Who’s the Boss?

How does one become the boss? Leadership by example.  This was never more evident to me than two weekends ago when I was looking after my daughter’s three children while she deposited a fourth at university.  I received detailed instructions – what they ate – when they went to bed – where they need to be – what time school drop off was etc. etc. and if I had any questions or needed assistance --- Just ask Grace!!!!

Not Owen, not Luke, not Jackson – ask Grace.

Not so much the boss in that corporate way rather the go-to person.  I suppose we can blame it on our culture, but I think we defer to them habitually.  No one said, “you are the boss” rather they just said, “she will know what to do.”  Not “he” will know but “she” will know.  We instinctively give the boys a pass on responsibility.  Maybe for good reason or maybe we don’t think they will do as good a job.  We set women up for early authority and then we take it back as they get older….and give it to a bunch of boys ---- you know the ones that we didn’t trust when they were younger.  We shouldn’t be trusting them now.

It was true when I had questions, I asked Grace and true to form she always knew the answer.  Help with the dogs – she was available.  What goes in a school lunch – she not only knew but she packed her own – when does school start – she knew.  I didn’t even think to ask one of the boys, I automatically went to “the boss”.   I instinctively knew if it wasn’t for the title, it was for the result.  She always knew and if you receive the correct answer the first time why go elsewhere.

Now I pride myself on knowing how to iron- cook – clean – do floors and windows – I fix things – but that is because my mother was tough.  But even with her evenhanded toughness, let’s face it my sisters always knew the answer and they were always right.

My hope is that all the Graces of the world will not take a back seat as they get older.  I mean it doesn’t take much intelligence to see the mess men have created.  It’s time we let the real boss take the reins of power.

Everyone was impressed that I made it through the weekend, and everyone made it back to school on Monday.  I had no doubt of my success but then I knew who had my back.

Thanks, Grace, for making me look good.

Love, Number 1 ½