My mother has been on the other side of eternity for the past 13 1/2 years. As I write that, I question the authenticity of what I'm saying. That seems like a very long time ago. How can that be possible?
Out of curiosity, I did a Google search to substantiate the date of her death. Mother was born on December 6, 1925 and went to be with the Lord on December 4, 2010. We opted for her "celebration of life service" on her birthday.
Just yesterday, as I was thinking about my mother, the word playful came to mind. My mother enjoyed life. She had a sparkle in her eyes and a very playful personality. She could easily interact with both adults and children. There was something about the way she presented herself that she could light up a room by simply being present.
Mother was always conversational and engaging when our friends came over to play. She also frequently had homemade snacks for us to share with friends. During our elementary school years, she took on the responsibility for our cub scout troop leader.
Mother was also active in the PTA. When volunteers were needed, she never hesitated to step up to the plate. No one could have been more supportive of us.
Mother ensured that our childhood was filled with trips to the library, periodic movies for children, seasonal swimming lessons, frequent trips to the skating rink and weekly participation in a multiple of actives at church. We stayed busy.
Perhaps more importantly, she role modeled for us the importance and value of extended family. Mother was one of six children and all of the siblings lived with devotion to their parents and love and support for one another.
I guess that one of the reasons that I push back on the thought that my mother has been gone for the past 13 1/2 years is that she continues to be so much apart of my life that she is still present. The same is also true of my dad. Both made investments in our lives that continue to reap benefits.
I have a number of friends that lived a very different kind of childhood. Some detest the thought that Mother's Day should be recognized annually. They live with a sense of estrangement from their family of origin. That, too, has to be a disappointment even though they fail to express it.
I will spend this day counting my blessings and grateful that my mother continues to have a place of importance in my life.
All The Best!
Don
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