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November 07, 2004
Six-year Sojourn
I said goodbye to my mom, not to see her for over a year. That just seems so strange to me. I have had more emotional departings when knowing I would see her in a month. I think it was just sort of surreal. Like, how am I supposed to act? What am I supposed to feel? I won't see my mom until next christmas, what now?
We spent the weekend at my aunts house with close family near LAX. Saturday my mom and I just sort of took it easy, checked out a gallery, drove past an old apartment where she lived once, saw the grammar school where she grew up and were amazed at the large office building that now stands where her dad's gas station once did. We went to Ikea one last time together, bought her some curtains to take with her, and just talked about stuff. Not life-changing stuff, not even really important stuff. Then today the family came over and brought lots of food. Everyone ate and talked and then my mom thanked them all for their love and support and encouragement.
I love my family. Have you ever hung out with a friend's family and wished they were your own? I felt like that today, only they are my family-- how great is that? The last few hours there, most people sat down to watch the football game in front of the big screen, my aunt made latte's out in the garage, and my cousin's daughter zipped around the house looking for toys and ran around outside with her new umbrella as it sprinkled. I wasn't sure quite what to do. My mom was reminising with a friend she invited over who she has known since grade school. I retreated to the back bedroom with my reading for Global Art Paradigms. But I just couldn't focus. In fact, I can't remember a word I read. I just remember my aunt Mary raving about her low-carb diet to my uncle's unbelieving mother-- Yes, you can eat as much bacon and butter and cheese as you want! I just love my family and I coulnd't bear that I was sitting in the back room, reading a book I wasn't even paying attention to when my life was in the livingroom catching up, vegging out, slimming down, and sipping mimosas. I love my family.
I'm not sure when the tears will kick in. I mean, shouldn't I have at least had watery eyes as I gave my mom one last hug for the year? Am I so insensitive?! I have never been too emotional, but what is wrong with me? I suppose I'll be found one week from now, sobbing as I imagine her flying toward Frankfurt and then on to Nigeria. God I pray nothing bad happens.
Here's the link to the article that was in our local newspaper about my mom leaving. The article nor her picture do her justice.
Posted by libbystokes at November 7, 2004 10:00 PM