Cherish Your Parents

Tonight, I am listening to my mother's wind chimes outside my window.

Mom died on February 23, 2010. It feels like she has been gone much longer than that.

After Dad's death, I called Mom every night to talk to her. I still think, around 10 p.m., that I need to talk to Mom. It is always a little jolt to realize that she isn't there to call anymore.

Today, while I was getting that first ever manicure, I was seated next to a lady who was there with her mother.  They reminded me so much of me and my mom that I found myself tearing up as I watched them interact. They were so close.

Losing your parents leaves a hole in your life that I fear can never be filled. I am trying, every day, to muddle through, because I know that neither one of my parents would want me to mourn them for the rest of my life. Some days, however, are just harder than others, and as the anniversary of Mom's death approaches, the pain in my heart seems to grow.

I used to get a little angry with Mom when she wanted me to drive 3 hours one way to visit her every weekend. Now I would drive all day and all night just to be able to see her again.

Cherish your parents while you can. You can never replace them.