Dallas, Texas

"Oh Miss Ellie, it was wonderful. I don't know why I waited so long before joining, I really should have signed up sooner. We didn't do too many different activities to what we do when we're here at home, but I think John Ross really enjoyed the opportunity to do those things in a group with other babies; I know I enjoyed meeting the other mothers too". Unable to stop grinning as she explained how their first mother and baby playgroup had gone, Sue Ellen's happiness was obvious and contagious. Reaching out to pat her hand gently, Miss Ellie returned her daughter-in-law's smile and then asked a few prompting questions; it was lovely to see Sue Ellen happy again and she would do everything she could to encourage and support her and her grandson. Over the past two weeks, things had been a bit of a rollercoaster at Southfork, however, if there was one constant, it was JR and Sue Ellen's happiness in their marriage, as individuals and as parents. Smiling knowingly to herself as she listened to Sue Ellen explaining the nursery rhymes and songs they'd sang and the interactive games they'd played, she had no doubt that her daughter-in-law had well and truly moved past any self-doubt she'd had in the past; she and JR weren't their parents and they weren't doomed to repeat their own childhoods.

"It all sounds delightful. I'm very pleased that you went and you and John Ross had a good time. It's good for John Ross to interact with other children and I think making friends with some women in the same position as you is a very good idea. Is it a weekly activity?" responding with genuine happiness and interest, Miss Ellie then posed a question that seemed innocent, but was really intended to confirm the information she already knew before making a suggestion she'd been wanting Sue Ellen to take advantage of more often for years. "Yes, every Wednesday, but from what I gather, some of the other mothers are friends with each other outside of the group, so they meet up for playdates". Quietening as she finished speaking, her former insecurities came rushing back to her and she suddenly began to doubt her previous excitement. In her mind, it made sense that although she was excited to be in a social group, one that was much less formal and stuffy than the DOA, she was still a very new member and the friendly atmosphere she'd experienced during her first attendance could have been a fluke, there was no guarantee that she would make friends.

Observing Sue Ellen's mood change, Miss Ellie adjusted her attitude accordingly, "that sounds like a wonderful opportunity. I wish I'd had something like that to attend when I was a new mother", pausing for a second, she hoped Sue Ellen would remember that she was speaking to a woman who had had three sons of her own, so she wasn't totally naïve about parenting or worrying about her own identity and social life. "I'm sure once you get to know some of the other mothers a little more, you'll make a lot of new friends. You're a very friendly and likeable young woman and John Ross is a happy, playful and lovable little boy; you two draw people to you all the time and I'm sure this group will be no different". Giving Sue Ellen the reassurance she knew she needed, she was pleased when her daughter-in-law appeared to relax and then smiled warmly at her. "Thank you Miss Ellie. I don't know why, but sometimes I begin to second-guess and overanalyse situations. You're right, John Ross is a happy, playful and loveable little boy and from what I experienced earlier, he wasn't the only reason why I had a good time. I'm sure everything will be just fine". Having spent months in Doctor Williams' office dealing with her various personal issues, Sue Ellen was able to acknowledge and accept reassurance more easily now than she had in the past, and looking at the situation from Miss Ellie's perspective, she was able to see that she was worrying for no real reason; all evidence pointed toward a positive future.

Observing Sue Ellen's mood changing again, this time reverting to her original happiness, Miss Ellie took the opportunity to say what she had originally been planning to say before Sue Ellen's momentary irrational worry. "It will, and when you make friends with these women and John Ross makes friends with their children, I don't want you to hesitate in inviting them over for a playdate either; you and John Ross both deserve to have a few friends. Please remember too, you're a Ewing and Southfork is your home; you don't need to ask permission to have a few people here for a social visit, so if the opportunity does arise for you to invite a few of the ladies and their babies around spur-of-the-moment after class one day, you're more than welcome to". Not going into any real detail, Miss Ellie reminded Sue Ellen of her rights to use the family home as she pleased and was satisfied that her daughter-in-law understood when she nodded and verbally reassured her that she was aware of her place at Southfork and if the opportunity arose, she would certainly take advantage of the ranch facilities. Satisfied with Sue Ellen's answer, Miss Ellie smiled and was pleased when Sue Ellen began to tell her another story, happily accepting and then moving on from their former conversation; her daughter-in-law seemed happy and that was all she wanted for her. Her concern and insistence came from a place of love, because Sue Ellen was only twenty-five and a half years of age, she was still young, she was healthy, she was friendly, polite and beautiful, she had an adorable and lovable baby son and was in a happy marriage, but despite all of those things, she was largely friendless. Yes, she had Paula, but although Paula lived within driving distance, Arlington was still almost an hour's drive from Southfork and Paula had her own life to live as well as her friendship with Sue Ellen to think about. Sue Ellen needed more and Miss Ellie was determined to make sure that she had all the support and encouragement necessary to ensure that her future was happy, bright and social.

To be continued…