Life and the Liberty Coin

There are times when life seems especially sweet, or perhaps poignant. I look back on my life and the road is long; looking forward the end is shrouded in mist yet still there on the horizon is the road not taken. Granted I have lived most of my life - I cannot possibly live another 60+ years - yet I look to the future and all it has to hold. I see joy and sorrow hidden in that mist. Yet, has not my life been a series of joys and sorrows - emotions that make life life.

Today I found a dime. The dime is a 1920 Liberty coin. It made me think of my Mother. Like the coin, she came into existence in 1920. The coin is worn but still of value. My Mother is worn, but still of inestimable value. She is not the woman of my youth, but she knows me still. Her mind falters and she repeats the same dialogue and I find it humorously alarming. I can have long, heartfelt talks with her, but she won't remember them. I can confide in her, hug her, and love her as I always have. She will not remember. I don't see the day when she will not remember me, but I have heard that it happens. Now it is she who needs the kind of care she gave to me all my life...and she doesn't realize it.

I will be spending time with her and my Dad this summer. I'm hoping...praying...that my heart will accept what is with gratitude. I want to enjoy this gift called the present.