The Circle of Life

I have said so many, MANY times before that things come full circle in life. I am experiencing yet another one of those situations as I now live again with my mother for a time.  Her house is quaint, one that anyone would love living in because it has charm and a warmth that only a Mother can provide. I have needed this warmth and time of healing for a very long time, and there is no one else that can do this for me like my Mother.

Mom is a funny sort, literally funny. She laughs and we laugh together, she is a jokester at heart. Growing up with my Mom has so many delightful memories..she loved playing tricks on people, silly things that kept everyone in stitches, fake throw up by the toilet, fake mice that she hooked up by a string, hid and then as you walked by she would pull it across in front of you, and you danced like nobody’s business; and loads creating an explosion in cigarettes of co-workers at Evan’s Grain where she worked for 18 years.

 

A typical look from Mom

After Evan’s Grain Mom joined Phazes Salon & Day Spa and spent 24 years by my side. At times tensions were high because we were so consumed with business. No one had our back like my Mom. She always stood for principle and at times would challenge an employee or customer if they were taking advantage of us. She is a woman that never backs down on what she believes in, and family blood runs through her veins more than anyone I know. She will defend her children, grandchildren, parents and siblings like no bodies business. In truth she’s not always popular, because she says what she feels and lives what she preaches. I find this rare these days.

The integrity and commitment I have in my life is due to the example she has set for our family and me. This is a woman that hates pomp and circumstance, particulary if it is over her. I admire that in this day and age when so many of us seek the approval and attention from worldly matters.

 

Sherry, Mom and me

I never comprehended how much my mother loved me until I had my first born son T.J.. I remember calling my Mom from the hospital after I delivered and saying to her, “I never knew you loved me this much.” The love of a mother is second to none, other than God’s love for us, which, I suppose, is uncomprehendable. He did give us families after all. I cannot imagine life without my family, and I am sure you feel no different. I have been blessed with not just good parents but great parents. They started as teenagers back in the 50’s. Times were different then and work was a plenty. I know few women that worked harder up until she retired than my Mom. This woman labored and found satisfaction in it. She began working full time when I was 3 years old. When she came home from work she cleaned and cooked (another second to none), sewed clothes for us kids, washed window every month, played with us, talked to us, took Sherry and I shopping and made family trips fun.

Another typical scene..Mom cooking in the kitchen. (look at those homemade rolls) 

My Mom is grey now and still beautiful, and, I know my mother will die some day, and I will miss her terribly. It will also be a day of celebration for her because she will be able to rest from her labors. She has sacrificed much and deserves rest from this world. That may sound morbid for we are uncomfortable speaking of death but I have become somewhat comfortable with the thoughts of a beautiful life after death. I have many loved ones on that other side and someday we will all join them.. and Oh what a good day that will be!