I recently watched the movie "The Help" which had me in fits of laughter at times, and at other times, I had tears literally streaming down my face at the raw emotion of it.

I was horrified in so many ways at how the helpers were treated by their employers.  My heart almost broke when a little girl cried her eyes out when her nanny left her parent's employment, forever.  It was a scene that was just too close to home.

My family has had our helper for more than twenty years now.  When I had my baby, six and half years ago now, Rosie became my daughter's nanny.  My daughter has always known Rosie as someone who is always around, a constant companion, loving, giving, and with an acute sense of humour.

Rosie, over time, has progressed in my life to that of close friend and confidante.  She knows all the ins and outs of my life; knows my friends, and comes on holiday with me and my daughter.  Rosie has more friends at the family beach resort we love than I do, and when we are there, her social life is far more prolific than mine is.

Watching the movie got me to thinking about how different my life would be if she were not around.  Rosie always loves my new boyfriends (don't get me wrong, this hasn't happened for QUITE SOME TIME), and calls whoever it may be "a good man" when they first arrive on the scene, and once they leave, of their own accord or by mutual consent, or due to a decision I have made, then suddenly the sentence is different - "oh, the men, they are ALL the same!"  Of course, at this stage of the courtship, I can only agree.

Rosie has a collection of wigs that would put Marilyn Monroe and Dolly Parton to shame.  She is always brilliantly turned out, with a huge smile on her face and a story of sorts to tell. 

In this changing and fast-paced world, it does seem so important to have that one constant in one's life.  A non-judgemental person within your home, who just helps, chats, uplifts, and most importantly believes in you.

Don't get me wrong, we have had one fight, but Rosie's response to me was so unexpected, I have never fought with her again.  The details of the argument are too boring to repeat, but, I was in the wrong, however, in the throes of my tantrum, she just looked at me and said very calmly "madam, you are CRAZY!"  I started to laugh so hard, I forgave Rosie instantly, and the matter was behind us, forever.

And so, the moral:  Be thankful for those angels in our homes who are friends, confidantes, who take care of our children, who are a constant support - both physically and from a friendship perspective.  Post seeing that movie, I will never take Rosie for granted again, and I hope above all, that I will never give her cause to call me crazy, ever again.