As I was doing the washing up today, as on every occasion I do the dishes, I was remembering a magnificent, talented, intelligent woman of my own vintage!
Her husband was my boss at one time.
We were at a work function and we were at the kitchen sink – me washing, she drying. I felt it necessary to establish some kind of relationship of support! In her own right, she was so talented. Brilliant, loving, clever, practical, stunning faith filled woman. Her own career was incredible. She followed her spouse in his career, and moved with their family as his career grew. He too was highly respected, faith filled, Difficulties and challenges with being family can get the better of the most caring, loving relationships.
Uncompromising determination can make a leader, sometimes with collateral damage.
So here we were – at the kitchen sink! I lifted one plate out to put it on the drainer and she picked it up, handed back to me and said” Louise, you have to wash both sides of the plate” ! I complied! I had been told!
That magnificent woman died some time ago. But every time I do the dishes I think of her! Stoic, faith filled, loving mother, loyal and trusted friend. We were acquaintances through circumstance, not friends.
To all those women who stand back so that “he” might advance, to all those women who home make while attempting to present a clean house, to all those women who surrender their own selves to his/ their “my self/career/ambition/ interests/ times” how magnificent we are!
Rich or poor, safe or under threat, innocent or found guilty, young or baby boomer (!) loved and admired or envied and overlooked- this is our day!
Confessions of a Free Range Prolapsed Catholic 
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