For All Mothers

The morning started early:  4:15 am.  Fed the cats, brushed my teeth, dressed and got out the door by 5:00 am.

Today was surgery on my mother.  As if her surviving breast cancer this last year wasn't torture enough, now an operation to determine if two tumors are Whartons or related to the cancer.

I pull into her drive at 5:15 am.  She tugs on her sweater and hands me her carry bag.  She hasn't slept a wink. She looks tired.  We are both scared but smile and face the day anyway.

My heart hurts as she passes through the door for prep.  It seems like hours before we can see her. Finally the little beeper goes off and it's our turn.  She is in the gown, hat and hooked to the IV.  You can see the fear in her eyes but also the fierce determination that it just HAS to be OK.  After a barrage of doctors, nurses and aides - it's time.  I choak back the lump in my throat.  Tears drip from the corner of her eyes.  We hug and say - It's going to be alright.  I love you.  They wheel her away.

I sit in the waiting room with my younest daughter and she makes me feel so good inside.  Her laughter, conversation, love and attention lets me know that being a Mom comes full circle with this kind of love.  How lucky I am to have so much in my life.

Hours pass but I feel peaceful inside.  I know my Mom is ok.  We finally get the call to see the doctor.

Those liberating words - It was not cancer and she will be ok.

God smiled on us today.  We all should pay it forward.

Love brings joy, faith and hope to our lives 

- A mother embodies all three -