May 9th 2013

I really feel a need to write while it's still fresh in my mind.

Wednesday night, I lay in bed, dreading the next day of work. I had a really full day ahead and I hoped that I would muster up the energy to get straight through it....probably no break, from 6:15 AM when  Emily wakes up for school, all the way till 7:30 PM.

 I forged through pouring rain and at 9:30 AM arrived at Public Advocate di Blasio's office. I am part of an educational advocacy committee that will try to revive UPK throughout the city; more on that as it develops. Gotta represent.

I'm feeling really hopped up when I head back to PS 10,only to find the subway messed up and racing back becomes an act of futility....lets add 99%  humidity which doesn't do a body good. It takes a lot longer to return to school than expected. I arrive sweaty and that ain't cute.

My next assignment: escort Grandma Nora to the local beauty salon, SlopeSuds, where we both get treated to a hair bob courtesy of Jane Kotapash and the PTA. The day is looking up> a little idle chatter as I page through an 'Us' mag. The end result is great, but the fun hasn't really started. We both have to get ready for the fashion show that begins at 6 PM.

The next few hours are a blur, trying on clothes in the teachers lounge which is filled with parents and teachers, teacher's babies, teacher's parents watching teacher's babies, paras, volunteers, make-up artists, our friends from SlopeSuds (Amanda,you rock!) doing hair, Ms. Watson-Adin and Ms. Scott. It's a frenzy, like everyone getting ready for prom; or if your as old as I am and a New Yorker, the mass dressing room at Loehmann's. Next, quick line up and instructions. I missed the lesson on how to walk a runway, but they decide to chuck me down first anyway.

The gods are good and the weather holds steady, as I strut down the makeshift runway in the school yard (remember: not too fast, stop, lean to the left, lean to the right, hold, turn, walk back). I come back to those eager women smiling and congratulating me, lifting me up...and it continues as each woman returns from the strut.          

At that moment, it hits me...I'm so lucky to know each unique, fascinating, accomplished woman there.  Designers, business owners, dancers, artists, teachers, doctors, lawyers, mothers and grandmothers. I'm in awe of your talents and commitment to the greater good. You are appreciated. Your beauty is real and exceeds all things physical.

I take a moment and linger on this thought.

Back in my street clothes, I take a once around the Marketplace, hug all my friends and colleagues, scoop up a Goody Bag (fabulous!) and head out. At that moment, I stop to talk to Caleb's and Banjo's mom. I don't realize until I say goodbye that Caleb is below in the stroller. I'm sure I squealed  like an idiot, he was not impressed. I say goodnight again and mom and I hug. I'm so happy to see them out, knowing they'll be back as soon as Caleb is able.  I'm off to see my family at the end of another long day.

Thank you Jane, Roxi ,Claire, Billie,Stephanie and everyone else who worked together, for giving us this moment in time to show our collective love, and parade our inner beauty.

Happy Mothers Day, friends    
and thank you.                  
Maddy