The past two days (Mother's Day and the day before) were really great with Mom. Yesterday we loaded the girls into the car, plus Sarah and Sherri, and we took Mom for a drive to the Amador Flower Farm just past Plymouth. It was wonderful for Mom to get out of the house. And she was able to maintain her energy for much longer than I expected. We were out for six hours and it was a gorgeous day! We had some challenges getting her around the flower farm, but we perservered and made it work! What a glorious and wonderful day! Then today was Mother's Day and she was able to join us at our house. Chris and Layla's came (it was great to see Savannah, Joe, and Marilyn all together), as did Sherri. Even though the weather wasn't the best, the gathering really was fun. We stayed inside and I BBQ'd burgers and hot dogs. I also got out some old comic books just for kicks and Joe said even though he's never really read comics before, he still really liked them. That was fun. Now we get to the reason this all was bittersweet. I of course gave my mom a Mother's Day card. I gave it to her in my truck as I was getting ready to drive her home. She broke down when she read it. And my mom never cries. The last time I remember her crying was when I was in high school. It was very poignant as you might imagine. And I got choked up. She knows this is her last Mother's Day and no matter how much we focus on the positives of everything, today the sadness got to me. After I got my mom settled at her place and drove back home, I balled like a baby with Sarah and Sherri. Wow! It just came pouring out. That was around 3:00 and my eyes are still sore. But those of you who know me know that I'm a positive guy and I can't help but find the silver linings. Even with the sad tears from today, one of the best serendipitous moments happened when my mom said through her tears, "Sometime, when you're traveling with your family and happy, and you feel a warm breeze and hear laughter on the wind, just know that it's me." I can't help but cry as I remember it now. Wherever life takes us, that's a new wonderful memory of my mom - laughter on the wind. I think I'll make a picture frame with that saying.
