A Moment in Time

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.