Gratitude

I took just a moment to be...to just be.  I relaxed and focused my attention in a room filled with noises.  My mother was chewing loudly in the kitchen.  Normally this would irritate me but today it reminded me of the love I have for her.  This sweet woman who was my very best friend deserves to chew loudly.  She has earned the right to do exactly as she chooses.  She has been there for me all of my life.  She has cared for me, sacrificed for me, listened to me, and 'endured' me.  It is time for me to return the favor.  I know the term pay it forward (and I do that) but I need to remember to pay it back as well.  She will not ask.  She would NEVER ask! She is the 'giver' and always has been.  Even now, she wants to do for herself.  I will help her...gently and carefully, with respect, care, and love.  Yes!  She deserves that.  She has earned that. 

I am reminded of all of the work she has created for me.  I think about this for a moment and remember how it was when my children were young.  That was work too.  I did complain but took it in stride as part of my life decision.  Hard work is not the issue.  It is the joy I receive from being able to care for another human being. 

The new puppy?  Yes...that was lots of hard work too.  There were messes to clean up but there were also many reasons to find laughter, smiles, joy, and pleasure.

Life is filled with interesting twists and turns.  There are myriad challenges.  Today, I am grateful for the challenge and thankful for the fact that it comes in a cute little package of a sweet old woman filled with the innocence of a young child with no memory of past hurts or grievances, no grudges, and no hidden agendas.  She wears a smile on her face and sits quietly.  She doesn't interrupt. She moves to the family room and sits off to the side waiting...waiting...waiting.  She doesn't ask for anything.  I offer to turn on the TV and she thanks me appreciatively.  I turn to her and give her a quick hug and tell her I love her.  Her face is transformed immediately.  It is total and unconditional love.  I can learn so much from her.