Monday, May 31, 2010

Coming Home
(non fiction.)

Last night was bittersweet, my brothers; sister and I have been in Alabama the better part of almost two weeks I guess. Our maternal mother lay in the hospital with no chance of ever leaving. We all realised that this was probably the last time we would all be together in Alabama and now we would have no reason to ever return to the beautiful state. She, mom, had seen us all and forgiveness for things over the years on all sides were put away. We made our peace before she slipped into an unresponsive condition. She had held on longer than Doctors anticipated as her heart was strong though everything else was shutting down. The death rattle began slow at first but by the next day was ever present and we knew her time was very short. I had to leave.

My drive across four states four times in eight days was catching up to me. I was torn between being there and being here as life goes on. I was on the highway last night on a lonely stretch of I-85 at 9:45 p.m when my cell rang, she was gone. I was both happy and sad. Happy she no longer had to deal with her condtion which had distanced her from myself, sad because she was gone and before leaving us her mind had returned her to the mother we all once knew and loved; the caring, funny, singing happy person.

I still had an agonising hour to go before reaching home. I drove in late and was met at the door by a blown up copy of the picture that accompanies my magazine article just released on the stands saturday. My wife and son had done it for me not knowing yet my mother was gone. Several copies of the magazine were displyed in a fanned out display and my son was excited to great me and read from the article. My wife said the phone had been ringing all day from people who had already seen the article. I was happy to see my long awaited return to print then I broke down. I told them about mom and my stopping to see Pop and my stepmother. It hit me that I was lucky as I had been able to see all three of my parents in the same day one final time.
I told of the phone call and what happened as the call ended last night. It's unbeleaveable but it did happen though people will think not; but when I hung up on my drive at the late hour of getting the news a car passed me by and pulled over into my lane. It was a newer blue Chevy Impala with North Carolina tags and you know what it said? It's tag read "Faith.G". Tears flowed yet again and I knew, then I said "I got your message mom. No one will believe me but I got your message. Your home now and all the pain is gone."

11 comments:

FLHX_Dave said...

Dude...You have all my thoughts here. There ain't much I can say but you have more going for you than most people I know because I can read it in your writing.

You are ok bro. I was told at 18 my mother wasn't going to make it to the next year...she's still here. I have been preparing all these years for the call. I have had twenty something years to get ready for it...but is anyone really ready for it. No.

You have one more powerful Angel to guide you now. We all got the message here as well. Be at peace bro, you were loved from what I read. Continue to be a good son, it will be the greatest tribute any son could possibly give a mother. Live for the next smile because it will be the first thing you see when your time comes.

Sorry, I get sappy on occassion.

Hmmm...verification word: twomarch- reminds me of the two sets of footprints in the sand

RazorsEdge2112 said...

My thoughts are with you as well, my friend. May she rest in peace and guide you well.

And, yes... I for one believe you received a message. It's something special.

mq01 said...

you are a blessed man wooley, im sure of it. you had the opportunity to spend time with her on her last day. you got a sign from her letting you know she is still here with you. and you had your article (your present and maybe your future) greet you upon reaching home. word veri: autho

big hugs wooley.

WooleyBugger said...

I appreciate the kind words and inspiration from each of you. It helps in a big way. I had to smile.

Isn't it weird how sometimes word verfi matches the topic? Like this one "copheler."

Lady R (Di) said...

I think you will notice your Angel again. They never really leave us.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

BTW... Congratulations on your article. Can you share it with us?

Learning to Golf said...

Sorry about the loss of your mother. Keep her memory near and dear and she will always be with you.

Congratulations on getting published and I echo lady R...care to share?

Willy D said...

Yes Wooley, life does go on. That’s a lesson we all learn though we want to deny it. Your mom was at peace with herself and those she loved.

WooleyBugger said...

I wish all of you lived closer by, your a great group and I could give big bear hugs all around.

Wish I could put the article on here but I have no way to get it in the computer. Maybe my son can figure it out.

WooleyBugger said...

You know, if your going to keep commenting on my blog do it in English, otherwise I'll just keep deleting them to the trash.

We speak English here, or at least some close facsimile thereof depending on which end of the country you hale from.

Thanks

IHG said...

You are in my prayers Wooley! You now have a Angel in heaven watching over you.

Congrats on the article. For everything sad something wonderful happens. HUGS!

WooleyBugger said...

Ahhh thanks Stephanie, on both counts. With friends like all of you my spirits are lifting.