It is well past midnight. Nearly one. I had only meant to stay for a half hour, maybe an hour. It never seems to work out that way. Although we live so close, yards backing up to one another, I don't get to spend a lot of time with my Mom. A few years back she began working full time. My life is full of little people. We see each other in church on Sunday and sporadically during the week, popping in to say hi when we get a chance.
For some it would be "too close for comfort" to have your backyard connect with that of your parents. For me, it is one of main the reasons I can't imagine moving - even as our family grows and our house remains the same.
On paper, our lives look somewhat similar. It may look like I emulate her down to the letter - we both had large families, both stay at home with our kids, both home school. All those things, though similar, are on the surface. None of those reasons are why we are so close.
I moved back home 8 years ago to settle down and have a family, a time that marked the change in my life, going from child to adult over night. Over the years, our relationship has reflected that change - she will always be my mom, but we are now great friends as well.
I know that God sets the lonely in families (Ps. 68:6), and through mine He kept me from isolation and loneliness in those early, difficult years of marriage and family. I have always had someone to listen, speak truth into my life, and love me unconditionally. Through them, He rains down truth and hope and love into my heart. God has taken these imperfect lives and woven them together in a tapestry of grace, threads over and under and around, pulling snug and holding close.
I crunch through rain-pocked snow, eyes fixed on my porch light, knowing she's watching me still. I stomp up the steps and into my kitchen, turn to face the window. We exchange a wave from our respective kitchen windows, back silhouettes against yellow electric light. Mother and Daughter. Neighbors. Friends.
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Isaiah 49:15
"Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you."
That's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYour mother is fortunate to live so closely to a wonderful daughter and her family.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post, Lydia. Mothers are true treasures from God, aren't they? They help to shape our character by imparting their wisdom. They encourage, provide a loving shoulder to rest on and are a voice of truth that continually points us to our Lord.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful place to be....where mother and daughter are more than that. So beautiful how God has graced you with such a friendship with your mom. thanks for sharing your blessing.
ReplyDeleteGod bless God-fearing, God-loving mamas! When I was a teenager, I couldn't wait to go away to University. Independence! Yet, who did I call when I was troubled? mom. Who did I call when I finally got a great grade from that tough prof.? mom. Then years later, after returning to my home time for work, I was a heart-divided again. Move away to start a new life with my husband, but move away again from mom. But the bonds cannot be so easily broken, can they? Just last night we celebrated my "little" brother's 30th birthday. Terrible freezing snow in my neck of the woods, and we had a long drive home with 3 kids sleeping soundly. And who was there watching from the window as our van pulled out into the snowy night? mom. And who did I have to call to ensure I made it safely home - no matter the hour? mom. One of my favourite quotes:
ReplyDeleteWhen I stopped seeing my mother with the eyes of a child, I saw the woman who helped me give birth to myself. Nancy Friday, American Writer
Thank you all for the sweet comments. Rory, I similarly went away to university and called Mama at the first sign of trouble. Its funny how teenage annoyances can give way to a deep appreciation. One thing I can say about my mother is that she has always, ALWAYS put her children first. There has never been a question. She inspires me every day to be a better mother to my own little people. I pray my girls feel about me the way I feel about her, and that we share a similar close friendship when they reach adulthood.
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone, for stopping by!