Women - In - Charge

Saturday morning at the locals’ Italian style coffee bar.  Deep blue sky, bright sunshine makes for the usual Northern California weekend morning. 

They walked in pushing a stroller with a 14-month-old and an 8-year-old boy wearing a Giants Cap and holding her hand .  I can only describe them as elderly.  He walked with some difficulty while focused on the task --- walking.  She was limping but walking with authority and purpose.  Older Grandparents --- left in charge of two young children by a son or daughter.  They were taking these young children to breakfast hoping it would take some energy out of their charges. 

She was in-charge---where to sit --- how to sit --- what to order.  Not sure what to do? ---she would tell you.  He was there and took instructions well.  He wasn’t initiating – no conversation – no suggestions – he performed all tasks at a slow pace but as instructed.  She ordered everyone’s breakfast and when it came she gave instructions as to who received what.  She was in Charge.

I watched the scene while I had my coffee – alone, able to make all decisions on my own.  I was amazed at how smoothly it was going with the four-top in front of me.  No one cried, no one complained, everyone did as she told them. As far as I could tell the grandfather was a participant but not a contributor.  He did take himself to the bathroom but other than that SHE was the conductor of this orchestrated Saturday morning.  One might think that the way they moved they should not have been left with these two young children, but the way she orchestrated everything, it was clear age and mobility had nothing to do with ability.

I walked over and told them they made a beautiful family, and looking at her, I said that these small children were lucky to have them.

The more I observe the more I understand that women can lead the orchestra no matter their age or physical restrictions.  They are the non-linear thinkers; the agile problem solvers; the resourceful engineers of the situation, the adept improvisers.  Men? As far as I can see they can barely get from point “A” to point “B”.  The question?

Women !!--- how on earth could you let old white men run the show?  It’s time – run the show--take the credit – be the conductor that takes the bow for the performance. –

The Final Ovation