This past year has been difficult without my mom, but I owe so many people a deep gratitude for pulling me through.
My friend and colleague Beth has supported me throughout this year. In fact, she was in the room the day the call came in that my mother was in the hospital. Because of Beth, I was allowed to leave immediately to hurry to be with my mom. At one point last school year, I broke down in class, crying, and Beth was there with a hug and a shoulder for me. When I needed someone to watch my class as I pulled myself together, Beth was there. I am truly in her debt for her love, care and concern for me.
Milo and Mark, two other friend/colleagues of mine, both of whom have lost parents over the past couple of years, have been ready with hugs and ears to listen to me. They bought my family dinner, which we greatly appreciated. They have given me consideration and concern as well as support and advice. I don't know what I would have done without them.
I have other friend/colleagues who have been sweet and supportive of me. Jane, our principal's secretary is always ready with a hug; Linda who makes me laugh; Jess who lets me tease her and teases me back. Kim--always read to listen. And my principal, Jim, who offered to drive me to the hospital the day my mother died. Susan, Coleen, Laurie-who handed me a medal to keep with me, Brenda who painted me a gorgeous picture--I can't thank them enough.
Jenny, another friend/colleague whose mother passed away during the same year, has been a great resource for me. I have someone who understands how I'm feeling and what I'm thinking, and on those days when I'm less than 100%, I know Jenny will understand. To her, I say thank you as well.
My sweet son has been incredible over the past year. He's probably seen me cry more than a child should see his mother cry. He puts his arms around me, hugs me, tells me he misses Memaw too, and I'm filled with awe and gratitude for this child. This has been a huge year for him as well, as my mother cared for him from the time he was a baby. He tells me every so often how much he misses her wonderful pancakes. I feel so blessed to have him as my son.
This year has given my father and I an opportunity to know one another, and I'm grateful for our Saturday coffees. Never having had a grandfather, I'm so happy to see the rapport between my son and my dad. This year has taught me to take advantage of the time I have with my dad. I am grateful to have this opportunity to know him better.
The person who has held me most when I cry, and that's been frequent, the person who has listened to me, supported me, taken over with the mundaneity of life when I couldn't, is my husband. As hard as this past year has been on me, he has been with me throughout everything. I can't ask for a better mate, a more supportive partner than my husband. He doesn't really understand my pain, but that hasn't stopped him from taking care of me. I love my husband, and I'm glad he's been such a rock throughout this year.
My mom gave me life, love, guidance, strength, and friendship. She cared for me and my son. She pushed me through college and championed me during graduate school. She was my sounding board when I needed it, and my movie buddy from the time I was a child. The lessons I learned from her I carry with me each day. She always wanted for me what she never had...a college education and a career. I am eternally grateful for all her sacrifices so I could have such a fabulous life, surrounded my so many people who love me.
There are times when I don't know how I'm going to move forward, but then I look at the love in my life, and I realize I must keep going. Life is precious; I know that. And so are the people who fill my life.
