July 22. The word serenity came to my mind two nights ago as I listened to mom breathe quietly while she slept. I watch her with my step-dad Jack. She is quiet and at peace. That is what serenity is. She is doing her duty and actually fulfilling the role she accepted when she said "yes" to be his wife over 25 years ago. She dresses up every day, wearing earings and Shalimar to visit him. She bends her head towards him and she smiles. She gives him her full attention. She is quiet and accepting. She is waiting, but not giving up. I know I can learn from this very strong little woman!
Little sounds issue from Mom’s mouth as she goes through a pile of books and papers I place before her. She murmurs a name. She stops to read cards. This is an interesting lesson for all of us. How much do we "store in a safe place," but never look at? What will strangers do with this "stuff" if we suddenly pass on? Mom reads and smiles and sticks the perused item in a pile… take to the new apartment, give to the rummage sale, toss. Each item was valuable once and some items are just out of time now. We puzzle over pictures… "Who’s that?" there’s nothing written on the back of a faded Christmas picture. "God bless ’em, toss it."