Junior League of Monmouth County 2014-2015 Confessions From A JLMC Husband #JLMC

Confessions of a JLMC Husband

Most of you are familiar with the term “football widow”. Millions of American women lose their husbands to the hypnotic allure of football games on widescreen TV’s every Sunday, Monday and now even Thursdays for the entire Fall. Well, for the last ten years I have become a self-professed “Junior League Widower” (JLMC meetings almost every Tuesday, sometimes Wednesdays and the occasional Thursday. And, I have just given up on ever answering her phone).

However, unlike the football widow who will never really grasp the appeal of the game (I have come to realize my wife may never understand the beauty of a Cover 2 Defense), as a “Junior League Widower” I have gained insight and a tremendous respect for the world of “volunteerism”. After watching all the League activity over the last decade, I have developed a deep appreciation for the women of the Junior League of Monmouth County (who are strong, confident and multifaceted) and what they are able to accomplish.

Volunteerism reveals character. While putting in my time as a good husband at various Junior League functions, I have witnessed women of diverse backgrounds and interests bond together to accomplish the seemingly impossible (without any “man wisdom”). I have seen women challenge themselves, each time rising to the occasion and pulling off successful fundraising events and community projects (equivalent to going for fourth and one in football).

Apparently, participation in the Junior League has no ulterior motive. The reward is in giving of oneself without financial compensation (so foreign in football). But there are a number of other benefits to membership in the JLMC including friendships, a sense of purpose and an outlet for women to help those in need and elevate the quality of life in our community.

A long time ago, I stopped being a “whiny” JLMC Widower (okay, maybe the occasional whine). My wife has been an amazing role model for our children through her dedicated volunteer work in the Junior League. They have watched their mother manage finances and projects with generosity, compassion and passion to improve our community. How can you whine about that? So as much as I miss my wife sometimes when she is out at yet another meeting, I value so much more what her dedication to volunteerism has given to our family and community.

Don’t worry, while the Volunteer season never ends, I have already marked my calendar as the NFL Preseason starts August 1st.

Bill Brannagan

Self-professed “Junior League Widower”