Today an old cowrker of Mom's stopped into the shop...just to see me. I hadn't seen her since the funeral and at first I didn't even recognize her.
I greeted her as I do everyone, with a quick glance and hello. I saw another middle aged face, a woman looking for stocking stuffers. My eyes went back to the task I'd been working on and I heard her say lightly, "Nope, look again Lindsay." And then I knew who she was.
When I looked at her again I saw Mom and my elementary school days. I saw all the good and bad memories of K through 6. I smelled the school office. A mix of crayons, 1980s carpet and file cabinets. I saw Mrs. O'Malley smiling at me and hugging her felt like Mom.
In just moments, she helped me remember how Mom was always there, how she still was.
Mom used to volunteer at my school. Everyday she was right there if I needed her. As an adult I wonder if maybe I was there for her.
Mrs. O'Malley mentioned names I knew, friends that were my old teachers. Mom's friends.
She looked at me like the little girl I used to be and it made me remember I still was.
She felt like Mom.
I'm glad you have that one person that reminds you of your Mom. I don't, and I'm a little jealous of you right now. I don't mean that in a "Jeez Lindsay, you get everything" but in a "You're lucky, I wish I had that" kind of way.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Lindsay! Or...Mele Kalikimaka!