I had the opportunity to take my mom on a business trip this week which we made into a long weekend and Easter celebration. I had no idea how this would go, but it was a joy with a lot of laughs.
My point is that if you have a living parent, an aunt/uncle or someone dear to you and you have the opportunity, try to make it happen. The very idea of it might overwhelm you at first, and if it does, give me a call. I’ll tell you my story and maybe it will help. I want to thank Dr. Mark Box, and Nancy Levota for inspiring me to take the leap! You both really inspire me!
Here are some things I learned (or was reminded of):
She’s a bit like me… I mean, when the fire alarm went off, she didn’t leave the room. I always think it’s a test (and it was), but that’s not the brightest conclusion… but we lived, so that’s for another day. Just an insight that in some way, shape or form, most of us end up like our parents.
She reminded me to stop and smell the roses and TO STAY AMAZED. I got a kick out of how her wonder of looking at the ocean was like a child. It was really cool actually. I too often don’t stop, although I honestly try. I can do better.
We all need to stop and celebrate. We toasted with real and virgin pina coladas, mai tais and iced tea. You really should do this with those that don’t expect it (AKA, in my world, older adults…).
She DIDN’T like the airport full-body, pat-down screening. Once again, being reminded that our WORLD IS CHANGING was good for her… Our world could use some simplicity, the kind technology doesn’t offer.
I hope this sparks your thinking! Do share if you decide to make the leap. I think even a trip to the zoo would be a delight!
Thank you for this wonderful story about your Mom. I had the good fortune of traveling with my Mom and sister for several years. I have a group of high school friends, we’re the YaYa’s, and whenever we had a trip planned to see each other, Mom was always included. She has known these girls for as long as I have, so in a way she was also Mom to them.
Mama passed away two years ago and I miss her more everyday. The year she died I had planned to take her to the Outer Banks for vacation. I even sent her photos of the house so she would know where she was staying. My whole family went that year and we celebrated our Mama and what she meant to each of us. It was a week of remembrance, tears of joy, tears of sadness but most of all a celebration for Mama. I hope she saw how much she was loved and missed.
Enjoy your Mom everyday and celebrate every little thing you get to do with her. Love and miss you, Brenda
Lori, I know Kay really had a great time. She told me she had a wonderful daughter. I agree. Jo Ann