Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Thinking of Mother

It is not a secret that Mother and I share lots of things. We share a birthday, for one thing. I have inherited one of her watches, some of her clothes and lots of other odds and ends (including her pack rat gene).

We are both morning persons. We are terrible worry warts who often seek solace in the quiet of churches and chapels. We would move the furniture ourselves without waiting for the menfolk to come. Possibly because we would both re-think what we'd just done and change our minds (not just once or twice, mind you). We both hold valid driver's licences which we dread to use. We'd sooner walk or take public transport than turn the ignition of a car in the garage. We have an endless number of TO DO lists scattered in various nooks and crannies. We are the epitome of having method in our madness. We are difficult to understand and are quite grateful that God has wisely chosen our respective spouses for us (who love us in spite our idiosyncrasy).

Mother likes to call me 'the truthful daughter'. It is entirely possible that she chose this term because 'the blunt and tactless daughter' sounds too harsh. That is where we differ. Mother is ever so careful and I can't think of an instance when she spoke ill of others or handled a situation without choosing her words carefully.

I thought about her today in particular because it was so cold. I discovered that I am quick to get chilly nowadays, just like Mother in an airconditioned room. The difference being the low temperature environment she faced was man-made and was easily remedied by adjusting the thermostat, turning the aircon off, or moving to a warmer room. My situation is governed by a higher being. There is no switch to adjust the temperature, and moving from room to room does nothing but remind you that it was already warm in the spot you left.

She has arrived safely back in Manila after spending several weeks in the States. I am happy to know that she is safe and sound. Hopefully the mole on her foot has been satisfied for the moment. (But knowing Mother, there is already another trip in the pipeline.)

I think that when I am older and the kids have all grown up, I'd like to travel the world, too. I certainly have a lot of places I'd like to visit and people I'd like to see again.









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