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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

moving day for mom and dad

My morning glories have reached the top of the supports, and are leaning and reaching upward and outward for something else to climb.  They'll eventually bend downward to find another morning glory arm, and twist around themselves for support.  Always upward.  The west-facing vine is exploding with flowers.  The one facing east is still focused on climbing.  No flowers yet.

So Mom and Dad are moving today. 
Funny thing about parents ... children who grow up and leave home often operate under the assumption that parents just keep on doing what they've always done, being who they've always been. 

As we packed and sorted and talked and laughed and cried our way through rooms of assorted books and collections and furniture and pictures, I saw evidence of things I did not recognize. 
Things they had done while we weren't looking; ways they had grown, ways they had kept a foundation, ways of faithfulness, ways of laughter, ways of living with heads up and eyes forward and upward. 

Mom has fought some tough battles in the last years.  She has faced down her own cancer 3 times.  She has prayed against and helplessly watched cancer take precious family members and friends.  She drove Dad to the hospital after his collapse 3 1/2 years ago, and watched him come back to her.  There is a new look of defiance in her ... I'll fight.  Never thought my mom was made of that kind of mettle.  Sometimes, though, the defiance is completely gone,and she is at the brink of defeat.  Too many battles to fight. 

So it's moving day.  Transplanting time.  A new transplant needs lots of water, and tender care, so that roots can go down deep into the new soil.  They say there is more than enough water in Morris :).  Grow well in this new soil, Mom and Dad.    





3 comments:

  1. I hear your heart! Glad things have come together. Praying for your parents transition and for you as walk along side them in the adjustments.
    "Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made; our times are in his hand who saith, 'A whole I planned, youth shows but half; trust God: See all, nor be afraid!" - Robert Browning

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  2. Strength to you and your family as life continues to change. So thankful that the fights have resulted in continued life, and so thankful that even in passing the strength of those sisters continues to live. I think these daughters need to meet sometime :>

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  3. This is so true, Darlene. We make these assumptions about our parents, and then when we get a chance -- such as moving times -- to see evidences of so much more, it's a blessing. Thanks for noting this. Very much my experience in recent transitions with my mother (and late father) as well. (Kind of sobering, of course, to realize that our kids probably have a rather small idea of what we're all up to too! :) )

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