Happy Birthday, Mommy!

I can't end this day without giving a big SHOUT OUT to my dear, loving mother. The woman who, at 22, gave birth to me, her third child (second daughter), at 8 a.m. in the morning , one late summer day so long ago. ;) So began our mother/daughter relationship.  (Eventually she and Dad would have the proverbial quiverful (seven children).)

What do I say about my mom? The older I get, the more I appreciate her. Sure, she has her little quirks and irritations (who doesn't?), but she is a person who would give her life for her children, and indeed, she has. In good times and bad, she has been there for her children. Even today, her life is her children and their children and their children... helping them however she can, praying for them, visiting with them, showering them with gifts. That's just the way she is.

When I flew out to visit her in November, I had to brace myself for the fact that she had been ill for a few months. She was losing weight, and was very weak. Everyone said, "Be prepared...Mom doesn't look the same".  Yep.. she HAD lost a lot of weight. She was tiny. Her face was thin, her hair was thin.   Suddenly I saw her not as the feisty, strong, energetic Mom I had known all my life, but now a frail, helpless 73 yo woman.In her own words, "Getting old sucks!". (I always chuckle when I hear her say that!).

The tables have turned.

It reminds me of that Robert Munsch children's book Love You Forever (the only book of his that I really enjoyed).  We spent our time talking about life and death (never really talked much about dying before). I certainly am not ready for my mom to die and apparently she's not ready yet, either. We laughed and cried about that.   She sat down a lot while I took over preparing meals and tidying up (giving my dad a break!). Interestingly, I felt 'right' in my new role. We had the best visit in years, as I curled her hair, gave her a foot massage, and painted her toenails.

Since my visit, Mom has gained some weight, is 'eating like a horse', but she still tires easily, and lives with arthritic pain.. Although she may never be the strong, active senior she was, she still has a lot of spunk left in her. I'm hoping and praying she does have a good number of years left. No small thanks to my wonderful Pops who selflessly cares for her daily. I hear he's getting to be a pretty good cook, too!

So, Happy Birthday love to my mom, from across the miles!! (She doesn't read my blog, but I'm sure she's feelin' the love today!).