Mom: The Caretaker

 

Making sure Charley doesn't throw Nana out of the wheelchair.

A selfie she took on my phone - she deleted it, but I found it. hahaha

    She's probably going to be upset when she sees this blog. Mainly because she doesn't like to be bragged about. But I have to tell ya'll about one of the strongest women I know. Since my nana broke her hip on September 20, my mom has been at the hospital or Summit Square EVERY DAY. She goes in the morning and doesn't leave until afternoon. Sometimes I think it's because she's afraid she's going to miss something. I have told her multiple times over the last several weeks that she needs to take care of herself. She just says "I know, or I am" when in fact, she is tired and mentally exhausted. She takes it on herself to take care of everyone and everything. That's where I get it from! Her plate is running over with taking care of Nana. This coming weekend she has The Barn and is not prepared for that at all (she usually never is though, so we can't blame Nana for that 😏) She made a cake for a fundraiser that she was asked to do, and she is baking desserts for the store tonight. I told her I had it covered, but she insisted. I've learned not to argue. She is also bringing my nana home to her house on Tuesday for a couple of weeks until she's able to get around better on her own. Did I mention she had her gallbladder removed on 9/11? 

    She was a single mom for most of my life. She obviously taught me many things in life and some she told me I would have to figure out on my own. In fact, her quote was "If you're not going to listen you will have to feel." Needless to say, I was not a good listener and felt many of my lessons to be learned. I can remember she whipped me one time and said "this is going to hurt me more than you" 😬. Little did she know I had time to prepare and put on a pair of "biker shorts" under my pants, so it didn't hurt THAT bad. But I never told her that, I cried of course and asked the question "then why are you doing it?" I never really knew what that phrase meant until I had kids of my own and now, I get it 100%!! She wasn't perfect and made her fair share of mistakes (as we all do) but she raised me to be an independent woman. I haven't always been that way. It took me a failed marriage to find my own voice, know what I wanted and go after it. Of course, like her, I stumbled a lot and have made mistakes along the way. She has a stubborn streak a hundred miles long. When she sets her mind to something, then that's what it's going to be, whether you like it or not. You just accept it and move on. We haven't always seen eye to eye. In the past, we have treated each other in ways neither of us is proud of. I talk to her every day on the phone. She knows when there is something wrong with me just by looking at me. 

    People tell me I look like her. When I was younger, man that made me mad. Now that I'm older it doesn't bother me. I just tell them I get that a lot. She's a force to be reckoned with and I am so grateful that I get to call her mine. Right now, she is tired, she is worn, and she is still trying to be all the things to all the people and do all the things for all the people.  I love her like none other. I hope she knows that! And I hope that one day I can be half the person she is. If you are lucky enough to still have your mom, call her, give her a hug and tell her you love her. I know some that would give anything to be able to do that. That doesn't mean she won't be bossing you around or getting on your nerves in a little bit. But remember, she taught you to eat with silverware. Give her some grace too. 

Wishing you sunny skies and green pastures,

McKession