Johanna I. and Laura H. and I got together with our combined five and half children. It was great fun hearing about what has happened in their lives--graphic design consulting business, doula training, marriages, and babies. I loved meeting their adorable little boys. The only disappointment? I forgot to take a picture!
Mom also invited over friends to share a meal with us a couple times during the trip. I was delighted to see Judy M., one of my former piano teachers and dear friends, as well as Cathy M. who is a friend of mom's. Cathy always is a great cheerleader for my children. What mother doesn't need another supporter?
I also went to breakfast with one of my high school teachers and mentors, Mrs. Berthold. She is retired now, but as active and involved as ever. She told me about her travels and volunteering in food banks and political campaigns. I feel lucky to have had so many inspiring people in my life over the years.
Finally, I visited Veronica for the first time in 15 years! Veronica is one of my oldest friends. She and I started kindergarten together. She lived in my neighborhood so we rode the bus together and shared many, many childhood and teenage memories together. Veronica was also the smartest person in our school--elementary, junior high, high school--Veronica was a genius. Our sophomore year in high school, just after Veronica had been awarded a National Merit Scholarship, she left school. Veronica took her own path in life--I'm not sure if she ever attended college, but she has lived a fascinating life full of contribution and adventure. I absolutely admire her courage and tenacity in pursuing her dreams over the years--I can't think of anyone else I know who has truly defied convention and lived life on her own terms like Veronica has. Veronica has lived in New Orleans and St. Louis. She married and raised four children, homeschooling each of them. She bought a home in the northside of St. Louis City and has worked for 10 years to build community in that neglected part of the city. She runs a community garden and participates in a local farmer's market. She presents, with her children, at community development conferences. She raises chickens in her urban yard. Most recently, she fulfilled a life long dream to open a coffee shop. She opened it in her northside St. Louis neighborhood and says that the purpose of the shop is to build community. While I was in town, I went to her coffeehouse with my children and my mother. I hadn't seen her for fifteen years and when I told her who I was, she choked up with tears in her eyes. Her oldest son, 14, was working with her in the shop. I had never met any of her children so it was such a treat to meet him--and I was so impressed. Mom, Joseph, and I had a delicious lunch. Even my non-eater Abigail was gobbling down Veronica's chicken corn chowder. And we chatted with Veronica--catching up on all the years that have passed. I enjoyed observing Veronica in action in her community--interacting with customers in a meaningful way. I learned about the Spanish language practice nights, artist demonstrations, music performances,and story times that are hosted at the coffeehouse. I have spent many years and thousands of dollars studying social work in hopes of "learning how to" do what Veronica is actually doing.
It was one of the most delightful reunions I can ever remember having. I walked away from the coffeehouse with a couple conclusions:
- If you are ever in St. Louis, visit La Mancha Coffeehouse
- Buck the system! Forget what other people say you have to do--follow your dreams!! You only get to live life once. But as Veronica warned me, "Following your dreams is a lot of work!"
January 2012
