I was 24 when I met the "Coffee Ladies" (a term I use only to describe to others who they are because there is no single word I can think of that really describes who they are to me) I was a young single mother attempting to become a successful insurance agent. The boss says "Go out to coffee. Visit with the people there." His objective was for me to network. In my vain attempt at scouting business, I did come across a group of women with whom I became very close. Although my insurance career was short-lived, I found that my relationship with my little coffee klatch played an important part in the creation of "ME".
I was the baby of the bunch, being 25 years younger than the youngest of the group. They were like a flock of hens, ready and willing to take me under the wing. They became a source of strength and encouragement for me. Even though my own family has always been very close and supportive of me, these women became an extension of my family and were like surrogate mothers/grandmothers as well as wonderful friends and confidante's. Now, 26 years later, I would like to take time to honor these women who have meant so much to me.
Throughout the years they have enjoyed living vicariously through my youthful endeavors, offered support and advice without criticism, and always made me feel my opinion was worthy of consideration. They were retired teachers, secretaries, business owners, wives of doctors, lawyers, and professors. In the past 26 years some of the faces have changed and many have been called to Heaven but a couple of them have remained steadfast. The common threads that bound the group were Maxine and Ruby who are the only two remaining today. I am grateful for the opportunity to know and love these women who have made such an impression on me.
I moved away from my hometown 7+ years ago and have made friends here. They have all heard about my "Coffee Ladies" since I have an unending supply of stories about them. Even though it's only 50 miles away, I don't get back there as often as I would like to visit with them. But, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about them, miss them, and pray for them. We recently lost one of our beloved friends. She was 80 years old. However, it reminded me that life is too short, no matter how old we get to be. It is easy to get caught up in our own business and forget to take time to tell our friends and loved ones how much we love them and what impact they have had on our lives.
The Holidays are a time of family and friends getting together. Starting today, tell those you care about you love them. Tell them what they have meant to you. Treat every encounter as if it was the last one you would have. You will never regret it.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE AND BEST WISHES FOR A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR.
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