Showing posts with label being an only child. Show all posts
Showing posts with label being an only child. Show all posts

Monday, September 27, 2010

September 27, 1971 was Monday


My post on September 27, 2009--it still says how I feel. .
..and the day I became a motherless daughter.

I cried in Dad's arms five times and probably at least another five times by myself. At one point, during that longest day ever, I stretched myself on Mom's side of their bed, where she'd been just three days prior. I wanted to be close to her. I wanted her to come back. I didn't know how sick Mom was or maybe I did and just in teenage denial.

On this day in 2009, Pastor Rickie Rush, of the Inspiring Body of Christ Church, spoke of shame. How things of your past are great canidates for shame. How Satan reminds you of these things and tell you how you're not worthy. The shame occurs when you believe the words Satan's spews. Yes, you will always have struggles as you journey to your blessings, that's where Satan's really wants to latch on, so you can fail. God wants to see how you react. If you can handle what HE has instore for you.

After Mom died, I felt so unworthy of many things. I trace alot, if not all, back to that 1971 day. As an adult, I realized when I was a kid, didn't think I was as special as somebody with a Mom. My Dad adored me, as did the rest of my family, but I wonder since I missed out on something--was I worthy enough? Satan had a grip on me. I know that now. I felt shame over my Mom's death. I carried guilt that I could have prevented it--if I just opened my mouth.

Mom wanted to have weight loss surgery. She wasn't a Half Ton Mom, like you see on TV, far from it. Yet she wanted it, to escape her 300 pounds yo-yo dieting, especially due to the success her sister and my 17 year old cousin seemed to have. On a June day, the doctor gave the final OK for surgery. Mom was euphoric. Mom held me close as she nearly skipped with joy from the doctor's office. Mom shouted how this time next year, how thin she would be.

A boulder slammed in the bottom of my stomach. I wanted to scream "NO! Don't do it!" But I didn't.

Three months later, after several complications, Mom died of yellow liver atrophy.

Our family doctor told me he advised Mom not to have it. My dad told me over and over, how Mom wanted this surgery and it didn't matter what anybody said. Dad, also said through the years, to not to feel guilty--how Mom wouldn't want me to. That's alittle easier said than done.

In service today, Pastor Rush said how words from those that are suppose to love you causes shame too. Explains alot. Especially when my step-mother would inform me how I didn't quite measure up to being the best daughter or that a man would want me because I didn't cook enough. After Mom died, I so longed for a mother figure. I settled for hurtful words to get what I thought I wanted.

I didn't wait for God to work it out, as Pastor Rush said. God had to put me in quarantine as He did His work on me. I skipped that step--ALOT, and tried to do it myself. In those cases, Satan roasted his marshmallows and had a good time. I know that now.

I'm not perfect, yet I see things more clearly now. I try to remember more memories of Mom---the good and the bad (she could spank in blink of an eye!). I was 13 when she died on this day in 1971. I think of how hard it was for Dad to wake his daughter and tell her Mommy was gone. So much we missed out on--our entire family.

Yet, I realize I am worthy. I always have been. God waited patiently for me to get there, even tho I wasn't so patient on myself. I still make mistakes. Sometimes I hear Satan whisper in my ear, but I don't hear him as much as I do. The beauty of being born with no left ear (microtia) so I turn to my left and all I 'hear' is hot air.

I celebrate Mom's life and continue with the dance our spirits still do today.

I am blessed.

Friday, September 24, 2010

September 24, 1971 was Friday

Just like today.
I recall that sunny 1971 day very well.
I was in 8th grade-the highest grade in our junior high-
Rough and tough, our class yelled the loudest
Our first pep rally for our junior high football guys--
We were in 8th grade and next year HIGH SCHOOL!
Couldn't wait to race home and tell my folks-
My mom tried to listen, so did my dad.
Mom lie in bed. Dad sat in a chair next to the bed.
I knew Mom hadn't felt well, I just didn't know how bad-
Until one of Mom's friends came to the house with her
Daughter who was my age, and shortly thereafter
An ambulance arrived.
As my Mom was strapped to a gurney to leave our home,
She pet our Siamese cat, Minglee, who I held
Hostage in my arms. and I leaned over to kiss her--
"Mama love" she said--like she did every night.
Then Mom told me I was to be the woman of the house
When she wasn't there.
I bit my lip. Didn't want Mom to see me cry.
That was the last time I saw my mother alive.
Three days later Mom was dead.
I was 13.
And I cried.


Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Makin' Friends

Remember how easy it was to make friends in grade school? A chocolate chip cookie and BFF's for life--or until at least recess. As I've gotten older and continue to ignore everything AARP 'invites' me to, makin' friends seems harder.

What do you think?

Maybe it's all the stuff we've experienced to get us to this point. In the deepest part of the valley to the highest tip of the mountaintop--if we're gonna be friends let's just FF and get on with it. For me, to discover your favorite food, movie, color etc, can be fun--yet not as much fun as when I was 15.

Does my impatience show?

Friends are important to me. They truly are. Wish I could just recycle or clone the ones I've had for years so I wouldn't have to worry about makin' new ones. Since I'm an only child I can be picky. More so now, I'm older. I am loyal. Yet you tick me off once---well, we'll have to review your application.

OK. That's wrong of me, isn't it? Yea it is. I really need to embrace makin' brand new friends. There are those I know who will be roses in my garden. I know that. I really do.

I just really want the friendship thing to just get on it---hence my impatience.

Times were easier when it was all about a chocolate chip cookie.



Thoughts of Past Loves

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