Who is Mrs. Office Lady?

I was sitting in the main office steps away from the principal’s door, valiantly masking my fear of all the children passing through the hallway. They peered through the doorway at me as they hurried past. Mustering all my confidence, I tried to keep a cheery smile, dreading the first encounter with one of the elementary students who clearly displayed far more confidence than I did. It wasn’t a long wait.

My head was down as I concentrated on taking a message when a little head spied around the door frame and caught the corner of my eye. Slowly raising my head so as not to frighten the my guest, I looked up to see a small child on the brink of chancing an encounter. After a moment’s hesitation, my visitor tiptoed up to my desk.

With a look mixed with fright and suspicion, a small hand tentatively reached out and passed me a note from the teacher.

“Can I please have five large brown envelopes for report cards? Thank you.”

Knowing this was a request I could fulfill brilliantly, I heaved a sigh of relief. With great flourish and a big smile, I handed them to the timid messenger.

With equal relief, the student took the envelopes and headed out of the office. As she was leaving, she looked back over her shoulder and chimed, “Thanks, Mrs. Office Lady!”

And in that moment, I knew exactly who I was in that office.

Mrs. Office Lady—and proud of it.