I've been thinking of my Mom today.  For the last few weeks actually.   Each time we welcome a new baby, the missing starts all over again.  She passed away when I was seven months along with Sarah, my first.  Little snippets of memory sneak up on me and I wish... I just wish it could have happened differently.  That she could be here to rock my babies and drive me crazy like only she could.
 I remembered something last night.  A time when I came home for a weekend visit from college. She'd been fighting cancer for a couple of years already and her health was poor.  The house was a mess.  A dusty, cluttery mess.  I found her out in her garden rocking her grandbaby in a swing.  And I was bothered by the house.  By the mess.  Why couldn't she just pick up a little before spending time doing something else?  Childish thoughts coming from a twenty something child.  She was singing nursery songs and bouncing her baby up and down.  The afternoon light was just right and they looked so peaceful and happy.
I remembered something last night.  A time when I came home for a weekend visit from college. She'd been fighting cancer for a couple of years already and her health was poor.  The house was a mess.  A dusty, cluttery mess.  I found her out in her garden rocking her grandbaby in a swing.  And I was bothered by the house.  By the mess.  Why couldn't she just pick up a little before spending time doing something else?  Childish thoughts coming from a twenty something child.  She was singing nursery songs and bouncing her baby up and down.  The afternoon light was just right and they looked so peaceful and happy. I held my newborn son tonight and breathed in his lovely baby smell. I kissed his perfect mouth and felt a Love so strong it actually hurt.  I thought of you, Mom.  As I surveyed my messy house I laughed at the lesson it took me ten years to learn.  Babies don't keep.  I know that now.  Thanks for your example Mom.  I love you and miss you so much tonight.
I held my newborn son tonight and breathed in his lovely baby smell. I kissed his perfect mouth and felt a Love so strong it actually hurt.  I thought of you, Mom.  As I surveyed my messy house I laughed at the lesson it took me ten years to learn.  Babies don't keep.  I know that now.  Thanks for your example Mom.  I love you and miss you so much tonight.
 
4 comments:
Oh, Niki. So true. I'm bawling my little eyes out.
Niki, after losing my mom before EB was born, I also have had moments like the one you just shared. I miss my mom ever so much. Let your house be messy. YOu can't ever get that time back! And honestly, your kids won't remember that anyway.
Thanks Niki! I needed that!
My heart ached for you in reading this. I'm sure your Mom is so proud that you've "got it" already and are soaking it all in.
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