I can tell when Mom is feeling better. Her sense of humor returns. Mom has a great wit and loves to use it whenever the opportunity arises. She also is not afraid of making a joke about herself. This past couple of weeks Mom has been in a more alert zone and less anxious, at times. And it is those times that I focus on, to get me through the not so great moments.
Two weeks ago both my girls and I, along with Mom, were in the kitchen preparing dinner. The chit-chat was light and fun. Somehow Mom got on the topic of the food bill. Food prices have sky rocketed. I do all the shopping, scouring food ads for specials, clipping and sorting coupons and making up a weekly dinner menu so I know exactly what to buy. I have honed this process down to a fine art. Feeling good about being a responsible shopper, Mom piped up and said that the food bill has gone up since I moved in. Now I take that with a large grain of salt considering that they were not eating healthy or a variety of foods prior to my arrival.
“Your mother spends so much more on food than when all the kids lived here,” stated Mom. “Well at least I’m not growing a pot plant in my room like someone else did,” I replied. Without missing a beat Mom deadpans, “If you could sell it for money that would be a help”. The girls and I howled and Mom was laughing, too! That was a great moment.
Then the other day I was grumbling about chauffeuring duties. It seems like I am always on the road for my daughter. And that is only one teenager. Mom replied, “I know – been there, done that”. As I was walking out the door I yelled back, “I don’t know how you did it with 5 kids. I would be insane!” “Well”, Mom paused, “maybe that is why I have problems today”. I laughed to myself all the way to the car. Making fun of yourself is a such a healthy sign. I relish this quick exchange of shared parenting.
You just never know if it is going to be an up or down day. You just have to wake up in the morning and pray for the best. God will take care of everything else.
And when those gems come along, making your day sparkle, you place them forever in your heart, allowing their light to shine through the dark times.
JaneEllen
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1 comment:
If you didn't write them down and record them, you might not remember them as well either.
Thanks for sharing with all of us.
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