Mamma Hugs

It isn't Mother's Day; it isn't her birthday; it is no where near the holidays, but this past week I've been missing my mom. She passed over to dance in the heavenlies in 1995. Wouldn't you think I would be over missing her by now? But, no. 

What I wouldn't give to see her face, hear her voice and get one of those strong, encouraging hugs. Is it just me, or do Mom's have a way of connecting with our emotions in a way no one else can....ever. Her hug was different from anyone on earth.

Perhaps its because we just moved into our new house. When Mom was here with us, any big change; or any small change, was discussed at length with her. We could sit for hours talking about nothing, which is not to say we agreed on everything. Far from it; but we talked about everything. She pushed my buttons on a regular basis and I'm sure I did the same for her, but when two people are so close the button pushing is just part of the relationship.

I remember her laughing and telling me she wished she could be around to see me when I get old. Of course it was so she could say, "I told you so." She's probably laughing right now and saying it from Heaven... Heaven.. her home now; my future home. (big sigh here.) One day, Mom, we are going to hook our arms and walk around Heaven for about a thousand years and catch up. We will laugh at all the silly things that bugged us about each other; we will remember and be amazed at how the Lord kept us all those years, and we will remember the fun, the laughter and the intimacy.

And there will be joy. Joy at seeing each other and joy at finally being with Jesus. How wonderful it will be to stand beside my Mom and talk to Jesus. Maybe, just maybe, He will wrap his arms around both of us at one time for a family hug. 

But for now, I am content and happy in our new home while deep in my heart and memory is a lovely lady who is a great example of a wife, mother, grandmother and person. Her life struggles growing up as the oldest of six children, living through the depression, sending a husband and four brothers off to war plus the later struggles with a husband who was wheelchair bound would make a book so staggering some would doubt it's truth. My mom was of 'that' generation. She was strong, competent, hard working and committed, but also loving, encouraging and funny. Early on I learned that humor and positive thinking gets me through a lot of hard places. 

Thanks, Mama, for loving me and never giving up on me. You always saw things in me that no one else did .... not even me. When you were on this earth, I had a protector, an encourager and a friend. I love you in a way that defies words. Save me a seat at dinner - I will see you one of these days.