Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day Ladies! I hope you have a wonderful, family filled day and make lots of memories!

I am the daughter of a lovely 82 year old woman who has been there for me through thick and thin. We had a bumpy start. We were like oil and water in my teen years and I distanced myself from her much of my adult life. I moved back to my home town 12 years ago, let go of all the hurt and anger of my youth (finally!). I realize now how much harboring all that resentment for all those years kept me from really living a happy and fulfilled life. It affected every aspect of my life. I just wasn't aware that it went so deep until it was gone. Forgiveness and freedom go hand in hand. I was free to start all over again with my mom. For 11 years now, we reside next door to each other. An addition was added onto our home for Mom. She has a great apartment of her own and is totally independent, but right next door. For the first several years my mom was lively and spry. She got around better than I did sometimes. She was always on the go, dancing, traveling, enjoying life. Now she has a hard time getting around. I read an article in the May 6th issue of Woman's Day Magazine entitled "Bonus Years", that describes me as a Designated Daughter. I guess that pretty much sums it up. I have 3 other sisters, but I am the main caregiver. That's OK. I wouldn't change it for anything. God has given us a second chance and I appreciate it. We are great friends and confidants. We go to lunch together, doctor visits, shop together (mostly she sits, I shop) and often we just do nothing together. We see each other every day. She's been my rock and has taught me so much. I'm blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to give some of that back. Later this month my mom, myself and 3 sisters are traveling to Sacramento to visit her sister and our many California cousins. Our trip has snowballed into a huge family reunion. Cousins are coming from everywhere! Mom is so excited. She expects this to be her last trip to California. I expect it will be, too. Traveling is just too big a deal for her, so we are going to make every minute count and make some wonderful memories. I'm humbled the Lord chose me to be the Designated Daughter. Thank goodness that He doesn't leave these decisions up to us and knows what's best for us. I would never have volunteered for this job, but I am truly blessed to have it. The pay is great and the benefits are more precious than I could have ever imagined. This experience has made me rethink my priorities, given me new perspective. It has made me a better daughter, mother and grandmother. Thanks Mom, I love you very much. You're the best.

Til next time...God Bless,

Celene