Endurance

There's a California Pizza Kitchen in Oak Brook. Almost 9 years ago, I had lunch there with Suellen and Susan. At the time, my life was in transition. Although I was joyful about the birth of my first nephew, Justin, I had recently quit my job in Sears Tower due to post-9/11 concerns about working in that building. It was a tumultuous time for me. I was apprehensive about the future and a meal and deep conversation with two of my very close friends soothed me.

I met both Suellen and Susan almost 20 years ago. Suellen shares my love of reading and introduced me to AAUW book club. She's very much into Shackleton; everyone who knows Suellen has read Alfred Lansing's book Endurance. It's almost mandatory. She has a matter-of-fact outlook and her calm steadiness has helped me gain perspective on my own life in many ways. One time, we were in line for an Ann Rice autograph signing and a "female moment" happened to her (the irony of blood at a vampire book event did not escape us). Not wanting her to be uncomfortable, I pondered aloud as to whether or not we should just leave. Suellen's response has stayed with me all this time... "the bad thing has already happened." Life can and does throw curveballs. All you can do is endure with as much style and grace as you can manage.

I shared my database debut with Susan. I was working as a proofreader at a law firm at the time. For some unknown reason, my boss decided that I would be a good candidate for maintaining the marketing contact database, an in-house application designed by Susan. She served as my mentor. Along the way, we became friends. She's one of the smartest people I know and although I don't see her very often, she's impacted my life in a positive way. She has a generosity of spirit that is so wonderful.

So once again the three of us found ourselves at California Pizza Kitchen in Oak Brook. My nephew Justin has just finished second grade. I've gained and lost another job. Once again, my life is at a crossroads. I am apprehensive about the future. But once again, these strong women and dedicated friends soothed me in a way that is unparalled. That's endurance.