What I should have said . . .

In honor of my completing my MBA, my boss, his wife and a friend hosted a congratulatory lunch for me at a very nice private club. My darlin' hubby and kids were there along with several co-workers and friends. My boss said wonderful things. The former administrator of our firm (who retired two years ago) said wonderful things. And I, I started out okay and then lost it. So, this is what I am sending to those who attended who never quite got the verbal words from me:

I know that you were all surprised at my loss for words. I had given considerable thought to what I would say. The words escaped me and my emotions took over. So now, I am sharing all the things I intended to say.

I am the middle child of seven. Dad worked hard all of his life to put a roof over our heads and food on the table. Mom did everything else, reading countless books, painting, scrubbing, cooking, laughing, sewing, etc. Our home was filled with laughter, noise and love. We learned the value of family, hard work, education and volunteering.

Shortly before she died, Mom shared with me that she regretted that they had not been able to help us with college and we had to do it on our own. I would never advocate arguing with my parents, but I would disagree on this point. While paying for college was on our own, we did not “do it” on our own. I am blessed to have the support (tangible and intangible) of many.

My friends and co-workers have provided support, mentoring and encouragement. They have tolerated my unavailability and mumbling (usually over statistics and finance). They have cheered me on, cheered me up and eased my burden.

Sarah, Lindsey and Zachariah are wonderful children (usually) and have been patient even when I have not been. They also have come to believe that a stack of textbooks and a laptop computer is what every family schleps around, even on vacation. Zachariah still does not believe that I do not have class on Saturdays. Mom going to school is all he has ever known.

Dave is a saint. He is always encouraging, helpful, infinitely patient and a significant sounding board. Through this journey, he has gone beyond that, including reading boring papers and presentations and helping with hideous statistics problems. Dave, you are indeed my better half and I love you, forever and always.

Finally, I need to thank my parents. You did help us with college, instilling in us important values. By Mom’s death, Pat, Peg and Jacquie had all graduated, Jeanne was finishing up and Eddie was in law school; not bad, not bad at all.

By the way, my Mom was a doodler and scribbler, often writing down ideas and thoughts that touched her. I am still finding her “messages” in odd places (cookbooks, notebooks, address cards). Only, two weeks ago, I came across this quote in one of her notebooks, between her recipe for Pineapple Slush and one of her African Violet cronies:

Believe in the magic of your own dreams.

Thanks Mom, I do.