Welcome to the 2021 – 2022 AWCA Board of Directors – Written by Celeste Beran-Bennekers

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go

 

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!

 

You have ideas in your head,

And directions to choose

You have ZOOM skills a-plenty

But long to swap slippers for shoes,

 

You’re not on your own. You’ve got a team full of women,

Together you’ll find, which direction you’re driven!

 

Let’s host a meeting! A tour or two!

Let’s meet our newcomers – it’s been too many moons!

 

You’ll march up and down streets. Look venues over with care.

About some you will say, “We don’t choose to go there.”

With your head full of brains and with a detailed eye

you’ll find just what you need, and you’ll host a fine time!

 

Smiles will shine bright

At just the pure sight

Of one another – you’ve changed your hair!

And all will delight. . .  

 

At welcome back gatherings, bookclubs, and more!

Founders’ Day, Christmas lunch, it will be just like before.

 

And when things start to happen,

Don’t worry. Don’t stew.

Just go right along.

You’ll start happening too.

 

For the amazing thing,

about being part of the board

Is your chance to be YOU!

And that’s when you’ll soar!

 

Oh! The places you’ll go.

 

You’ll be giving yourself

You’ll have your best foot forward!

You’ll join the high fliers

Reaching beyond Belgium’s borders!    

 

But sometimes, you won’t.

I’m sorry to say so

But, sadly, it’s true

That Bang-ups

And Hang-ups

Can happen to you.

 

Not everyone is happy,

Perhaps COVID still lingers

Women’s tasks are too much. . .

perhaps you’ll feel like giving it the finger

 

And when you’re in such a bummer

You’re not in for much fun.

Un-slumping yourself

Is not easily done.

 

But remember, dear friend, that we are all women

We’ve ALL been frustrated, overwhelmed, and at wits end!

 

Call up a friend, shed a tear or perhaps two

Share a few laughs, and remember what’s true

 

You belong to a team

That there’s many of us!   

To pick up the pieces

When life seems too much.

 

You’ll lean on her like she leans on you

Just ask for some help! There’s no need to be blue.

 

Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done!

There are things to be seen! And ideas to come!

And the magical things you can do with that hunch

Will make you the funnest gal of the bunch

Success! You’ll be rolling and focused, nothing stands in your way!  

With the whole wide club applauding and smiling away

 

Except when they don’t.

Because, sometimes, they won’t.

 

But on you will go

Despite life’s great tests,

On you will go

Knowing you’re trying your best.

 

You’ll get inspired, of course,

As you already know.

You’ll get inspired,

By the club’s great women as you go.

 

So be sure when you step.

Step with care and great tact

And remember that Life’s

A Great Balancing Act.

 

Just never forget that the AWCA

Is a club full of hearts who work hard and love play

 

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed).

 

Ladies, you’ll move mountains.

 

So. . .

Be your name Debbie or Magda, Ariadna or Anne

Or Katia, Jessica, Nancy, Laura or Diane

Brigitte or Michelle, Joan or Liesbeth,

You’ll all have a blast – I’m sorry to miss it.

 

You’re off to Great Places!

Today is your day!

Your club is waiting.

So get on your way!