What's that tired old saying about family: they're the ones who, if no one else will take you in, have to take you in? Or something slightly less clumsy? Anyway, I bring this up because I have observed over the last few weeks that, besides having a wonderful family that does want to help me, I have formed a new family that functions the same way. My friends, from Mount Holyoke and beyond, have formed a safety net for me. I hate being in the position to ask for or accept help, but I have been humbled by the willingness my friends show in this area. My semi-permanent summer housing plans fell through yesterday, an occurrence which, at other times in my life, might have dealt a mighty blow. However, I did not feel completely felled by it because I knew I had people I could stay with who would care for me and, even better, appreciate my company until I figured out a Plan F (or G, H, whatever letter I might be up to now). I think it is rare to have such support, but for me it is even rarer to recognize it. When I got the news about my housing, I could feel the support of my friends cradling me and it kept me afloat. How amazing to count on that without having to even speak a word!