A moment in time:
My class, 4th grade, was going on a field trip. I had been so excited!
But.
I had major ear infections in my youth. I could not go.
I remember feeling devastated. And I know, it was only a field trip. What’s the big deal? Right?
But it mattered. To me.
And what I adore about my mom is she always saw when we hurt. She knew who we were, her children.
I believe she always knew who I was. And loved me.
And in this moment in time, she made a picnic lunch for both me and her. She packed it in a brown paper lunch bag. And we sat on the living room floor, unpacked our lunches, and ate. .
She couldn’t give me a field trip. But she could give a moment of love. She gave a lifetime of love.
What I would give for one more day. Just one more day to talk with her. Share with her. Hold her hand. She dreamt of this path for me, the path I follow, as much as I dreamed
just a moment, today, remembering.
*****
The photo is from middle school. I think. I used to hate this photo. I didn’t want anyone to see me. I couldn’t let anyone know me.
I adore this photo now.