Mom & me enjoying a Killian's Irish Red @ Waxy O'Shea's Irish pub in Branson, MO
Chatted on the phone with my mom last night and here’s a sampling of topics we discussed:
- American Politics
- The Wikipedia leaks and their impact
- The passing of Elizabeth Edwards
- Hockey stats
- Restructuring of the business tax,
- Eye care in Canada vs. the U.S.
- Economic changes in Michigan
- Cost of imported fruit
Mom still lives on our family farm. She’s 80 now; a former school teacher and easily the smartest woman I know. She’s Mom to 5, Nana and great-Nana to many. She’s funny, charming, interested and interesting. She’s diplomatic, has a cheeky sense of humour and an amazing memory. She was a loving wife and partner to Dad for 52+ years. I know she misses him more than she would ever say.
Mom suffered a pretty serious fall recently and is convalescing at home. This has been a big adjustment for her; equate it to having her wings clipped. Right now, limited mobility, no driving, and regular assistance from my brother and sisters with perhaps more tasks than she’d like but …she’s gracious and appreciative. Still … a very big change for someone so fiercely independent.
Talking with her last night, her comment on the whole situation floored me: “Well at least I’m not flying.”
HA!
In response, I sang to her my local radio station’s new hit song for the holiday, “Grandma got molested at the airport” and we both roared with laughter.
Positive. Intelligent. Loyal. Kind. Determined. Loving. Fierce. Playful.
If I can be half the woman my tiny little Mom is some day, I will have achieved all I’ve aspired to.
