Pearl, Ethel and Mabel

I looked down and there they were, Pearl, Ethel and Mabel. I had noticed their cousins on other women a bit older than I, but NEVER did I think they would decide to move in with me!!! Truth be told, Pearl and Ethel have been with me in their soft, gel form since the birth of my oldest. I know many women who would give their first born to have a rack like this, but honestly, it is SUPER inconvenient! T-shirts are difficult to find because the fabric is taut from crest to crest and the rest is baggy. Button up shirts can’t contain them either. Turns out, loose tunics are your friend. Pearl and Ethel have slowly been racing for my bellybutton most of their adult life. I’m not sure when Mabel arrived, but she must’ve moved in sometime in the last five years. I did not invite Mabel. One day I just looked down and there she was. A VERY happy camper attached to my midsection! What the ……!!!!!! My calorie count has not increased. My exercise minutes have stayed the same or even increased. Where, or where did she come from?

I don’t think I’m the only one with this “new” friend - LOL! Pearl and Ethel are elated at their new friend. Sometimes they like to just rest on her. It’s like a “Group Hug,” usually at night. During the day, Pearl and Ethel have learned to stay in their appropriate cages, complete with an underwire to prevent escaping. I tried introducing Mabel to some Spanx, but she would not have it. She bullied her way out and caused the Spanx to recoil in a tight roll underneath her. My bladder was not appreciative of this act. That afternoon, as soon as the students were gone, I ran to the restroom and bid the Spanx farewell.

As a young, impressionable girl, I have very fond memories of my beautiful, Swedish, vivacious grandma. She never complained about her body. She would fill the atmosphere with her contagious laughter and proclaim that life was short and there was no time to waste on complaining. She would tell me, “Barbie’s are not happy. They are plastic and pretend.” Then she would proclaim all the good things life had to offer and that it was short and a gift not to be wasted. She taught me to eat the dessert; buy the clothes and shoes; be generous to others but mostly to myself. Assume that we are all doing our best. Looking back at pictures, I can see that she also possessed her own set of “Girls”. NEVER did I hear her complain about her body shape or size. She was not a skinny lady but neither was she “fat”. I NEVER noticed her size or flaws because she NEVER focused on them. She left me a mental legacy of grace, kindness, and generosity towards myself and other women. Today I will choose to embrace this legacy and thank Pearl, Ethel, and Mabel for joining me on this journey called life. Today I will choose adventure, fun, generosity, grace and kindness towards myself and these girls. What will you choose?

Until We Chat Again,

Crystal