I dialed her number because I knew she would listen.
“Hello, Sunshine!” she exclaimed with the same loving tone I’d known for so long.
“Hi mom,” I said back, and let out a long sigh.
I didn’t have to say much because she knows when I sigh like that, something is troubling me.
Our conversation wasn’t long, and she listened with a compassionate and astute ear like always. No interruption, she let me say what I needed to say.
When I finished, she said to me – in her matter of fact way – “what are you going to do?”
I was used to this question; she’d been saying it to me for years. I wanted to scream, “I don’t know! That’s why I called you.”
But I didn’t.
Instead, I smiled, beaming now, and said, “I’m going to be myself. My vulnerable, funny, creative, smart, and kind self. And I’m going to write one hell of a story.”
“That’s my, sunshine,” she said back to me with pride and love in her voice.
Or, at least I imagine that is the conversation we would have had recently if my mom were still alive.
Her lessons and words live on guiding me every day in business and life.
Never forget your roots, and always stay true to yourself.
Laura, bless you and certainly your mom. I know, I lost mine at age 13, and still miss her, I am now 69, but the good news is she always in my heart.
I’m sorry you lost your mom at such a young age, Lynn. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been. Thankfully, we carry them in our hearts always.
Laura your words released tears, but they were joyful tears. My Mom was an amazingly positive influence on my life. Thank you for sharing such an inspiring story.
Larry, thank you for reading my story. My mom is the inspiration behind much of what I do. She was a strong and courageous person, and no matter what obstacles got in her way, she persisted. I thank god every day for the insight and strength she passed along to me.
Amen to that
Laura, as someone who misses my mother and her encouragement, I send you a virtual hug. When I thought about eventually losing my mother, I did not know how I would survive. I was blessed having helped her leave this world, and I can still smell her scent, feel her skin and hair, and hear her voice. Without being presumptuous, I imagine you might share a similar experience. Your lovely writing continues to give us an inside look at the remarkable bond you shared. Thank you for this.💖
Darlene, thank you so much. Virtual hug gratefully accepted – and one sent back to you! As for the similar experience, absolutely. I often smell her perfume, especially during times when I’m uncertain or having a hard time. She was my rock for sure, and I miss her every day. I never imagined the last time I said goodbye to her would be the last time. But in my grief, I found this love for writing and so she is my inspiration every time I sit down to pen a thought. Thanks for being here, Darlene. I appreciate you.