Over the Hills and Through the Woods

Today I am headed East to see my mother. It’s one of those events many do around the holidays – traveling to see family. And it’s both joyful and daunting.

It’s daunting – for family knows us. Our flaws. Our failures. Our frustrations – things that we call pet peeves. And they know how to push our buttons – and they are not hesitant to push said buttons. My mother will talk of me being out of shape, how the other siblings pay her more attention, and how I should get jeans without holes in the knees.

But it is joyful too for they are family. I see the love in her eyes and have the heritage of faith her and my father have passed on to me. So I delight in the time I can spend with her. It’s about a 7 hour round trip, so a visit is an all day event. But I am glad we still have her – knowing so many would give so much to just say I Love You again to ones they have lost.

And every time I talk to her, visit, or even think about her – I grieve over the impact age has had – memory loss and more. Her short term memory dystopia has taken an effect. I am grateful her long term memory is mostly intact.

In this holiday season – remember to embrace those friends and family that are around. Make memories. Forget the trivial daunting things and focus on the love and joy of relationships.

Life gets muddy – but family doesn’t care. They will get in the mud with you. That’s family.

Merry Christmas!