Mike and I traveled back to my hometown this past weekend for Christmas party my sister and brother-in-law were hosting with a few other couples. It was great seeing old friends and catching up on everyone's lives and holiday plans. The big topic of conversation was the Junior League of Columbia's Holiday Market which was going on that weekend.
Conversations were buzzing on all the preparations, behind the scenes work, the success of the Preview Party, and the new event: PJs with Santa. I listened to every detail, and asked questions about pictures I had seen posted on Facebook. Why? Because not so long ago, I was in the throngs of it myself.
I joined the JLC at the ripe old age of 23, just a year out of college. My mother and grandmother's friends were my sponsors, and I jumped into the vestige of volunteerism with glee. I loved being involved; my favorite placement was Provisionals Chair. I felt I was at Headquarters so often that my sons (when they were very young) were never surprised when we pulled up in the parking lot.
I resigned from the JLC when I knew I was moving to Aiken. I was also 38, only a few years from sustaining. (Aiken doesn't have a Junior League.) I didn't think I would miss it that much. But I guess I do. The Junior League is such an asset to its community. Its volunteers are some of the most committed and "with it" women I know. They are not just society women with too much time on their hands. My daddy always says, "If you want something -anything - done right, you call the Junior League." And he is right!
So hears to you, ladies of the Junior League of Columbia. You did it again!
Blessings...
