Care Takers

 by Lynnd

I spent this morning unpacking my suitcase from the trip to Chicago. As I pulled out the clothes to sort into piles and unpacked the toiletries and other items, I also unpacked the gifts that made it home with me. There was the wonderful glass with the Mint Julep recipe that Bebbi brought us and then out came the Mingo pen from the real Mary. The newspaper wrapped owl from Dianne, the owl book marker from J/L and I kept thinking about all of the wonderful people I met on this trip. The leap of faith to fly half way across the country wondering what I was getting into.

Turns out I had unfounded worries. I met a group of fantastic people who welcomed me warmly with big hugs, kisses and smiles. As the first day turned into two and then three and everyone arrived I was struck by how caring these people were. Dianne who would scan the room and make sure she acknowledged everyone there, Mary with her Mingos and chocolate chip cookies she baked and carried on the plane. Jodi dragged Spotted Cow beer and homemade potato salad for all of us to enjoy and made it to Chicago with it still chilled even with all of her car misadventures.

Just/Lin and Sacbarb taking care of me by being my back up memory and excusing my travel burps and butt. Sacbarb with her never ending suitcase full of things we might need. She packs everything and guess what it all came in handy. Whabby taking his time with all of these excited crazy women, showing up and surprising us all and giving us his gentle welcoming smile.

Goldie and Mr. Goldie playing host and host-est with the most-est in their room with no hesitation. Mr. Goldie our charming bartender and food server always checking to see if we were allright or needed a refill. He also warned us to travel together and take care of each other. Goldie laughing and teasing, with her the conversation never flagged. Bebbi jumping in to organize our food orders keeping us on track and double checking that she had the list right. I say thank goodness for that because I am the worst at this task ever and usually end up with something missing.

Carol took the care in finding a Hotel that we could all meet setting up the reservations for dinner and when she arrived worried that we were happy with it all. Her smile that made you feel wrapped in a hug and above all worried about our comfort. Mo showed up bearing food too! Divine cheese and summer sausage with her laugh and quick wit so sensitive to others.

Tina, our quiet one. Not sure really what is running through your mind most of the time, but you were there in a pinch picking up many at the airport shuttling them to the hotel, including me. Being there when I called in a semi panic from Ohare when my flight was delayed you went into care mode and called Janice and tried to find a way to avoid my missing my connection in Minneapolis.  It didn't work, but it was comforting that you were on the other end of the line trying to make things easier.

Even when I talked to Zona and Shirley on the phone they were excited and wanted to know about everyone but I kept hearing are you having fun? Are you comfortable? Are you enjoying yourself?

Care takers everyone of you. Always looking out for the other and taking the time to worry about someones feelings and comfort. To me this is what keeps floating in my mind and made this trip so memorable. How lucky am I that I met you?