Reflections on My Mom

Over a week has passed without any posts....was it because I had no thoughts? No, it was because I had not made time to sit down and reflect over the past week. Seems like I'm so busy doing that I don't make time for the things I enjoy doing the most. I have a Bible Study that needs to be finished by tonight, boxes to be mailed, bills to pay, dishes to be put in the dish washer, lunches to make, Christmas thank you's to get out, long overdue emails to faithful friends, and scattered items on the floor that dashing kitties have left in their wake! I love my little country home and could easily spend all my time here yet I rarely get the opportunity .

 This past weekend I was in Virginia Beach, Virginia to celebrate my mom's 77th birthday. My mom is really a remarkable woman....( I most probably wouldn't have said that several years ago....but as I age, I see things about my mom I never took the time to notice before.)

 At 77 she is active in her church, in her yard, in her community, and in the lives of her children. My dad died 20 years ago this November, so she has been alone for all that time, yet I have never heard her complain about being lonely. She has lady friends at church that are also "widowed" and they get together and play cards. They are also a very good support system for one another and keeps tabs on each other. They travel together, attend social functions together and pair off occasionally for other activities like eating out or movies. She loves her independence and it makes her so frustrated "not to be able " to accomplish something she thinks she should be able to do.

 She takes good care of herself physically....(I look like I could be her mother!) and I know her prime fear is being a burden on her children. She's been through a depression so she has invested wisely and is prudent about her spending habits. She is gently being pressured to move closer to my sister Barbara, but I secretly think she is thrilled that I am only a few hours away if she needs assistance.

 My greatest regret is that I have not taken the time to really get to know her. I have been the "distant daughter" more by choice than circumstances. My greatest fear is that my own children will treat me like I have treated my mother. Ouch....that will hurt!