Saturday I went
to a party hosted by a friend and former colleague at a major enterprise
software company. We’ve known each other for 20 years. (She’s been with the
company for 36 years; I lasted 15 months.)
The community
center of her development was absolutely chockers with people who’d come from
all over for the celebration, which she called “Joyful Time!” There was
uncertainty about what was being celebrated (she disabused anyone who thought
it might be her birthday, which is in October, or perhaps her earning an MBA
from the University of Maryland at a certain age), but really, everyone came
because of Jacquie herself.
She explained
that she was throwing the party because for so long we haven’t been able to hold
get-togethers, so it was about damn time. And she expressed gratitude for
everyone there; every person in the room is important to her and she’s grateful
for all of us.
Well, so am I.
For my first party since the Before Times. For seeing Jacquie for the first
time in probably 19 years. For meeting her family and friends. For getting out
of a Confederate state. For being reminded of grace and gratitude.
I’m reminded of
an exchange Jacquie and I had back I the office:
Jacquie: We
gonna get you some attitude.
Me: You know—I’d
have thought that attitude was the one thing with which I was singularly
supplied.
J: We gonna get
you some sistah-attitude.
Well, alrighty
then.
Here’s a shot of
Jacquie and her sisters.
And here’s the crowd who came to celebrate.
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