Jackal

Back in October I mentioned my anxiety over meeting another woman who struggles with mental illness. We met at a coffee house and after the support worker introduced us over coffee we went for a walk along the river.I had Milky with me so that was an ice-breaker but it was surprising how easy it was to talk to her. From here on I shall refer to her as 'M'. M and I shared our fears over meeting and found we both had the same fears but knew the risk was worth taking. I was wary due to being badly let down by my so-called best friend but I decided I have to make other friends. Since that day we have kept in regular contact by phone and on Sunday M came to spend the afternoon at my house. I was nervous but excited. Again it was comfortable and we were able to share a few things about ourselves. So a tentaitive step towards friendship has begun.M brought up the subject of Christmas so I was able to ask her how she was going to cope with Christmas ( M lost her mother in March and this will be her first Christmas alone ). M told me she was not sure what to do and I found myself giving her another option. I invited her to spend a few days with me over Christmas. It wasn't impulsive... I had discussed it with my mother and had given it a lot of thought. This is my first Christmas in my new home so the plan was we'd spend Christmas eve with my mother, wake up on Christmas day at hers then we'd all head over to my place for the day. Yes, I am cooking the Christmas meal ( gulp ). My sister will come over sometime in the afternoon in time for pudding.M was quite taken aback and said it was an option she would consider. When M was leaving she said the time had flown by. I too, was surprised how quickly the afternoon had gone.Anyway, I am not sure if M will come for Christmas but it felt important for me to give her that option.