Wonderful Old Women

Today we had the second book-signing for the book, Wonderful Old Women, at La Cantera's Barnes and Nobles.

It was extraordinary, truly magical, to listen to six of the women featured in the book tell their stories and what being a part of Bonnie's brainchild project meant to them.

Their stories are fascinating!  Two came with their husbands of sixty-two years; another brought her husband of fewer years; two were widowed; one divorced--and every one of them seemed excited about their past, present and future lives.

I was so inspired that it occurred to me that we could make a documentary--if we can find a videographer.

Lea has been a dear friend of mine for two decades, the funniest and most glamorous of the women.  She told the story of her happy 39 year marriage, then said that right around their anniversary he "decided he'd be happy with someone else."  And yet, Lea--who has published two memoirs--is having a very fine life without him, writing, being in a book group, and driving to Whataburger and calling into the speaker, "This is Lea.  You know what I want!" and getting a sundae almost every day at McDonald's.

Some have children, others don't.  One grew up on the wrong side of the integration line, yet married her doctor husband and reared four children, then started on her PhD when she was 68.  One of her children called her one day and said, "Mom, you've always wanted that PhD; now come to college with me."  And she did.

Some are widely traveled--like the woman who started traveling after her husband died, like the one whose life's work took her all over the world.  She's planning to have us all over to her house for dinner one night and cook Indian food.

All have experienced hardships and tragedies, but today's talks were about their successes and joys, families and friends.  They were positive and upbeat and full of life.  Each shared some of her life philosophy with us.

The one who grew up black and poor (and whose parents never graduated high school, one even elementary school) said that she never knew they were poor because they had so many books and magazines and because her daddy taught her that "education is the most important thing in life."

Another has been married for 62 years to a retired senator (who was right there with her at 90) and she played the organ at San Fernando Cathedral for 30 years.  She was proud to have met two popes.

Two are well-respected therapists in San Antonio, one (who grew up in Germany) still practicing, the other recently retired at 90.

One of my favorite comments of the day was this:  "Being a part of this project has taken my down many corridors of my life and I am so grateful!"

I'm seriously wishing I had the video skills to turn this project into a film.  These women are articulate and funny and inspiring--and I'd love to see it extend outside of San Antonio and into the world.

We have one signing yet to do--next Sunday at 3:00 at the San Antonio Library.