"STANDING IN FOR MY MOM"

During the middle of last week, I took a trip to Chicago. Thanks to those of you who wished me well. Did I have a good time? I didn’t think so at first but after I caught the Greyhound to come home, I began to think about the whole situation and I realized it was a good visit after all.

My mother’s sister, Aunt D., lives in Chicago with her daughter, son-in-law and step-grandson. Approximately three years ago, she had a heart attack, and she is also diabetic. She has basically had to stay at home each day, you might say “alone” due to the fact that her daughter and step-grandson works during the day, and her son-in-law generally stays in his room. My aunt is very lonely.

While there, I spent a great deal of time with her; keeping her company. She loves to have me come visit her because I remind her of my mother. In fact, I am almost a spitting image of my mother, especially when I wear my glasses. When I am there, it fills a void, one for the loss of my mother, and the other because she has company. My aunt once told me that when I am there, it is like having my mother there. I didn’t think too much of it until her daughter repeated the same thing to me. During the visit, I was a little out of sorts because I wanted to get out a little more than I did and do some fun things, but my aunt would get upset if my cousin took me anywhere.

When I got on the Greyhound , on the way home, I got a chance to think. I am flattered to be able to step in my mother’s shoes for a few days, and if it makes her sister happy to have me there, “standing in for my mom” that is beautiful. My heart goes out to both my aunt and her daughter as she not only takes care of her mother, she takes care of everyone. She is one of God’s sweet spirited people who loves everyone, and everyone loves her too. I am learning, by the Grace of God to appreciate the older people in my life and cherish every second I am blessed to have to spend with them. To you Aunt D. I love you -- thanks for making me feel special.