To My Sons

Dear Michael and Bobby,

Everyone knows there is a special bond between mothers and their sons.  That being said, I challenge any mother to try to compare their sons to mine.  In my eyes, they will all fail in comparison, I assure you.

Just like your father, you are both FAR from perfect - but, to me, you are gifts from God - born of the love between your Dad and I,   It's not that I ever took either of you for granted, but lately I have come to realize just what fine men you have become - right before my eyes!

I always thought of myself as a strong, intelligent woman who walked side-by-side with your father.    It is certainly true that since I am alone,  I have had my ups and downs,  It never ceases to amaze me how the two of you seem to be there every time I have stumbled or became temporarily unsure of myself.

I have also witnessed how close the two of you have become.  You are no longer the older brother and the baby brother.  I have seen you switch roles and depend on each other for different things.  I have noticed how you "tag-team" to keep an eye on me.  And it cracks me up when the two of you try to determine what is "best for me"!

Whereas everyday is a adventure for me in defining my "new normal", it has been comforting knowing that you two have always 'got my back'.

All that being said.... it is time for me to go back to being the MOM.  You  have been more than loving and attentive, but it is time for you to put your spouses back as your number one priority.  I promise to rely on you and lean on you when I need you.  I will continue to discuss all important matters with you both, and listen as you give me your feedback.  I promise to relent to your judgement when it comes to your individual matters of expertise.  I see you differently now; you are both extraordinary men who just happen to be my sons.

Most importantly, I make this promise to you: I will continue to work on myself to return to that self-assured, independent woman you have known all these years.

Love you always.
Mom

Revelation

I cried because I thought we were going to spend the rest of our lives together ....

Then I smiled because I realized he spent the rest of his life with me.

Happy (?) Thanksgiving

Dear Mike

It has been nearly 6 months since that fateful day.  Do you think it is a coincidence that your 6 month anniversary falls on Thanksgiving this year?  I think this is just another example of God's sense of humor.  As I am especially grateful every Thanksgiving, I guess I need to decide what I can be grateful for after such an eventful year:

I am thankful that when we met, we fell so deeply in love.  We were committed to each other right from the very start.  I remember our first fight - I thought you were going to walk away from me.  You just laughed at me and said, "We are fighting, silly!  We have to fight once in a while so we can make up!"  Thank you for teaching me that fighting was an inevitable part of our marriage - as was MAKING UP!  This was an important lesson for our kids, too.

I am thankful for us making a pact all those years ago  - You just had to take care of me and I would take care of everyone and everything else.  You truly held up your end of the bargain.  I had no idea what a princess I was until you were no longer here taking care of me.  I am strong and confident.  I know now that I will be ok without you by my side because you will always be in my heart.

I am thankful that having kids was never an issue with us and we raised 5 of them - and I am grateful that I was able to be a 'stay-at-home-mom' while they were young.  We were never flush with funds, but we managed to always make ends meet and give the kids the most wonderful Christmas mornings.

I am thankful that we always put our children first - but never between us.  We always remained a united front, no matter what the issue with the kids - whether we agreed with each other or not, the kids could never pit us against each other.  WE were a force NOT to be reckoned with!!  As adults, they all understand now what a team we were.

I am thankful that our household always contained more than our share of furry friends.  Well, to be honest, I am glad the kids grew up learning to live with pups and kittens - I'm not going to lie - it was really a pain in the ass for me most of the time - but it was a wonderful way for our kids to grow up.

I am so thankful for all the little things you did that never went unnoticed by our kids.  I am reminded, all the time, of your kind ways as the kids all repeat your actions and talk about you..... I hear them saying "I love you" to each other and their partners.  I see them hug and kiss each other - even if they just saw each other yesterday.  They retell stories of your silliness over and over.  We all laugh from our bellies!  They all do imitations of you at the strangest times - and it just warms my heart.  They repeat your crazy phrases and make each other giggle.

On this 6 month anniversary of the saddest day of my life, I am thankful that even though my heart is broken, I can feel the healing begin.

Your loving wife.

Who's the boss

Conversation #1 from Storchevoy Sunday:

Michael:   Mom really should look at the Hyundai Genesis

Bobby:  She's getting an Audi!

Michael:  She doesn't like the Audi anymore.  It has too rough of a ride - she wants comfort now.  The Genesis will offer her that.

Bobby:  Dad would NEVER want Mom to drive a Hyundai



Conversation #2 from Storchevoy Sunday:

Bobby:  Mom, what are you doing with the carpet downstairs?

Me:  I will have someone come in after the Winter and shampoo it for me.

Michael:  Mom, even after you shampoo it, the same thing is gonna happen.

Me:  No, it won't - neither of you live here anymore.  No one eats or drinks down there.  The carpet will stay nice.

Bobby:  We are getting rid of that carpet.  You are putting in ceramic tile.



ME:  WHO DIED AND LEFT THEM TWO BOSS????