Elaine: Before having a bone marrow transplant for a blood cancer, Elaine had believed her life was very normal. She was not always happy. But there was nothing to complain about.
Recently, Elaine had attended a cousin's wedding. To her surprise, she felt uncomfortable at the reception afterwards. She noticed how few in her family said what was really on their mind. Most had a sociable front that they wore like their suits and dresses. The ones who did speak up also disturbed her. One aunt talked badly about the bride's sister who suffered emotional problems. Several others gossiped about how successful family members had or had not been in life. She found them either insincere or insensitive.
Elaine could not enjoy herself. She felt very distant. This bothered her greatly. "Have they changed? Or have I not seen this before," she thought. "Is there something wrong with me? How can I enjoy them if I feel this way? I can not let anyone know what I am thinking."