I'm also sorry for the loss of your sister. I find that quilting brings me into the world, rather than keeping me from it. I belong to two guilds, most of my friends in this state are quilters, I meet many people from the board because of my posts and pattern sales, I go to quilt shows - it's amazing how much of my life at this particular time revolves around quilting. I realize that quilting can be a solitary hobby, but for me it's an opportunity to meet new people.