The mentoring program that launched last December was a success. At least by a rubric of who enjoyed it, how many people were involved, and the sense of connection it provided. Twenty couples paired up with twenty other couples with the intention of getting together for an hour a month to chat. Not earth shatteringly complex, and yet there it is. 

In a few weeks I will brazenly attempt to do it again. My hope is to lure couples both young and more mature to a casual event where we will chat about it. Chat about chatting, I guess. Couples who have already been a part of the program will speak about what it meant to them, and then we will break into clusters of six or so and brag about our partners. Because I never get tired of that. 

One woman recently told about how her husband helped her to get an elderly family  member into the hospital. That had to have been messy. Another man spoke about how his wife is helping their daughter with the grandchildren. A woman expressed appreciation for the walk he was willing to take on a clear afternoon. They picked up leaves and brought them home as mementos. 

Finally there will be refreshments, because who doesn't like snacks? We may end with a few stand up jokes by Benjamin, since he has two new books from his walking buddy. The truth is that one of the reasons why most of us got into this relationship gig is because we like to have fun.