“Sweetie. You are not alone anymore. You have family that loves you and cares about you. I know I’ve been preoccupied lately and I’m sorry I haven’t been there. You may feel abandoned but that’s not the case. All you have to do is reach out and ask for help. We don’t always see what’s right in front of us and might not recognize that you’re in trouble unless you tell us. Leigh is worried about you and so am I, and so is Tina. We want to help in any way that we can. Leigh did tell us that you’ve talked to her about becoming a photographer. Is that something that really interests you?”

“Yeah. I really like taking pictures and I’d like to learn more about it. I know you do some photography but I guess I never thought to ask you about it.”

“I love taking pictures, but for me it’s more about creating memories than actually being a photographer. If you have an interest in doing it professionally Tina knows someone at the center that can help. Do you want to maybe arrange a meeting?”

“Sure. I don’t have anything better to do. Harry is about the only one still talking to me. I guess word got out to all the wives. No one is calling me to do hair or anything else for that matter. I’m doing some temp jobs to get by but I do need to start earning a living. Tim is giving me a break on the rent and Leigh renting the studio does help. She really has been a good friend to me Bette. I can see why you wanted to stay friends with her even after she broke your heart.”

“Yeah she is good people. I think her experiences over the past few years have really made her more aware of how precious friendships are and how much we should really treasure the people in our lives. I really value your friendship Shane and I hope that you will come and talk to me when you need help, especially when things are spiraling out of control. I can’t do much to mend your broken heart, but if you want to think about going back to school there are a lot of scholarships and grant programs that you might qualify for. Leigh, Tina and I can help but you have to apply yourself. You have to get serious about what you want to do with the rest of your life and then make it happen.”