The Bond is Strong

We get together at least once a year with 3 of my friends (and their husbands) that I met almost 30 years ago when I started working in public accounting in the Big 8 firm of Coopers & Lybrand.

The year was 1986.  When I joined the firm, there were 2 women in the audit department - Cheri and Barb.  Cheri was married - a U of U grad.  Barb was single - a BYU grad. I started in January 1986 (as an intern) together with Kristi (a recent BYU grad).

It was difficult to enter a male dominated work force.  It was hard.  There were things said, situations we were put in, challenges we faced every day. We often met in the woman's restroom for pep talks and therapy sessions.

Last night was one of those good therapy sessions.  Our husbands still couldn't believe the "crap" we had to deal with.

I know that women today are still faced with the same issues.  You see it in the news every day.  I know a lot of people don't believe it or don't want to believe it happens, but it does. 

I know that women have become stronger.  They are more confident and even more determined to be treated as an equal.  

We are still a long ways away - I see it even today with my own work situation. I like to think that what we went through in 1986 in some small way helped pave the way for other women who wanted to get an education, who wanted to have a career, who wanted to become a wife and mother.

Last night it became clear why the four of us have remained friends.  We have supported each other through good times and bad.  Balancing work - marriages - motherhood - becoming a widow and single mom - marriage of our children - sending missionaries out into the field - becoming grandparents - losing our own parents. 

We bonded years ago and that bond is still very strong!

He's a missionary!

Parker survived the 12 days in the MTC and is on to Houston!
He woke up at 2:40 a.m. to report to the front desk by 3:30 a.m.
They bused them to the Provo Frontrunner Station.  He said it took forever to get from Provo to the airport. He called us from the airport at 7:30 a.m. and we talked for 40 minutes.

He is excited but also a little nervous.

He didn't ask about the US Tennis Open - but I was ready - I even wrote the names of the winners on the women's side.  He was disappointed that I didn't watch any of the matches.  I told him I couldn't even remember which channel was the Tennis Channel - I didn't know they were on ESPN.  Hopefully he will meet someone in Houston that can keep him posted on Tennis - because I don't think I will do a very good job.

There are 24 missionaries going to T.H.E. Mission.
He said he talked with a group going to Lithuania today.  He told them to tell Elder Petersen "Hi" from his big redheaded cousin.

He says he still can't believe he is a missionary.
He loved his district in the MTC.
He is ready and I know he will do the best he can!

Signed, sealed, delivered!

The missionary is finally on his mission.
He is such a good boy!
He says the hardest part will be living in Provo for a 12-14 days.
Our house is so quiet and we actually got to bed on Wednesday night before midnight.
I just wish he could call/text me and tell me about his companion, the food, his day...I guess I'll find out eventually.