Maddy left for Ohio this afternoon to attend the wedding of a former babysitting who has become more of a family member than a former student of mine. Last night was a tough one for Maddy. She couldn't fall asleep b/c she was anxious about being 16 hours from home. I told her, among other things, that night time is always the worst time for missing and worrying about loved ones. I knew she'd feel better in the morning, but I stayed w/ her and fell asleep w/ her. Today everything was fine, and she was gung-ho to go.
Three years ago when Kenzie went to a leadership conference in Baltimore, I gave her a journal where I filled the first several pages w/ stories, remembrances, pictures, and advice. The idea then was for her to fill the remaining pages w/ her thoughts and experiences. I did the same for Maddy to take w/ her on this trip to Ohio. I had to get up at 5:00 this morning to finish it before I left for work. Mom was always doing things like that for me. It was the first semester of my freshman year of high school. I was in the fall musical, Rock Hop, and I needed a poodle skirt. As w/ all of my costumes, Mom made it. Lying in bed one night, I heard her sewing machine whirring away as she worked to finish my skirt before dress rehearsal. I remember wondering at the time if I'd be able to stay up all hours doing such things for my child one day. Just like most things, we question if we'll be able to do something, and we don't really know if we can until we're faced w/ it. I questioned if I'd be able to cope w/ the death of a parent. At times I'm not sure how well I am, but I'm still here, and I'm still trying.
No comments:
Post a Comment