Oh the Little Things

So I just got back from a Thanksgiving dinner with my mother, brothers and our families.  It was a little bit different this year as it wasn't the traditional celebration which we typically hold in one of our homes. No, this year it was held at the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center.

You see, my  82 year old mother was seriously injured in a car accident on July 19th and things have been less than normal ever since.

So today, the staff at the nursing home prepared Thanksgiving dinner for all the residents and all their families.  Turkey, potatoes and gravy - you know, the traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings.  It's such a tremendous under-taking.  I can't even begin to imagine preparing a meal for 225 people!

Anyway, as you might suspect, this is a pretty big deal for the home and for the residents.  It takes a lot of planning and preparation to make a perfect day for all the invited guests.

So last night I made a trip to the nursing home with my curlers and dippety-do in tow.  Grandma had to look her best for the celebration.  I've been playing hair dresser for my mom ever since she took up her new residency, so it was the normal tuck and curl session until mom spoke up with a bit of hesitation.

"I'm a bit nervous," she said.

"About what?" I asked.

"Tomorrow," she admitted.

"But why?" I quizzed. " You don"t have to prepare the meal.  Your don't even have to set the table.  You just have to show up and enjoy!"

"I don't know," she admitted.  "I just am!"

I continued to curl her silver gray hair as her wrinkled, well aged hands handed me the curlers.  My thoughts turned to the days when my mother spent hour upon hour preparing the perfect holiday meal for  us.  She enjoyed the holidays and she loved putting her special touch on each and every intricate detail.

I wondered.  How could I reassure her that tomorrow would be alright and why is she so nervous anyway?  Then it occurred to me.  She had every reason to be nervous. Tomorrow she would view and be viewed by the public for the first time since her accident.  Tomorrow she would be seated around the table with her family for the first time since in four months.  Tomorrow she would be facing a new kind of normalcy and as exciting as it was, there was still a bit of hesitancy.  I wondered
if she kind of felt like us kids did the night before Christmas.  Looking forward to tomorrow but not quite knowing what to expect.

Then she broke the silence with a simple request.  "Diane," she said.  "Would you please remember to bring up a pair of earrings for me tomorrow?  I haven't worn earrings since the accident."

"Sure mom.  Sure."  Earrings.  She missed dressing up and she missed wearing her earrings.  Who would have ever thought?

So today we gathered for our Thanksgiving Day celebration.  Mom looked beautiful.  She had her earrings, but more importantly, we had each other.  Dear God, thanks for this very special day  and thanks for giving us another day to love, embrace and appreciate.  This is a Thanksgiving I will never forget.  God is good.  Thanks be to God!

Mom Knows Best

Just when you think your kids are grown and they no longer need their mother, something happens that brings a smile to your face and makes you realize a mother's advice is always needed --- no matter how old you are.

 A couple of weeks ago I received a phone call at work. It was my oldest son with the strangest question. "Mom," he said.   "Do you think it's okay to wear a suit to parent teacher conferences?"

"Aw ha," I thought. Another "first" in my son's ever growing role as a young parent. Today was the first time he would be meeting with his daughter's kindergarten teacher at a parent-teacher conference.

 Without giving it a second thought, my answer immediately rolled out. "NO".

"What?" he asked. "Why not?"

 "Because!"  I exclaimed.  " People read into the way you dress."

"Yes - exactly," he bounced back. "That's why I'm wearing a suit!  I want to be taken seriously."

"If you want to be taken seriously," I suggested, "you show up and you act educated."

"But some people wear a suit to work everyday and they go to conference in a suit," he explained.

"Yes, but you don't," I confirmed.  My son and his wife own and manage apartment buildings in the metro area. While this  job is very demanding and he must project a professional image, his typical work attire is blue jeans and a company shirt.   How could this be the same son who appalled his mother when he showed up at his first child's baptism in blue jeans?

Then a voice radiates in the background and it suddenly all makes sense.  "Don't worry Diane," my daughter-in-law shouts.  "I'll even us out.  I'm wearing blue jeans for our FIFTEEN MINUTE CONFERENCE!"

"But I'm already dressed," Jerod explained.

"Go change your clothes," I challenged.

I had to smile. This was one proud daddy who wanted nothing but the best for his daughter. He would show up in a loin cloth if he thought it would guarantee the success of his daughter. It was so obvious.  He meant well but his wife didn't agree and a quick phone call to Mom would prove him right. Sorry son, but this time I have to disagree.

 As I hung up the phone, my heart filled with love and a smile lit my face. I was needed. My opinion was valued. Life was good.

 Today I sit back. I'm still smiling, but I can't help but wonder. I was right, wasn't I? You never should try to be something your not, even if someday your daughter is going to be president of the United States.

So  President Joslyn, may I be the first to apply?  Someday you may be a mother and I'm sure you'll agree.  Mom does knows best and who would be a better presidential advisor?  Hail to the chief!Don't you think she would make a cute commander in chief?