Eastlakes ‘Merry Widows’ group eases the pain of being alone
- 12 hours ago
- 3 min read
BY LAUREN MARTIN
Every week, a group of ladies meets for lunch at a club overlooking Lake Macquarie in the Hunter region of NSW.
Some of them have known each other for a long time, while others have only just met.
But they all have something in common. They’re all widows who gather to support one another and, importantly, to share in fun and laughter.
“They love each other so beautifully and support each other through the tough times and keep each other smiling,” said Corps Officer Auxiliary-Lieutenant Terri Muendel.
“The ladies are part of our CAMEO [Come And Meet Each Other] women’s group that meets on Tuesday, and have found camaraderie with each other. They call themselves the ‘Merry Widows’ and they have lunch once a fortnight.”
One of the ‘Merry Widows’, Maureen Abdilla, said the friendship group is a highlight of her week. She added that apart from the regular Wednesday lunches, the group encourages and supports each other through life’s ‘ups and downs’.
“We get along so well. It’s a happy, loving group,” she said.
Maureen said they don’t dwell on the people they have lost in their lives, but share meaningfully together (in between laughs!)
“We talk about what’s important to each and every one of us, what our goals are, what our obstacles are, what we find an obstacle in living on our own and things like that.”
As well as being a ‘Merry Widow’, Maureen also led Eastlakes Corps’ CAMEO group for a few years, until the end of last year. During that time, the group grew from six to about 25 people and included not only women who attend Eastlakes Corps but also community members invited by others.
“Anybody can come; they don’t have to be in The Salvation Army,” she said.
The group gets together once a week at Eastlakes Corps, hears from interesting guest speakers, and participates in craft activities and occasional outings.
As well as being a social outlet, members are also supportive outside of the group.
“We have had several members sick, and there’s always someone to visit and always someone to make a meal for. So, it’s a very valuable group,” Maureen said.
And there’s always prayer.
“Prayer is the foremost thing. As soon as we start our group, we have a prayer. Because it’s through God that we are where we are.”
During school holidays, when regular Salvation Army groups take a break, they make sure to keep meeting up and choose a few cafes and restaurants to try as a treat.
“We keep the meetings going so that people have somewhere to go,” said Maureen.
The Eastlakes Salvation Army CAMEO group and the widows’ group who meet the next day socially are a beautiful example of Christian fellowship in action.
Corps Officer Terri said it’s been beautiful to watch the groups grow in love and in strength.
“I love their gorgeous friendships that have grown so organically and are so important in this season [of life] that can sometimes feel very lonely,” she said.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35
