So, I haven’t shared much of this before now, but my Mom’s had some health issues this summer and is currently recouping at my sister’s. My sister, a nurse by trade and a caretaker by heart, has fluffed the pillows, simmered the soup and baked the bread. Mom’s snuggled, tucked and loved and if there is a place for her that’s better than sissy’s, I’d be hard pressed to tell you where it is.
Chatting Sunday, I was startled when Mom give me something other than her usual “I’m fine.”
Knowing I was planning a visit this fall anyways, she said, “I think you ought to come sooner than later. Besides, I can use the help.”
And, to the best of my ability, when Mom asks, I go.
So with that, I’m prairie-bound this morning.
I’ll try my best to help, to cheer, to comfort, and to engage. I’ll also take the opportunity to say the things I need to say. Because as hard as it is to get those words out, those are the one I think most need to be said. You know what I mean: expressions of emotion that dwell so close to our hearts that they pinch when we release them. And even though I’ll probably stumble my way through, I’m determined to step over my fears and say them anyways.
And mostly? Mostly I aim to do for her what she’s done for me.
“What the daughter does, the Mother did.”
-unknown
