Jesus, thank you for blessing my mother and brother to arrive safely in El Paso. And Lord, I ask that you bless me with an even greater understanding of my mother as she stays with family for three weeks. Help me, Lord, to put our relationship in a new perspective, infusing our relationship with compassion, patience, love, and a sense of humor. Jesus, I pray too that all travelers/drivers safely arrive to and from their destinations. I'm praying special prayers for some people who have asked me to pray for a family member, Lord; remember them and heal them, Lord, as only you can. In Your Name, Amen.
As I was just telling Jesus, my mom, who has lived with me for six years, took a much needed vacation - at the prompting of my brother - yesterday. She probably hasn't seen her family in EP for at least as long as she's lived with me. Mom is 78. She doesn't like to fly and she was anxious about the drive to EP. It's a long drive, and the weatherman said it was going to rain. Fortunately, the rain held off, thanks Lord, and once mom is settled in at her sister's I think she will really enjoy spending time with her family. Normally she only stays for a week, but I think these three weeks will be a real treat for her. Her absence at my house has been interesting for me. I spent most of Thursday, after Carlton and mom left, thinking about my mother and how I felt about her being away. I began to think about how much parents, for good or bad, influence our lives. Now, I've lived alone before, so arriving to an empty house is no big deal for me. When I lived alone, I didn't have a dog, so Toby is an added bonus. Although Toby, poor thing, has to stay outside during the day, because mom isn't home to let him in and out of the backyard. I think it's cruel to have him cooped up all day in the front room, especially since I have a nice big backyard. He doesn't seem to mind, though, and is really happy when I'm home, as dogs normally are when their masters arrive from work.
I was sad when mom left and I wonder how much I'll do, or not do, while she is away. It's nice to know I don't "have to" do anything, not really, while she is vacationing. For example, if I don't feel like washing dishes, they don't get washed until I want to, and I'm okay with that.
I even *gasp* contemplated not going to church, but that was only a joke in my head. However, this does mean I don't need to get up early for anything and certainly not because someone else is awake in the house. I have tremendously enjoyed the quiet of my house. Mom usually has her t.v. blaring, in Spanish and English. I'll be able to study, read, and write, all in the quiet of my home!
One big goal I want to accomplish: organizing my kitchen. Yes, one day next week, or even the weekend, I will go through all the drawers, cabinets, etc and just throughout unused, unwanted things and keep all the necessities.
I must tell you, dear reader, and I would be remiss if I don't mention this: I wonder if mom's absence is God's way of preparing me for her death. Yes, morbid, so I won't dwell on it it too much, other than to say, I know I will appreciate my mom more than ever when she returns.
I think I did my mom right on Mother's day: I cleaned out her car, and vacuumed and wiped down the interior, took her car through a car wash, filled her car with gas, and bought her a dozen roses. Oh, and gave her some spending money for EP. I can only hope my actions let my mom know that despite our feuds, she is really loved and appreciated.
Hug your mom if she's close and tell her you love her; or call your mom, tell her you love her and then hang up. :) I mean really does anything more need to be said? :)
Remembering that we live finite lives doesn't need to make us sad; knowing we live finite lives forces us to realize we need to make every moment count.
God bless you all, each and every one.
"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa
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