Thoughts from a MOM

A year ago when I first moved to Huntsville and joined the MOMS Club, Alison asked me if I would ever consider being President (yes, they started on me THAT early). I laughed and said "no way!" I was President of another MOMS Club before arriving, but it was still different here – it felt a lot like I was a kid and had just changed schools – and I had a long way to go before feeling comfortable being a part of it, much less the President. At the time I knew only how to get to Walmart and Huntsville Hospital, thanks to an overly hungry spider that took a bite into my husband’s face within four days of moving here.

But in reality, it didn’t take long to feel comfortable here, and it’s all thanks to the wonderful women in this club. Within a few months I felt like I had known some people for years. I can’t even begin to explain how welcoming this entire group has been and I am sure will continue to be for new members that join. The members are what made it easier to say yes to be President. Ok, I admit that they did ask several times – the former board really spent a lot of time leading this club and they were ready to move on. And, I know I was an easy target because I was President of another club before. The great members were the selling point – but having twice as many kids and twice as much house as I did last time – gave me some reservations. I guess now is the time I should also admit that my former club eventually offered me cookies and that’s why I said yes to them (I was really going to say yes but I was holding out for the cookies). So Rhonda and Alison – you should have offered cookies.

As the new year gets started, I have to admit that writing this letter each month is one of the more daunting tasks of taking over as President. Since joining I have always looked forward to Rhonda’s letter. They were so clever and creative. I am used to writing federal contracts, which are far from creative and insightful! I can handle all the paperwork and administrative stuff, but to write like Rhonda? Forget it! So, maybe as the year goes on the task will get easier for me. I’ll see this as a learning experience – with lots of room to grow.

Lucky for me, this first month I get to use up space by saying thank you to the outgoing board members: Rhonda, Alison, Kim, Sarah, and Betsy. Their leadership during the difficult split and overall dedication to the group is much appreciated. And, also to the outgoing volunteers: Jessica, Jennifer, Monica, and all the others who contributed through the year. Thanks for all of your hard work.