And they said that it could not be done

Yep, that is what they told me. They told me that I could not do it.

Now for me, and anyone who knows me, this was nothing more a gauntlet challenge.

Here it is less than 2 years later and I am doing this. Everyone thought that it was the dumbest thing for me to do.

And when I mean dumb, y'all I mean I had to have a sit down and let them know that it was not a sacrifice but a choice.

I have made some good choices in my life. But the truth is that this was the best choice that I could have ever made.

Not only am I doing what I love, but I am doing it with abandon and on my terms.

I was just thinking about all the things that I thought I had given up in order to be the Mama that my Mom was for me.

I can remember her being at everything that mattered in my life at that time. And if she was not there she made damn sure that whoever was there was screaming, cheering and doing it louder, better and faster than any other parent there.

I sit back now and say WOW!!! How did she do it all? How did she do it and still keep dinner on the table and still let us know that we were the most important things in her life? How did she do it and never let me know how scared and tired she was on any given day?

I had the same front door key, the same address, the same phone number for over 35 years. I actually asked them to move closer to me when I had the boys. Not realizing that they had to close a chapter of their lives and transition into this new geographic place and create new memories.

How could I ever be anything other than grateful for their compliance with my wishes once again???

You know it makes my heart sing to know that at 43, my mother still wants to mother me. She still wants to keep my interests, desires, aspirations, hopes and dreams a priority in her life. My Dad still wants me to make sure that all my I's are dotted and all my T's are crossed.

While I was in NJ these past few days, my parents were at every single book store, grocery store and kiosk buying any and all copies of MEHC. Then I sent them on a mission to find Scrap and Stamp, October because I had a two page spread in there.

My parents find joy in my success no matter where it comes from. I am truly grateful that I have the best gene pool on the planet.

The love they have for me at times is so overwhelming that it makes me want to be a better parent. They have set the bar so high that falling short is always my fear.

Now don't start crying and think that I lived the life of Ozzie and Harriett.

My Mom is crazy and my Dad has driven her there in the HOV lane.

But they are mine and I am forever grateful.

until we meet again,

Comments

[Mary Lu]

Lauren, you are awesome and crazy. I've been reading your blogs for a couple of months now, and they are almost always guaranteed to get a smile out of me -- even first thing in the morning before the coffee's kicked in. Now that's magic! Keep writing, and I'll keep smiling!

[Rosa]

How the heck are you girl?? i hope you are having fun been at home and getting creative, i loved reading about your parents you are very lucky to have them close by, i am sending you a big hugs,Rosa.