Thursday, May 25, 2006

Remembering

My siblings and I are gathering together this weekend to celebrate my mother's 80th Birthday. This will be the first time that we have all been together ( I think ) since my dad died in 1973, or pretty close to that time.

I am hoping that we can make it through the weekend without too much bloodshed. We have been known to be very cruel to each other, as large families can be. I am just so glad that mrangelmeg will be there to keep me from taking anything too seriously or being hurt too much by the cutting remarks of my "loving" brothers.

The sad thing is, with the alzheimer's mom won't even know who most of my brothers and sisters are. The only reason she will remember those of us that she does is because we are close enough to her house that we see her pretty often. Even then it is very hit and miss if she is actually remembering us or just faking it.

I realize this is probably the last time I will see all of my siblings in the same place before mom's funeral, and then that will be the last time I will ever see them all together. I want the weekend to go really smoothly and to have as much fun as possible.

Lord, help me to be happy to see these people I shared my early years with. Help me to remember that whatever our issues we are together to honor mom, who deserves our honor because she gave us all life. This weekend keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.

Pax

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope that all of you can find comfort and happiness in each others company. I hope you can remember the good from the past and dream of the better in the future... Enjoy!

Suzanne said...

There is nothing wrong with you sharing with your siblings just what you are feeling right now. There were a couple of times I worried about the same thing. I decided to write something and read it aloud for everyone...it was from my heart. It had excellent results. All of them heard at the same time just how I felt...no talking behind one another's back either. If any snide remarks are made or teasing gets too much...whatever it is, put your arm around that person and say..."I love you." Walk away and be pleasant...(this is not fake either, because YOU WANT to be this way in your heart and you know it...right? Keep a Holy Spirit smile in your heart and on your face each moment and if you feel it disappearing ..think about these words and your prayers and slap the smile right back on! Don't let anyone break that Spirit...you know its waaaay too powerful! ;-) Have a good time.
I will be thinking of you and remember...you have "other" sisters too! :)

Unknown said...

Believe me when I say Suzanne, there have been times when you have been closer to me than my own siblings.

Thanks for reminding me that family is what we make it. I will remember that you are hugging me when I need it this weekend.

Steve Bogner said...

I'll keep you and your family in my prayers this weekend!

Suzanne said...

I am hugging...please believe me. You are also very much a good sister to me, Maggie and I love you very much hon.
It isn't a mistake that we met...God is good. He knows...He just knows what we need. We'll get together soon, if you want to.
:)