Where are you?

Whenever a day goes by and we don't receive any phone calls or notes in the mail I wonder where is everyone! In this day of cell phones and free long distance, I am having a hard time trying not to get "mad" at my family for not checking in more often.

I have no desire to spend endless hours on the phone being told all the day-to-day news of the family, but a quick check-in to find out we are still alive, etc. would be well received. And, long call or short call, Mom just remembers the call from a loved one.

So if she remembers the call, does she wonder when there are no calls? Does she sit in front of the window waiting, or is she really content to just sit and look out? If she is not content, she does not say anything. She is very un-complaining. Maybe it just bothers me!

Then, as I am feeling so "righteously" concerned about Mom, The Lord reminds me of how I dealt with my older relatives from years gone by. I know I did not call my aunt to ask about my grandmother very often. If fact, I had two aunts for two grandmothers who most likely had the same thoughts as me, "where are her kids, and why don't they call her?" I rarely call my aunts to ask about them. Shame on me!

I had to apologize to my sister-in-law, Mary, a few years back when Harry's mom died. Because she was the daughter that took care of all of her mom's needs, we never gave it a thought that maybe she needed some emotional support.

It was about that time that my conscience started bothering me about keeping up with family. I still have a long way to go with keeping up with distant relatives, but I am trying...

The point of this missive...Please stay in touch with Mom (Grandma, aunt, GG). Not just for her sake, but for your own. Knowing you keep in touch with her will be peace to you when times get tough. Learning to enjoy Mom the way she is, and letting go of how she used to be, is a blessing. I am blessed that she is with us here. She still wants to go "home", but that doesn't offend me. I thank God I can kiss her good night and good morning. God has blessed this household with Mom!

I really think Mom would enjoy getting a card from family every now and then. She would have something to look at. Short phone calls would be enjoyed, and short visits are always welcome. Think about it!