The "Ladies"

Dominic has been going to music therapy for a while at the Michigan State University Community Music School. During his half hour session, I sit in the lobby area along with other parents/caregivers.  There are a handful of tables and chairs and most people either read, use their computers and/or chat with the others at their table. Each Wednesday afternoon, when I came into the lobby, I noticed a table of  four ladies all older than me, chit chatting. They seemed to know each other VERY well. They all had special needs adult children/grandchildren that were also participating in music therapy. I would overhear them talking about topics that I was very interested in, but all the chairs were taken and I didn't want to be nosy, pull up a chair and just plop myself down and interrupt. One day about a year or so ago, one of the ladies didn't show up, so there was an empty seat. I had been bringing my sheet of disability ministry events and knew at some point, I would go over and talk to them. This was my opportunity and I grabbed it! I went over and sat down and told them about the ministry. They were the nicest, sweetest and kindest women! Over the past year, I have gotten to know the three ladies and we have shared so much with each other. When I told them about my Cancer in January, they prayed for me. When one of the ladies and her daughter needed a ride home from a recent doctor appointment, I helped her out. This trio of ladies have become like Dominic's "surrogate," grandmas. They have become my friends. It has been an incredibly eye-opening experience to listen to the ladies talk about their experiences as caregivers. The half hour goes by very quickly and usually I'm not done yakking when Dominic is finished!!! Last week, I didn't bring Dominic to music therapy because I didn't feel well. Yesterday, the ladies were all asking where I was. It's nice to be missed!!!