When most of us retired, we could no longer be called the Lunch Bunch and for want of a better name, started referring to the group as the Girlfriends Club. We met once a month at a restaurant with a round table so we could all talk to each other.
I have missed them so much since leaving Illinois. They were my family. When I told them I was coming back for a visit after over a year away, they decided to hold a party at Judy's condo. It was absolutely wonderful to return to the warmth of their love and friendship.
But it wasn't just my return we celebrated.
We learned last month that Huong is one of only 16 U.S. educators to receive the 2010 Fulbright Scholarship Board's award of a Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program. Sadly, shortly after that, Huong's grandmother passed away.
And then two weeks ago, Carole was presented with her first grandson.
Tonight we shared Huong's sorrow, celebrated her success, exulted in the birth of Carole's grandson, enjoyed my being once again enfolded in the warmth of their friendship, talked of future plans, commiserated over the challenges of getting "just a little bit" older, chided Deanna for not getting a computer, marveled at Fran's ageless beauty, and advised each other on how to take care of ourselves. Actually, they're all ageless. It's pretty remarkable!
Joan, who was my first grade teaching partner for nearly 18 years (and an expert in make-up, styling, etc.) met me at the door with a hug saying, "Don't you dye your hair. Keep it silvery streaked." That felt so good (because you KNOW I could never keep a dye job going... I'm far too lazy)!
Gerri dropped me off at our old house and smiled her beautiful smile saying, "I'm so glad you're back."
It really is good to be home again, but I feel like my heart is split in two.
Ah well... there's worse things than having two places to call home.
Ying and yang. The joy of loving. The pain of loving. I am certain you agree that the joy is worth the pain.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post, and the closing line is so wise and true.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have kept in touch with your old friends. I don't miss teaching, but I do miss some of the friends and colleagues. One of them is retiring this year and having a party. Sadly, I won't be able to go as I'm on holiday, and I almost feel like cancelling the holiday so as to be able to go and see them!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely!
ReplyDeleteI just couldn't resist the similarities to the Barry Obama story, from Hawaii to Illinois.
ReplyDeleteyou are blest with so many friends because you are a thoughtful and loving friend to many all over the world.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to have such a grand and stalwart group of friends.
ReplyDeleteI can only echo what Quilly has written! But it is wonderful to have such good friends and to be able to share with them and knowing in your heart that we are never really separated from those wonderful people in our lives. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful reunion! Enjoy, Kay!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Dina said it all...
ReplyDeleteAloha from Spring in Waikiki!
Comfort Spiral
I think you are very blessed having two homes Kay, what a lovely evening and what lovely friends.
ReplyDeleteKay you have such a lovely, full life!
ReplyDeleteYes, what Quilly said, and what Lin said!
ReplyDeleteI had lunch today with my "Lunch Bunch" which is actually what we call ourselves even though we are retired. Today it was just four of us, sometomes as many as eight, all retired from the same elementary school. We try to meet once a month, working around travel schedules and appointments and family.
A beautiful bunch of gorgeous ladies.Nothing compares to a hearty chit chat with old girl friends.
ReplyDelete