"Wouldn't you feel better if you put on some lipstick?"
No matter the ailment, my Meme firmly believed that lipstick was the cure.
Bad mood, bad attitude, headache, sadness, the flu ... regardless of what was causing you pain, discomfort or frustration, Meme believed a little lipstick was sure to lift your spirits. She put on her lipstick first thing in the morning and reapplied several times throughout the day, and she always encouraged us to do the same. It's because of her that I never leave the house without a fresh application of color and I even find myself wearing a tinted chapstick around the house. She would be so proud!
Meme was the original boss lady, despite living in times when women weren't encouraged to have career aspirations outside of the home. She ran several businesses including a hardware store, ice cream shop and grocery store and she retired as a purchaser for a fashion department store, traveling the country to find the latest trends in women's fashion. She was the warmest person I've ever known, never met a stranger and she loved her family deeply.
As I chase my own dreams and constantly try to counterbalance work and family life goals, I find comfort and inspiration from Meme. She is part of me and I know I can and will live my best life because she lived hers.
So on National Lipstick Day I pay tribute to the woman who has inspired me the most... and now, I must go reapply my lipstick.
-Fearlessly,
Monica Crawford
Team Leader
Boss Lady
