probably not ever be as beneficial to me as the HypoplasticRight group. According to Klein, a support group is only beneficial until you no longer feel that you are receiving the support that you need. You may feel that you need support for a lifetime, or it may just be a short time that you need to participate in a support group (Klein, 2000). Right now, I see myself being an active member of the HypoplasticRight group for a long time. I have so many questions that I need answered, and there are often times when I just need shoulders to cry on. For now, this group is providing that service. Houston will have another surgery in a year or so, and I know that we have a long road ahead of us. I think that I will need a shoulder for a long time. However, just because this group fits my needs now does
not mean that it always will. I think that I may need more in the future.
Houston may need playmates with the same limitations; I may need to talk
to someone face-to-face. The future is unknown, but for now, I am satisfied
that I found the right group for me and answered my I-search question!!
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