by suzettebritz 19 Mar 2010

I am visiting my daughter in South Africa, but it is a rather strange visit this time - in a neighbourhood restaurant, where she is now the co-owner. It has been a long road, 7 months of research, negotiations, stress and all the risks associated with such a bold step, including many sleepless nights for myself!


It is a beautiful restaurant, with a seating capacity of 200 people. Rather busy at the moment, with waiters rushing to set a new table with white table linen for a waiting group of 6 who have just come from a school concert. Lots of glass, soft lighting, wooden tables and chairs and of course music in the background...my daughter? I can only observe her running around, giving orders, not hesitating to help clear a table...but I am happy.

I hear people laughing, chatting and the clicking of plates...the telephone ringing only 3 rings before it is answered...I sit all by myself, enjoying every bit of it, waited so long for this moment! Have to swallow my tears before someone notices!

Maybe a cup of tea will calm the emotions right now. No wine, because I am alone and still have to drive to her place, it is now 9:00 pm.

So far so good, but still a tough environment...you have to get ahead of the competition!

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by lflanders 24 Mar 2010

I wish your daughter nothing but good luck and happiness. She has chosen a very hard job but it does have it's rewards. I was in the restaurant and catering business for 24 1/2 years and would still be there if not for my health. From what you have observed and written, she sounds like she has a good handle on what she is doing. May she reap the rewards of much success! You should be proud but then, she also should be proud of herself! Hugs to you both! Linda

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by sewmom 23 Mar 2010

I wish her lots of luck. You must be very proud of her accomplishment!

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 25 Mar 2010

Thank you Sewmom!

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by jacquipaul 23 Mar 2010

How wonderful for her and for you, as a proud Mother. We do love our children, don't we, and we suffer through their decisions, with them.
Your desciption was heart warming and made me feel so close to you both.
Give a kiss to her from all of her 'aunties' here in the Cute family.
Love,
Jacqueline

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 25 Mar 2010

Thank you Jacqui!

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by castelyn 23 Mar 2010

Hi Suzette,

Congratulations to your daughter , thanks so much for sharing your moment with us.
Sorry we could not be there with you to have a cupper together.
Were is the Restaurant??? And what is it called??

Only got back yesterday after spending the long week-end at our holiday home.

Hugs and Love Yvonne

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 25 Mar 2010

Thanks Yvonne!

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by haydebug 22 Mar 2010

Congratulations to you and your daughter. What a wonderful atmosphere you have a round you! So Happy for your daughter.

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 25 Mar 2010

Thank you!

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by jrob Moderator 21 Mar 2010

Congratulations to your daughter for reaching for the stars and to you for raising a confident young woman.;)

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 25 Mar 2010

Thank you!

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by lbrow 21 Mar 2010

Congratulations to u on having a daughter who dreams & goes for it. I too, have some grand children who are fulfilling their dreams & it gives u a nice warm feeling doesn't it. Had to laugh about u not wanting to work with or for, I also have that reputation with my children, they say they would never have been able to work for me. Maybe that's why none of my girls became nurses. *

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 25 Mar 2010

Thanks Lillian!

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by judybell 20 Mar 2010

Suzette, you did a wonderful job describing your daughters restaurant. Seems I was there drinking tea with you. It is always great to see our children fulfill their dreams. Enjoy! God bless, Judy

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 22 Mar 2010

Thank you Judy!

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by mops Moderator 20 Mar 2010

Congratulations and good luck to your daughter. I can almost see the scene you described, and feel how proud you are. I hope she'll be prosperous in her endeavors!!

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 20 Mar 2010

Thank you Martine! She's only 25, and I am glad I don't work with or for her! She can be very demanding...My bouquet of flowers I sent to her on the opening day read: "Stronger than the will to win, is the courage to begin...' She is very determined.

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by pennifold 19 Mar 2010

How fantastic Suzette - it's not an easy business. I can tell how proud you are! Congratulations to your daughter a wonderful achievement.

Love and blessings to you all Chris

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 20 Mar 2010

Thank you Chris! Nerve wrecking though - early days!

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by crafter2243 Moderator 19 Mar 2010

I could almost smell and feel it. Good luck to your daughter. The retaurant business is not an easy one.

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 20 Mar 2010

That's my worry! If it fails, it will NOT be because she's not pulling her wait. EXTREMELY long hours.

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by emily16838 19 Mar 2010

So exciting...best wishes going out to your daughter. And to you too!

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 20 Mar 2010

Thank you Emily! Exciting, but worrying at the same time!

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by manami 19 Mar 2010

Dear Suzette, you are a great writter! I just could picture the scene through your words! Congratulations to your daughter and I also wish her success! Love,Yoriko

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 20 Mar 2010

Thank you Yoriko, we need all the good wishes!

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by daisy530 19 Mar 2010

Have a great evening and congratulations to your daughter! I wish her great success!

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 20 Mar 2010

Thank you Daisy!

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by marthie 19 Mar 2010

Suzette,you are so close to me. Should have given me a ring. Congrats on your daugthers' achievement.

1 comment
suzettebritz by suzettebritz 20 Mar 2010

Thanks Marthie, but it would still be more than an hour's drive, isn't it?...and I do get lost easily!

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