Lessons Learned as a Small Town Chick

Forever Gone

I cannot let today go by without paying tribute to my mother.  She passed away one year ago today at eighty-three years of age.  It isn’t until someone is gone forever, that you slowly come to the realization that any frustrations, large or small, that you had with that person were not worth the time you spent on them. 

 

If Mother were here today I wouldn’t mind her ramblings, or her worries about every detail of her life.  To be spoiled by her with my favorite meal, a backrub, or a listening ear as an audience to my life are no longer options.  I miss her.  She was a strong person, stronger than I ever gave her credit. 

 

“Happy first birthday in heaven, Mother.”

 

Lesson learned:  Appreciate your friends and family today.  Tomorrow won't always be there.  

Family Christmas

Reflecting on Christmas this year, I'm reminded of Christmas as a child.  How, even though I knew there was no Santa (since my parents never promoted the idea) I still hoped in the back of my mind that he really was REAL.  I well remember sticking the fluffy foil Christmas tree branches into the 'trunk' of the tree.  And I loved to shuffle across the carpet in my white knee-hi socks to touch the foil tree so I could get shocked and see sparks. 

Christmas was a small event for us with just my parents and sister at the table.  Mother always prepared chicken and dressing for our dinner and had pumpkin pie for dessert.  We'd open our few gifts and then enjoy the day together, relaxing, playing with toys. 

Lesson Learned:  Simpler is better...take time for each other...things can be added and replaced but time can only be spent once.