The woman who knows everything

A few days ago Jeri came home from work with a look on her face that told me, well... she was not happy.  Upon inquiry, she held up her work bag to show me a large piece of gum stuck on the handle.  Yuck!  Commuting by bus daily may have its upside (for the environment), but the downside is that she walks in the house with all sorts of stains and grime saturating her wardrobe.  I will omit the story of how grease has made its way onto both a new coat of hers, and of mine, and stick with the gum story for now.


Stuck inside this afternoon by a blistering cold streak (26 fahrenheit!) I decided to tackle the gum.  Of course I began searching on the internet, only to discover a technique I already knew somewhere deep in my subconscious.  Let me start with a little background... growing up I had the world's greatest caregiver.  She taught me simple things (like why it is not nice to bite your friends) and complex things (like how to be generous with your time and energy).  She made sure I was cared for while my mom was at work and loved me as if I were her own.  To this day, tears come to my eyes when I think of how incredibly lucky I was to be reared by a woman that was both firm and gentle, fun and responsible, committed and accepting.  Her name is Doris, and she knows everything.  


One day I was chewing gum in her car (Doris says this is a no-no because if you are in an accident you could choke on it), and it somehow fell out of my mouth.  I searched and searched for the wad of chewed gum, but it was nowhere to be found.  Long story short, I got out of the car and a long trail of fondue gum stretched between my bottom and the seat of her car.  I was humiliated.  I confessed to my mom through big tears, and remember being disappointed in myself for not following a simple rule.  (Doris also says you cannot swallow gum, as it takes years to digest)  After the drama was over, I watched as Doris proceeded to completely remove the "problem" from the seat.  What a genius!  


So, this one goes out to the woman who knows everything.  Thank you, Doris.  Your example taught me about how to love the people in my life by taking good care of them.  

Did I mention that Doris makes the worlds best cake?

Her daughter, Shannon.  My oldest and dearest friend. 

By the way, the gum came off of the bag.  


With love and gratitude,
Amy


ps- Doris, I still have not been able to get the grease out of our coats.  What do you suggest?