A Love Story
I just got a call from my Mom saying she had received the package I sent her....goodies for her for Mother's Day....candy, a pretty necklace of gold and Venetian glass, cards, a stuffed toy lion that purrs and laughs when you squeeze it, and meows in complaint when you pull its tail, face cream, eye cream, eye drops....little stuff she needs..... She liked all of it, especially the stuffed toy LOL....we laughed at the noises it made as she played with it while we were on the phone. Two big kids we are....LOL She told me she feels I love her more than anyone else loves their mother....and that made me so happy. I'm sure most parents feel the same about their kids, but I am glad SHE feels that way! I have regretted the time I spent gambling that I could have spent talking to her, being there for her, getting to know her life in a deeper way. It is making me cry, I am so thankful she truly knows how much I love her! After my Dad passed away, I was sorry that I had never asked him so many things...about his childhood, his years in the army....just all those things I would have liked to know. The last time I visited my Mom, I took a little notebook and wrote down stories of her childhood, games she played as a little girl, things she did, places she went, likes and dislikes, triumphs and heartbreaks....favorite things, experiences....everything I could think of..... Someday when she is gone, I will read that notebook and think of who she was...the life and times of a precious person, my Mom. I always thought as her as a homebody, a true "domestic goddess" LOL....she would never have dreamed of driving herself alone farther than across town. I was amazed to find out as a young woman, several times she just decided she wanted to go live in a distant city, packed a suitcase, got on a bus, and applied for jobs as she passed shops walking away from the bus station....Astounding!!! Adventurous Mom....who knew??? It has given me more of an understanding of her as a total person, not just "my Mom". Mom is getting on in years and when the phone rings early morning or late at night, I fear it will be the call to tell me she is gone. I hope I have the courage and strength to handle that call when that day comes. As for now, my goal is to realize every day could be the last day I have the privilege of having her on this earth with me....and to cherish her as much as I can.
Replies
How beautiful. The things you wrote grabbed me, emotions welled up inside.
When I was young I wanted nothing to do with my mom or dad. I was an addicted, do my own thing, leave me a lone teenager up until about 28.
By the time my life turned around, my mom had died (self inflicted) and my dad had left the state with our neighbor (mom\'s friend). Dad still does not contact his children (too painful for him maybe?). When we\'ve reached out to him, it\'s been monotoned and strained.
Now that I am older I understand the importance of family and the vacuum it can create when there is none.
The package you sent to your mom... how beautiful... While I am not be able to send one to my mom... I can, however, send packages (bi-annually or quarterly) to my dad (I may never hear back from him, but it secretly might make his day) AND to my older son (who is a good son).
The \"cherish her as much as I can\" part got me too.
You unknowngly have imparted something to this mom (and daughter) where I can possilby turn things around to demonstrate how I cherish the family I do have.
Thank you Dianne. I hope your weekend is a good one. debs
Oh your story made me cry too. Its a special bond you have, I am glad your mom really truly does know how much you love her. I often dream that I would have a bond like that with my mother. Its not meant to be so I am trying hard to make one with my children. If my children talked and felt the way you do about your mother....It would be the greatest thing ever! Iam so so happy for you!!!!!!!!
I miss my Mom - All these years and I can still remember...Glad that you have the opportunity to continue to share these times with your Mom. Love is all there is.
That notebook...what a wonderful idea. You and your mom are truly blessed to have each other. And you have such great ways of showing your love. You are an amazing daughter....and friend.
Diannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnne \'\'me hooter \'owlettie. \'I loved this JE. it \'is so \'\'packed with \'\'Good Stuff\'
\'Your Mom sounds like a real Trooper. ; but then \'look at you . packing UP \'gambling Leaving it \'behind. ..Same \'Courage \'Dear. lol.
\'Love yah......\'\'visit Mom.. plan a trip.. Make it Happen. Soon..
Sandra..
Oh Dianne, I so loved this entry. Thank you sooosooo much for sharing. I am going to borrow your notebook idea, I absolutely LOVE it. Not only for the time we will share doing it but what I will be able to share with her grandchildren and her great grandchildren!!! My heart was just pounding with emotion reading this. Thanks again, Love Ya, Gina
Thank you for sharing this with us. It brought a tear to my eye too. It makes me think of all the time I have wasted that could have been spent with my mom. You are a wonderful daughter! You two are truly blessed to have each other. Peace and Love. Patty
Wonderful story, thanks for sharing. Before my grandmother passed away a daughter in law spent many afternoons with her listening to her stories, starting with what she knew of her grandparents, parents, and then from the time she could remember. This was all assembled into a spiral book and each of the family members recieved one after she passed away. It is something I will cherish forever. It\'s also very very funny, because by the time she related her stories to this relative to write down, she pretty much just told it like it was, in fact there is a \"disclaimer\" at the beginning stating that no one should be offended, this is just how she remembered it.
You are a wonderful daughter- be proud of that.
that is awesome. my mom has lost her mind, alzheimers we think so i have little contact with my mom because she doesnt even know who i am anymore. but life with her wasnt always easy so i dont know if i am missing anything. i do have my dad though, he is realizing that i am important too. i hope you always remain close to your mom that is a good feeling. i have my sons and they will always love me. talk later t
What a beautiful love story. When my mother passed away, it\'s weird, but it doesn\'t really feel like she\'s gone. She\'s still in my heart. I can still hear her voice. I didn\'t know I would grow to understand her better than when she was alive, but it\'s true, I am. And the love goes on..... her tiny body is gone, but the love is still here, and it\'s still real. Dianne, I\'m so happy to call you a friend. I\'m always here for you....Robin xxxooo
This is a wonderful story. What a lovely legacy to learn from your Mom. Sp often my kids are surprised at photos of me when I was young and the fact that I did this and that. I guess like you they see me as their Mom - always there.
A treasured moment for you and your Mom. Hugs x