Monday, May 20, 2013

A love letter to my Mother


This posting was meant for Mothers Day but I needed my Mom to see it first.
 
 
 
A love letter to my Mother

 
Thirty-two years ago you were presented with startling news. You were carrying a child and you were only a child yourself. Not yet 16 years old and you would never know what the teenage experience would be. You choose a path that would be difficult, stressful and scary because you choose to keep me.

I can only imagine what difficulties life served you because of your choice. Thirty-two years later, I can say thank you. The choice to keep me and raise me will have ripple effects for generations to come. One day when I have my own kids and grandchildren, they will know about you and your love for me.

Our relationship was not always perfect but it was honest. You gave me advice that was in my best interest even if I didn’t like it. You loved me so much that when I needed comfort, I knew exactly where to go. Your hugs took every worry away and your encouragement lifted me up.

Mom, I want you to know that you did a great job raising me. Never doubt who you are and what your love did for me. I have become a person who is happy with her life, feels loved and lacks nothing. When I think of you I smile because I was blessed and lucky. I was lucky that in 1981 you choose to keep and love me. Thank you!

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Easter in London with my temporary family

Easter it is accompanied by the thoughts of church or family. Everyone does not celebrate Easter but for those who do, the Sunday is spent either with family or at a church service. As for myself, on holidays such as Easter I prefer to be with family. As a flight attendant I don't always have a choice. Flights are departing and arriving 7 days a week and at all hours of the day. Those flights can't depart without a flight crew so we miss several holidays with the family.
          This particular Easter I worked the flight to London.When you fly away from home as often as I do, you tend to create a temporary family. My temporary family for 28 hours were my fellow flight attendants. Once we had arrived in London, we parted ways to take an afternoon nap. After several hours of rest (which was really needed) we gathered for dinner. The stores and restaurant had closed early for Easter Sunday. Instead of wandering for an open place, we walked over to a flight attendant favorite. The pub was called The Monkey Puzzle. The owner was familiar with a few of the flight attendants on a first name basis. He was a delight as he walked around and entertained us with a joke or two. We had originally planned on only staying for a pint of beer. One pint became two and finally we asked for the dinner menu.  As we waited for dinner to be served, we sat around and discussed topics from A to Z. The main topic of discussion was why some people are in your life and some are not. We all had concluded and agreed that some people are meant to be temporary. You were what they needed or they were what you needed at the moment. As I looked at the other four flight attendants I realized they were what I needed in London and vice versa. We had allowed each other to be our temporary family for the holiday. We didn't focus on being away from home because instead we laughed, ate and created memories as though we were at home.  Thank you temporary family for making my Easter memorable. Happy Easter everyone!