I just returned from a few days in my Southern California home town . We've had this trip planned for about five months since it was centered around a surprise birthday party for my mom's 60th in July. The weekend before we left, my dad had a heart attack after a routine surgery but thankfully was in the right place and right hands and they took excellent care of him. Those of us who planned the party talked everyday, trying to determine whether we should cancel the birthday celebration. We finally decided to let my mom decide. So, two days before the party, with my dad still in the hospital, we told her about the party - just not the details. When she was done crying she told my aunt, "we need to have this - we need a celebration right now for many reasons".
So, about fifteen of my mom's closest and dearest friends gathered this weekend to honor and celebrate my mom. Some of these ladies she met in grade school, high school and college and the rest she's met through church later in life. At one point, she went around the room and shared with the group how she met each of them and what they mean to her. It was beautiful to hear the stories of these friendships and the journeys they've taken together. My mom hasn't been able to drive since 1992, but her close group of friends support her in such a way that you'd never know. She's one of the busiest ladies I know and I don't think we'd ever talk if she didn't have a cell phone! She and her friends are busy each week with church activities, work in the community wherever help is needed and day trips to the beach for walks in the sand.
We all had a homework assignment too: bring one thing that symbolizes what Linda means to each of us. I took this quite seriously and searched for weeks for just the right thing that said it all. I agonized over this week after week until I finally realized that all the wonderful things that I wanted to say about my mom comes down to her love. My mom has this incredible heart that holds unknown capacity for unconditional love, forgiveness and tolerance. She welcomes everyone into her home, family and heart based on her immediate sense that they're a good person. She extends this love to the homeless, hungry and even incarcerated (I mentioned at the party that I thought she was nuts when she told me she was going to pray for inmates with a friend at the prison) with the work she does through many organizations and her church to help them. And, amazingly, my mom has never been taken advantage of - other than the Cable company who's name will go unmentioned because they know who they are.
There were many, many tears shared during this celebration. Most by me. And mom. And my sister-in-law who also gave my mom a heart to represent what she means to her. As I listened to each of her friends and family telling my mom how wonderful she is and how much she means to them, I couldn't help but feel so proud to be her daughter. She is an amazing woman. She is what I work hard each day to be. To have a heart that can just give and give, so effortlessly and unconditionally is truly a gift I wish for everyone.
ps. The "crown" my mom is wearing was part of the celebration and made by my daughter, Marcelena - not something she normally wears!
Loved this post Gina! What a wonderful celebration for your mom during a challenging time. Glad your dad is doing better.
Posted by: Melissa Moog | June 25, 2009 at 11:39 PM