"Old Friends"

Make new friends
but keep the old
one is silver and the other gold

Everyone looks great...of all these gals I'm the most senior and have been retired the longest from being a classroom teacher. Two of the "girls" are still teaching but the rest have joined the hallowed ranks of retirement. Elisa graciously hosted us for a wonderful evening of food and fun!

It is interesting to reflect on all the people who have crossed my path over the years, especially those with whom I've spent considerable time in the work force. Ever since I can remember I had wanted to be a school teacher. My parents encouraged all of us kids to become teachers, and most of us went that route in some form or another. My parents had this reverence for teachers it seems, instilled in them from the European tradition of their own heritage. (They immigrated to Canada in 1923 when they were kids). Teaching was just the best profession not to mention that it only required one year of post high school training in my time - the rest was almost always added through summer school classes and night school-and so it was practical since we would all marry soon and have children and happily stay home ever after. Well it almost worked that way.

Re-entering the classroom after an almost 15 year absence after indeed being at home, happily attending to heart and hearth of my loved ones, I found myself swimming fast and furiously trying to keep my head above water, balancing my full time career along with managing my growing family and all that entailed. Well I know many women have done this but what makes it so much easier and sweeter is when you're surrounded by not only compatible but genuinely caring people excelling in their profession but also excelling at kindness, encouragement and friendship. These Abby Gals are these kind of gals - and there were others too, from yet earlier years - who helped me along. I've learned so much from these great gals - truly a gift from God! They made the journey exciting and fulfilling. My life is richer, fuller, and more beautiful because of them...Thank you Abby Gals!