Go ahead, make my day

For the longest time, this little poem was hanging up in my grandmother's kitchen.  My grandmother was so much fun; she was the epitome of kind.  I remember going places with her - to her neighborhood grocery store, or going out to dinner, and everyone knew her.  No, it was more than that -- everyone was so happy to see her.  She was so friendly to all she would happen to meet...she was like a ray of sunshine!

 

She's been gone for nearly six years, and it now hangs on my refrigerator.  It's so...simple, isn't it?  The smallest action really can make someone's day.  I can't help wondering what the world would be like if each day every person looked for ways to do one kind thing for another person, just something simple to brighten someone else's day...something simple to spread a little sunshine... 

 

Beth

presence of love

March 25, 2006.  On that day...my mother was surrounded by family members - literally surrounded by love.  On that day...I held her hand...as she drew her last breath of life.  Took a long time of desperately trying to forget my memories of March 25, 2006, and replace them with any of my lifetime of happier moments. 

When I woke up yesterday, March 25, 2011, that day five years ago was on my mind.  FIVE.YEARS?!?  How can that be?  At times it seems like it happened just yesterday.  Other times it seems like forever ago.  It is...timeless.  No matter how much time has passed, this feeling remains:  I WANT MY MOMMY!

Time marches on, and so would the day...shower, get dressed, leave to drop Jen off at school, and continue on to work...until BAM!  Someone decides to make U-turn in the middle of the street and hits my car.  Well, that instantly took my mind off that day five years ago.  Head hits window of car door, and neck and back already hurting a little.

Having never been in a car accident before -- and even though this was a minor accident -- I was a little shaken and a little scared.  We've all heard stories about people who hit their head and think, it's just a headache, I'll just go rest...and then -- surprise -- it turns out they have a serious problem.  I played it safe and got checked out (all fine, just a little soreness).

Throughout the day, I was in touch with family and friends - all so wonderful, making me laugh, sending good wishes and comforting words, my kids were doting on me.  Soon, the events of the morning got me thinking in a different way about that day five years ago...and I smiled.  Oh, I'll always be longing for my mom, but I am so happy and thankful that regardless of how much time has passed, her loving spirit continues...through the love of my family and friends...that I, too, am surrounded by love.