Are you

there? If you have hot flashes, you’re there. If you forget the name of your children and grandchildren when talking to them on the phone, you’re there. If you have uncontrollable cravings for chocolate, cheese and red wine, you’re there. If you have unexpected whiskers on your chin, you’re there. If you have trouble finding your glasses, you’re there. If your layer of adipose tissue around your hips doesn’t go away after exercise, you’re there. And trust me, when your breast tissue starts heading south, you’re there. You’re there. For those of you who don’t know where

there is, you either must be 20–something or remaining in denial. Denial is ok. It gives a woman more time to get there so she can arrive in style.

People will remind you constantly when you’re there . Your gynecologist will remind you every office visit about menopause. He will ask you your age, then point out your rising hormone levels. Your daughters and daughters– in–law will remind you when you’re there. You will watch the princesses vie for the matriarchal title of Queen while you surrender to the title The Queen Mother. Your therapist will remind you every office visit as she doubles your Zoloft prescription. Your husband will tell you nothing. He will run away from home. Even the dog will follow him out the door.

Meeva’s there for you. Please join her in her menopausal adventures. Humor is her menopausal medicine. It validates her roller–coaster ride of changing emotions. Please join Meeva as she celebrates her creative spirit with other women who “run with hormones.”

If you’re there, and you have menopausal moments you would like to share with Meeva and the readers of The Columbia Star , please send your brief humorous message including your telephone number to Meeva, P. O. Box 5955, Columbia, SC 29250 or email mimim@sc.rr.com.

If your menopausal moment is published in The Columbia Star , you will receive a free Meeva coffee mug!