This post is for my dear friend, D (I've blogged about her heroics before) whose final day on The Rocker Morning Show will be tomorrow. She's leaving the chair that I sat in for over 6 years, but really, I just kept it warm for her. It's her chair. Always has been. Always will be.
You said goodbye... I said hello.
Six and a half years later:
I said goodbye... You said hello (and a friendship was born).
Six and a half years later, you're up again, my friend.
It's a new, but somewhat familiar chapter; Only now, you have the wisdom of life and the love of your kids to savor each and every day -- and a husband who adores, appreciates and respects you.
The snowplows will FINALLY be out before you're awake.
You can "do lunch," and have coffee dates. (WAHOO)
You can kiss your beautiful beans' faces every morning as they head off to school (and wonder how you ever spent a morning away from them). You'll chase them to give them their 1000th hug of the day and wonder how you ever went an entire day with fewer than that. Savor these memories.
You can actually plan a dinner menu - and stick to it.
You'll get to go on field trips.
And work in a classroom at 9am.
On a Wednesday.
You can stay up until 1am just to watch the snow fall - because it's beautiful and you love the way it looks in the moonlight. And, you know that you'll still get a "decent" nights sleep.
We are in a very special club, my friend. (Perhaps we should name it? Maybe call it the Rockstar Mommy Club? We could get a website .... and t shirts ... yes?)
Trust me when I tell you that the transition will be easier for you than the THOUSANDS of listeners that wake up with you every morning. I know this, because I had the unenviable task of following in your very large shoes (and shutup, you don't have "giant" feet) once upon a time. You have made your mark in radio and have touched as many hearts as "50 thousand watts of flame-throwing power" can reach. And then some.
Now - you'll get to touch big hearts and kiss little faces - in person, every morning - and be the wife and mom you were born to be.
Having you in my life undoubtedly helped my transition from "the show" to life as a wife and mom, and now, it's my turn.
I may not always have the answers ... but I promise to always have a shoulder, an ear, and endless hugs for the days when you need them. (I also come fully equipped with coffee, wine and chocolate -- you know, the essentials ...)
I leave you with this thought (from one of my favorite authors ever) as you enter into one of life's new chapters:
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou
Live life. And enjoy every minute. Give yourself that gift, finally.
I love you.