Day 37
Today would have been my mother’s 91st birthday. To imagine she could have lived to 91 is mind blowing. She would have met all her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. If she would have lived to 80 or 70 or 60 or even 50 would have been such a blessing. But that was not to be. I suffered a lot after losing her at such an early age, but I am forever thankful that she was my mom.
Memories
I, of course have wonderful memories of my mom. She was a no-nonsense, call them like she sees them kind of person. She was not much to give out lots of cuddles, but her love was relentless and without question. She believed a lot more in self-sufficiency and women being strong than she felt about the importance of coddling us. She grew up in a time that women had to fight for whatever independence they had and she was definitely a fighter.
Photos from the Past
A few years ago I found some old scratched up photos of my mother I had never seen. Photos of her before she married my Dad and of course before any us were born. I have a deep affection for this woman I never met but somehow always knew.
My mom played in a women’s basketball league when we were growing up. She worked for Raytheon and they sponsored the league. This would have been over 50 years ago, so she was definitely ahead of her time.
Today I sit looking and thinking about all she missed. I close my eyes and picture her rocking my children or my grandchildren. Then I remember that every time I rock or hold them, she is, too. And she’s whispering in my ear reminding me to be grateful for every little moment.
I miss you, Mom. Happy Birthday.
“I love you every day. And now I will miss you every day.”
Mitch Albom
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