Sunday, April 20, 2008

Fun Monday - On the Deathbed

Southern Doll has challenged us! As hostess of this week's Fun Monday, this is what she wants to know:

What have you done in your life that was worth doing? I want to know the moments in your life that you hope will be the ones to pass through your mind when your time comes. I hope that doesn't sound too morbid. This doesn't necessarily have to be items you have checked off your Bucket List, it can be those small moments that made you smile, or the time you got that huge promotion you deserved, or the first time your baby smiled at you out of pure joy. I want to know all the moments, big and small, that make life sweet! If you don't already have a running list of these in your mind, you should! These moments help you remember how much your life is worth living, and we all deserve to enjoy it.

OH! This is HARD!

There are so many - and so few - things. There are the obvious ones:

I saved a boy from drowning a few years ago. Everyone was sitting around the pool talking and this kid jumps in the pool with the other kids and then can't figure out how to surface. I watched for a moment since I didn't know his swimming abilities, but the mommy-radar kicked in. I jumped up and into the pool (in a single bound) and pulled him out. He was a bit dazed, but otherwise okay. I hate to think what would have happened if I hadn't seen him go in.

I also had to do the Heimlich maneuver on my own son who was choking on something. It came flying out and Zboy turned a nice healthy pink. It was so matter of fact, I startled myself. Like doing that was no big deal. But really, it was. I never knew I could do that until then.

Then the ones that no one really knows about but me:

My first solo flight and avoidance of a mid-air collision comes to mind.

Walking down the aisle to marry my husbands - the first one had me feeling nauseous (gee, I should have listened to my stomach) and the second one was just what was meant to be.

The first time I traversed a rock wall without falling off.

The first time I rode the entire St. Marks Trail.

Seeing the aurora borealis one early, early morning as we drove across North Dakota.

But the number one thing I will remember on my deathbed is my very first sight of my son after they pulled him out of my belly. The tears flowed, though I wasn't aware of them and when I held him for the first time, it was like my arms finally knew what they were made to do.

Being a mother isn't always easy or fun. We fight more now and I have to keep reminding myself that it's because Zboy is trying to find out who he is and what his limits are and it's not because he hates me or even just doesn't like me. And we get through these rough patches. The hugs, and the "I love you"s, and the needing me when he's scared or sick, the artwork especially for me - all of these things are the things I want to remember when it's all said and done.

Because that's what my life is really all about.

25 comments:

Kaytabug said...

Yeah me too!
At least you listed more than one. They are all fantastic!

Heather said...

I love what you said about being a mother. It's sometimes hard to remember that they aren't always arguing just to be a pain in the butt (even though it feels that way sometimes!). The hugs are definitely worth it!

Faye said...

I'm not a mother Sayre, but I appreciate the love in your description of first holding your son "...it was like my arms finally knew. . ."

Now you've got me curious about that mid-air almost collision--have your written about flying in previous posts?

Beckie said...

You said that beautifully. The first sight of your child after giving birth is certainly a very special moment. I just wish I could clearly remember mine - I was so exhausted from giving birth it is all a little hazy for me.

Jan said...

This is a great post. What a lot of memorable moments. I think you last one is the best.

IamwhoIam said...

Great List - I like how you have some real powerful statments and than some with personal meaning

Alison said...

great post..very well said..I saved my daughter by using the Heimlich also...she is also a teenager now..what fun!!

Hootin Anni said...

A solo flight? Mid air collision? Thank gawd you could avoid it, or I wouldn't be here reading your accomplishments at all!!!!

My F M is posted, I hope you can stop by and read my entry. Have a super-duper day.

Anonymous said...

Parenting- the hardest thing and the most rewarding thing.

Great list!

SwampAngel65 said...

You're a pilot? Awesome! Seems everyone in my family is one except for me.

The only thing I could think of was having my kids...just like you...I think that's the best thing I've done or ever will.

I'm late getting my FM done..busy morning!

Have a great week!!

Anonymous said...

Being a mother is the most trying, painful, fulfilling, and worthwhile thing. My kids are all adults now and there are new joys to be had in this stage. Good for you for being alert enough to save people!!!

Amanda said...

WOW! You must be so alert and able to react quickly in those situations. Good on you!

Sauntering Soul said...

Lovely list! I'm not a mother but your last one still brought a tear to my eye.

Jientje said...

Sometimes it's easier to avoid a mid air collision, than being the mother of a son in his "difficult" stage!
Great list!
By the way, I was married twice too...

storyteller said...

Impressive list of accomplishments!!! I have a couple of friends who are pilots, but flying’s not for me … especially in small planes. I’d love to see the aurora borealis ;--)

I’m playing today at Small Reflections.
Hugs and blessings,

Jo Beaufoix said...

Wow great post. You saved a life twice and you made a life. How cool is that? :D

Aoj and The Lurchers said...

Saving a life does, I think, rank right up there! You are a hero!

Rose said...

What a great list.
have a good week.

kitten said...

WOw! Double Wow!

the planet of janet said...

fantastic! saving a life (twice), i think, ranks right up there with being a mom!

Gattina said...

That must be a very good feeling when you are able to safe somebody's life !!

Jodi said...

I am in complete agreement with you: the births of my children are THE BEST moments of my life. Have you ever heard that Whitney Houston song, One Moment in Time? There's a line: "Give me one moment in time, when I'm all that I thought I could be, and in that one moment of time, I can see...eternity.". That line brings tears to my eyes every time, because when I had my babies, I was"all that I thought I could be".

J.

Hula Girl at Heart said...

What a great post. I love the description of holding your child for the first time. And the stuff about saving lives was pretty cool, too.

Pamela said...

I agree with the birth mention. It was like "yes, this was my reason."
Then they have to go and grow up.

Unknown said...

Wow I can't believe you have twice saved someone. I mean, I believe but wow! I have never saved anyone. :( That had to get your adrenaline a pumping!