Coffee Time

Debbie, Julie, Carol, Janie, Laura

For the past 4 or 5 years I've looked forward to my weekly visits to Starbucks (during the school year) to meet with some of my teacher friends. It started when I was still teaching at Humphrey, with Julie, Carol, and Debbie. The group's composition changes because of schedules and new invitations. Julie had to stop coming when she moved to North Star, as a result of its earlier schedule. My sister-in-law Shari joined us from time to time. This year Delora has joined us. Others as their schedules permit, or if they happen to run into us there. Coffee time has continued through my first retirement, my two years at North Star, and right into my second retirement.

I remember our first coffee when I started retirement (#1). I cried when Carol and Janie left to go to school because I felt so lonely. When I went back to work, I arranged my schedule so I could still meet for coffee on my workday. Now I can sleep later, but meeting the girls for coffee time is more important. I don't mind getting up to see these friendly faces. To tell the truth, I don't even like coffee that much, but I do like seeing my friends in the morning.

Today's coffee was "special." Julie has just gone on medical leave to have surgery for breast cancer. She's scared. We're scared. But today reminded us how strong our bond is. We will all be together again.