Mums and North Carolina

I promised you a Mums update, didn't I?

Well, Mom opted for the surgery, which takes place tomorrow (Wednesday). Seeing as how I'm creeping up on midnight here, it might actually be TODAY by the time this sucker posts.

I pouted all day Friday after learning her decision. My feelings were jumbled. Ultimately, I just felt so BAD for her. The expense she had already dished out for flights and her part of the beach house rental, the looking forward to it, the wanting to see her grandgirls (especially Lorelei, who she hasn't seen since January).

And I also felt some self-pity. Each time Lorelei did something crack-up-worthy, I'd think, I can't wait for Mom to see how much she has grown! And how her personality has exploded! Those of you with local grandparents don't understand what it's like to watch entire developmental stages pass by without your folks seeing your kids' antics. It's painful. And those of you have lost parents have every right to tell me to stuff it.

So, I was incredibly disappointed.

And, pragmatically, we had looked forward to back-up with the kids, a date night in North Carolina, freedom to walk on the beach past the limit of baby monitor reception.

I tried to be reasonable. It was a trip. One trip. She was still alive, still able to come at Thanksgiving. I was wanting too much, I figured.

But . . . there was a ridiculousness to the house situation. Four bedrooms. Peak season. Right smack on the beach. Too much house for just the four of us. And already paid for.

Then I thought of my beloved cousin, Liesl, the closest thing I have on this earth to a sister. We're 5 months and 1 day apart in age. Shared history up the wazoo. I utterly adore her.

And I haven't seen her in almost 6 years.

My fault, having them kids and living so far. But I asked her, just in case. And you know what? She was able to make it work! Miraculously. My Liesl is flying from Idaho to North Carolina with practically no notice. I'm overjoyed.

My mom was mind-blowingly gracious about it, genuinely thrilled that Liesl could go, thrilled that we found our silver lining. If it were me, I'd harbor some bitterness, but hey, Mom is a bigger person than me.

So, in its own way, North Carolina seems to be working out. Mom appears to be in decent spirits as she goes into what BETTER BE HER LAST SURGERY tomorrow. And that's the latest.

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