It’s the simple things that matter most, right? Just the other day, I was missing my Mom on the anniversary of her passing. Yes, it can be a bit of a somber day for me and for my family members, but as more time passes I don’t view this day with as much sadness anymore. Call me crazy, but I now look at this day as a celebration of her life…her legacy…the lessons she taught me and I feel so lucky that I was able to be a part of that for forty-three years of my life.
I’m going to keep this blog simple today so you all can enjoy your family and the holiday that is upon us, but I simply had to share an experience I had just the other day with my mother.
On the 16th of November, the anniversary date of my mother’s passing, I couldn’t help but take a minute longer in my truck before I went into work so I could think about her. As my music continued to play quietly in the background, I also had to ask myself, “How could nine years pass so quickly since her passing?"
One of the memories I thought of was her going grocery shopping by herself. This was probably for two reasons. First, kids are a pain in the butt to shop with and she definitely needed a break from us. Secondly and most of the time, she couldn’t take us anyhow because she would need the space in our minivan.
Have you heard the expression, “Feeding an army?” Well, imagine being the matriarch to eight children. This without a doubt could easily fill the inside of a vehicle. It was our job as her children when she would arrive home, to help her bring in the groceries. The signal that let us know it was time to help? My mother would honk her horn as she pulled into the garage. It was then time for the troops to assemble and do their part by helping unload the car.
Some of the other things I remembered about her were all the homework help she gave, the kind notes in my lunchbox, the baseball games she came to, the homemade kites and Halloween costumes, the hugs, the kisses, the love, and especially the magic she would create for us children during the holiday season.
And just as I was about to turn my truck off and walk into work, as one song ended and another one began, I had to stop and stay in my truck a bit longer.
I have a flash drive in my truck with over 5000 songs on it. For those of you who don’t know, I am a music guy. I love music and always love having it playing within my earshot. My mother and I connected on several levels over the years with music both she and I loved. My mom’s two favorite groups/artists were the Everly Brothers and Neil Diamond.
Of those 5000+ songs on the flash drive, I have 5 songs that will always remind me of her. Two are from Neil Diamond and three of them are from The Everly Brothers. I can’t remember the last time one of those songs played in my truck. That was until that morning and just before I left my truck. The song “America” started playing by Neil Diamond.
Ok, so maybe those anniversary days are still a bit harder for me than I previously alluded to. When the song started to play, the thoughts of her and missing her became twentyfold stronger. As I continued to sit in my truck and listen to that song in its entirety, I couldn't help but let my emotions get the best of me. As tears began streaming down my face, I let out a quiet but simple, “Thank you, Mom. I love you too!” 
So is it or isn’t it a coincidence that this happened to me? I will let you decide. However, "I will choose to give thanks" for this experience and hope it reminds us all to always "give thanks” for all the blessings we have.
These blessings??? Well, it may also include an impromptu visit from loved ones lost or those that are still here with us. Take the time to talk, listen to, or take a walk with those you love...It may surprise you what you might find out and the memories that can be made.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! We wish you a very happy holiday season!
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