Today I had lunch with the group of ladies I have had lunch with once a month for at least the past four years. We all carry the same job description at work in a heavy backpack. Once a month we have assembled from our various county clinics to meet at the agency hub to mull over no less then 30 agenda items and begin planning around 10:30 am where we would be going for lunch.
When I first started attending these meetings I didn't think I had anything in common with these women; least of all our clinic's were nothing alike. I didn't think I fit in and rarely had anything to say. As they will all tell you, it wasn't long until I emerged as a very vocal participant. After all, it is physically impossible for me to not show what I am thinking and feeling. Oddly enough, they accepted my opinions and encouraged my boldness.
Today, as we circled around the Red Lobster 7 top and took our seats, the moment was not lost on me. This is the last time I will gather with these women. And though we say, keep in touch, life has taught us that those words blow in the wind.
When I think about my time with these ladies, away from the lunch table, I decide that I can sum up the work we have done and the role we play at this place as the stay at home moms of Advantage. And everyone else in the agency is that husband who comes home at 6 and wants you to get him a beer and leaves the seat up on all your hard work. We have had the great pleasure of knowing where the Band aids are kept and what day all the bills are due and how to adjust the faucet in the 1/2 bath. We know what Tommy will and will not eat for lunch and further more we prepare it every morning. We know where the dryer hides the socks and we stay up all night when throw up is involved. The recycling goes out on Thursday and the PTA meeting is tonight at 6 and if we don't get it out or go there, no one will. The cost of hotdogs has risen so much that buying Nathens' is actually the deal and our 'husbands' have no idea. They will tell us to buy Oscar Myer and wonder why the check bounces. The accolades are few and far between; no one ever cleans the dishwasher for us.
But, we have the great good fortune of running a home. And I hope you all will never loose site of that.
Ladies, it has been a beautiful time.
Recipes: Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Red Lobster
Roadtrips: When someone takes the time to come all the way in from the next county, go to lunch with them.
Renovations: it is OK that you are the only one who knows where the dryer hides the socks. You will live.
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