Isn’t that the truth! Life—a meaningful life—is all about give and take…
On yesterday (Saturday), my Mother and I got to spend the day together. Every year, there is an event in Birmingham where hundreds of vendors set up at Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center and sell their hand-made, vintage and shabby products. Needless to say, we had a blast.
I don’t know if it’s the spring feeling in the air or if it’s that I’m getting older, but I feel sooo, sooo melancholy and grateful for all I have, especially my family and animals.
Mother has been feeling a little ill and when we first talked about it, she didn’t want to go. She seemed tired and a little weaker than her normal self. And it worried me. Not that she doesn’t still have more get-up-and-go than people half her age, but she had been sick. We talked about it again and she decided that she wanted to get out and we made a day of it. We had a fabulous day.
Sometimes, I want to freeze moments in time. I want to capture these precious times I have with my Mother, stuff them way down deep in my heart and replay them over and over again. It really wasn’t about being at the festival. It was about being together and spending time with each other. I am grateful for every second of the day. I give thanks for every conversation, all our laughs, the meal we shared and the friendship we have. Mother doesn’t ever meet a stranger. On yesterday, she saw someone standing in front of us about to pay for something. Without a thought, she turned to the woman and said, “what are you going to do with that”? And without hesitation, the woman told her.
I’ve always been observant of human interactions. I love to see how the same person responds differently to different people. And Mother has a special way. When she asked the woman her question, it was almost like it slipped out with her smile. And the woman didn’t hesitate for a second in answering. Mother is that way with everyone. Everyone is equal and she sprinkles joy over everyone whether they want it not! J
I give thanks every day to still have her. And I don’t take her, our relationship or our time together for granted.
Last Saturday, she got to attend the class that I taught on dominoes. It was another day of fun and laughter.
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| Mother’s Dominoes (3rd from left (from my new “angel” line) and “hand” on right) and mine (from my new “angel” line). Made in the class I taught on February 28, 2015 |
When it was over, she told me over and over again how proud of me that she is. And my heart again swelled with gratitude for her.
Make sure you give thanks for your loved ones. Cherish every single moment you have with them. Every. Single. Moment. You never know when God is going to call them home.
Blessings to you!
Charity & The Horse Mafia
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