Mom is eighty-eight. Her last surviving siblings are declining so I offered help Mom travel to the Midwest to see them one last time. My cousin Kathleen joined us and we flew out of LAX last Tuesday. Our first stop is Rushville, Indiana, where Aunt Katherine lives. Today we went on a field trip to see one of the last covered bridges still standing.
Aunt Katherine (l) and Mom at the entrance to the bridge. They are looking out over Indiana farmland. The corn must be ten feet high and sparkling from yesterday’s storm.
I would like to tell you more but it’s a whole story, including heartache, frustration, love and devotion. I need to take care of my roommate – Mom – and be a good fellow traveler. With your indulgence I’m going to step away from the blog for a couple of weeks to spend time with my family. I want to put the laptop away and be present in this most precious moment. More later. Love, Lynne
I lost my mother in January at the age of 78.
You are a wise woman.
I’m sorry, Christine. Today is the 5 year anniversary of my dad’s passing. Amazing how you continue on even in spite of such grief and loss. I wish you peace and solace.
Lynne, what a selfless and challenging endeavor, but one that you will never regret. Cherish this time! I hope you are recording all those precious memories.
Excellent decision Lynne. Enjoy the precious moments.
Take all the time you need, Lynne. Sometimes, being present in the present is the best gift we can give ourselves. And those we love. Time passes so fast, and once it’s passed, we can’t get it back. Hope you ladies have a wonderful trip!
Enjoy this wealth of time with your Mom, Lynne. I can just imagine you absorbing the history of your Mom’s and Aunt’s era up to present time. Looking forward to reading your blog when you return. My best to you and Marie – safe travels.
Oh please do … step away for these few weeks – have been thinking about my dad a lot lately and how I missed him those last 6 weeks he was alive (?) following his stroke – do visit now! Big hugs and enjoy your time!
I wish my mom was still alive so I could do what you’re doing! Savor the days you have together.
Enjoy your time with your mother and her siblings.
I travel with you IN MY MIND! Enjoy EVERY moment!
Love precious time with family – Enjoy!
Have a safe trip and store the precious memories.
xoxo
deb
Thanks, Deb. Always good to hear from you.
Enjoy every minute. What a wonderful gift you are providing for your mom, her sisiter, and of course, you.
Thanks, Joan. I’m blessed to be able to do it.
My mom passed away 18 months ago at the age of 92. When my sisters and I gathered that weekend, the times we talked about and laughed about the most were our “girl trips” with Mom. Precious memories. Do be in the moments.
Susan, we drove away from my aunt’s house last night laughing our heads off over a fart episode…it was hysterical. I don’t think we’ll ever forget THAT! I won’t say which of us four girls was the culprit, due to not wanting to be excommunicated.
Lynne, did you hear my cheers for you? What a gift to make these special memories with your mom and aunt. Enjoy every precious moment away from your laptop and in the present moment.
Kathy, I must be under your influence. I read it as “enjoy every precious memoir moment…”
Aww, Lynne, that warms my heart. I’m sure you will gather many memoir moments to share…or not! xo
Good decision, Lynne, I wish I had these moments with mine.
Enjoy every one.
Thanks, Marla. It’s so weird to be here in the Midwest. Town has 6300 peeps. Everywhere are stone lions, individually painted, to show support for the local high school. I mean, lawn ornaments that are not temporary! About 3′ tall and heavy. Some people have two on their front porch. The other meme is stars. Every third house has a star affixed to an outer wall; some people even have topiary designed as stars. They are meant to show support for our troops. Very red state, very kind, very beautiful.
Enjoy this time to its fullest, Lynne.
Thanks, Linda. I felt good that I could say I’m dropping out of sight for a while, and know that you all will still be there.
My heart is with you. I’m spending as much quality time with my roommate – Mom – who is 89. Every shared moment will be a fond memory.
Helps me remember what’s important.
This is such an important time for both you and your mom. I am doing these types of things with my mom who is also 88. Enjoy your moments. xo Laura
It’s both a joy and a challenge, Laura. Rich, deep, multi-layered. Best wishes to you and your mom.
I know you will treasure this trip…these are moments to hold in your heart to keep them safe.
Thanks, Mimi. And thanks again for telling me about David at Lead.Learn.Live. I was listening to my ipod while walking yesterday, hearing that band he told us about (Gregory Alan Isakov), and feeling tears for the Heartland.