The Power of Chocolate. J. M. Strother I have been a member of a reader's group that is celebrating it's 30th (that's right thirtieth) anniversary this month. Now I have not been a member of the group for all 30 of those years. I only got around to joining in 1978, so I'm a youngster. And truth be told, there are only two original members currently active. Still, it's the same group carrying on for three decades, a truly phenomenal feat. We have had members come and go over the years. We really miss most of those who have dropped out, and have been overjoyed to have some folks drift back in. We read a mix of genre everything from fantasy and science fiction, to mysteries, to books of the Bible. We range in age, occupation, religion, politics, and interests but all share a love for reading and have a reverence in our hearts for books. One of the remarkable things about this group is that we have no officers, rules or bylaws. In fact we have no formal organizational structure at all. We decide everything by consensus, as to what to read next and where to meet. We always meet at someone's home, loosely rotating about so as not to overburden anyone, and we always meet in conjunction with food we always start each meeting with a pot-luck. And, until just recently, every meeting has included chocolate. Ah, the power of chocolate. It was big news four months ago when all was spread out on the buffet table and we realized that there was not a single item of chocolate. In (nearly) thirty years this disaster had never befallen before. We'd had a few close calls, but always some late arriver would save the day, or if need be, the host would search their cupboards and emerge triumphant with a half eaten bag of Hershey's Kisses. Well, in July it finally happened. The table was spread, and while there was a tempting array of deserts to choose from (as always), there was not a single dish, bag or box containing chocolate. The host was abashed to admit that she had no chocolate on hand to salvage the situation. And when a late arrival came our last hopes were dashed. They arrived with Chollah bread, still warm from the oven, and wonderful but definitely not chocolate. We were devastated. Could this be a portend of doom? Was the world coming to an end? It seemed so at first. But after a few rounds at the table, and casual dinner conversation, we settled into our regular routine. We discussed the book, however briefly (we're not always good about that) and did the things a close group of familiar friends always do. We shared insignificant tales of our everyday lives, made bad puns, and laughed until we cried. In short, we had a good time. No, a great time. And we discovered that there are some things in life that are indeed more important than chocolate.

 
~jon
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