The women in my life………


There is a new woman in my life. She arrived last week, all four pounds of her. Tiny, pink and amazing. I haven’t actually had much of a chance to get to know her yet; she wasn’t supposed to even be here until late April. But, she decided to take an earlier flight, kept us all waiting as she hovered and circled, finally she was given clearance on Wednesday morning. She has already made an impact on all of us, joined us in conversations about how she is doing. Good to know she is not on a respirator, and she did take some milk today. And she has big feet??? How big???

She is not my granddaughter by blood, but she is the granddaughter of my heart because I love her grandfather with all that is me.

I wasn’t ready for this part; I thought we had plenty of time. Peanut – don’t care what her name is, I’m calling her Peanut – had different ideas. I actually bought pink socks, what is happening to me, I need a nap.

I also decided that she will call me Glinda. After the good witch in the Wizard of Oz.
Everyone knows I’m a witch (no, that word starts with a B) – oh, these voices in my head-and I figured since Peanut needs someone special I will be her Glinda. Thought you said she had big feet? Yeah, well, they don’t make red shoes THAT small.

So hello Peanut, don’t mind the big bubble and I’ve sanitized my wand. Welcome to the world.

The other woman is well, she’s not so new, but she is so very special to me.

I called to tell my best friend about Peanut, and she didn’t answer. I didn’t really think too much of it. My BFF (I can use that right?) is single, travels a lot, spends lots of time with her family. But, when I didn’t get any answer on Tuesday (every other Tuesday we talk for hooooooooouuuuuuuurrrrrs) then I panicked! So I called her parents house and was told my BFF is in the hospital facing major surgery. After I calmed down a little, I called the hospital. And I blasted her!!!! How dare she not tell me, we had a real argument, I’m sure the nurses loved it. She didn’t want me to worry; she knew I had enough to worry about. I told her you can’t do that, I worried more when I couldn’t find you. We have to promise we will never, ever do that again. We both broke down and had a good cry. Then, I finally got to tell her about Peanut and when I said good night, she was laughing. And I was worried.

Next day, her sister called and told me that my BFF was fine. It all went fine. I had to promise I would call BFF that night. I did, she was very sleepy; so I told her to rest and said good night. She said, you told me it would be OK, didn’t you. I said, of course, the home isn’t ready for us yet. She said, no coffee and cigarettes alone for you, understand.

Yes, I understand.
I met my BFF when I was 13, we both wandered the hallways on our first day of high school looking like, well, freshman. We happened to be in the same art class, and sat down at the same table. I don’t know who spoke first, but whoever did started something big.

After that, we were practically inseparable. Parents, jobs and circumstances separated us physically, but we have always had that special connection. Even if we didn’t speak to one another for some time, our conversations always flowed. We picked up where we left off.

She is the petite blond, I am the taller brunette. She has the better sounding name; I have the one that can’t be shortened. She has the bigger family; I have the steps and halfs. She became a nurse, I worked in an office. She traveled and took great vacations; I packed boys socks into bags for camp. She has had lovers, I had children. She has me and I have her.


We have been friends since the Beatles came to America for the first time, that’s a long time.

So to these women in my life, one very new and one kinda old.

Thanks for picking me.