The hallway looked like one of those photos where the mirror reflects another mirror and another and another into infinity. Only this mental photo involved a lot more beige. And doors. Lots of doors.
Okay, let’s just say it was a long hallway.
My husband and I sorta knew where we were going…the community room, seventh floor, book signing. It seemed like a hike, but with only one false turn, which was quickly corrected, we arrived. The Bridgewater community room is a grand space: Two levels, a full kitchen, a fireplace, and million dollar views of downtown Minneapolis.
The author we had come to see, Judy Yates Borger, sat perched on a chair near a book-filled table. Her red hair glowed in the fading sunlight; and I noted a pair of cowboy boots peeking shyly from beneath her long blue skirt. That is so Judy…classy and fun in one petite package. I waved, excited to see her.
“You came!†she said. “I’m so glad. Tad, nice to see you.†Hugs were exchanged, eye contact made, held, and reflected joyously.
Judy was one of my Master of Liberal Studies Capstone profiles. A long time newspaper journalist, she switched careers in midlife and became a novelist. Maybe it was the hormonal shift caused by menopause, or maybe it was because her beloved red Honda del Sol was fire-bombed while on assignment, but she knew it was time to change her life. Change isn’t easy for some, but success stayed by Judy’s side. On this night in early May she is launching her third novel in the Skeeter Hughes series, and an almost motherly pride washed over me.
I handed her my freshly purchased copy of Who Bombed the Train? “Autograph it with something flowery,†I requested. Judy did a miniature eye roll and began inscribing. Later, as I looked at what she had written, I lingered on the words, “Thanks for your friendship.â€
Funny, but I’m the one who feels grateful for her friendship, laugh-out-loud wit, sass and creativity. Then I noted, near my name, a tiny drawn flower. As they say, ask and ye shall receive. It was the best part of my day.
If you’d like to check out Judy’s books her website is:
http://www.judithyatesborger.com
Or, you can click here
I love what you write. Friendship matters, and to those of us who spent our lives working, raising children, and being part of a healthy marriage, friendship often came last because it had to be that way. Having friends at this stage of life is such a blessing, in every way. I know that earlier in my life, I wouldn’t have had the courage, nor the self-awareness to have the friends I have now. I LOVE and ADORE the interesting, wonderful women who populate and expand my life every day. Thank YOU for your gift of friendship. It matters so much.
I find it endlessly fascinating how women begin to gather in new ways in the second half of life. More supportive and intuitive and kind. And I count you, Claudia, as one of my dearest and bestest blessings in this regard. You and I were never the type that “ran with women” in general. We chose to be surrounded by men. But now, having this friendship with you has added an unforeseen dimension to my life and my being. Thank you.
Whoa, things just got a whole lot easrei.