We didn't grow up in a household that said "I love you" easily. It just wasn't part of my childhood. And yet ... there was not one day that I didn't feel loved and cherished by my parents, my grandparents, my aunts and uncles ... and some days ... my brothers and sisters. (We were kids ... we didn't always get along with one another.) Yes, we need more love in the world ... and yes, it's nice to hear it ... but it's MUCH better to live it ... so that your children feel it. I can't imagine a better gift ... and, as the refrain goes ... I'm trying now to be the person that my grandchildren believe I am!
Or I'm trying to be the person that my mom is ... someone who cares deeply for those less fortunate than she. Someone who still visits nursing homes ... even if she's a decade older than some of her "patients." After all ... she only gave up delivering meals on wheels in her early 80's. And she still cooks a meal and then serves it at the St. Francis House for those who only have one meal a day that they can count on.
When we give a party for my mom ... everyone comes who can. We have had as many as 60 in her backyard (at her 85th birthday). Her immediate family comes in one iteration or another ... this year it was her three oldest children and her oldest grandchild who made the trek. Suzanne helped us remember the "days gone by" as she sifted through Mom's photos ... finding pictures of when we were young. Well, we may no longer be young but we are still the luckiest family around ... because we have each other.
Those of you who have been around me when I've celebrated some milestone birthdays will remember my constant toast to my mom ... "To the woman who taught me all I know about joy." And that's a lot ... she's a joyful person. In my soul, I am, too. Some call it optimism. Some call it silliness.I know it's joy! Here's a little of both to welcome September!
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