
In the mornings, after breakfast and the news, we read our morning office together. I have seldom seen her angry. She exudes love, and forgiveness. She is patient, loving, humble. She is a great cook, not fancy or gourmand, but every thing she makes tastes comforting, filled with the joy of family.

So why am I here? While she organizes the wash, I lift the baskets and unload the dryer. When she climbs the ladder, I hold it. I spread the mulch, and do the planting, much to her regret. She can hardly watch me as she regrets not doing it all herself. She will drive to church, but I drive 90% of the time. She is 88 but worries about my doing so much, though I am 20 years younger. She is my mom, and she is very special!