I've been getting a lot of windshield time these days.  Been living in two cities to be with Mom since she has gotten somewhat worse.  Lots of time in the car to listen to the radio and reflect on my life and my Mom. 

When one is faced with a monumental task that is suddenly put on their shoulders,  one learns exactly what they are made of.

For the last 18 months I have been organizing my photos and now am doing my parents slides.  When all the legal aspects of my Mom's life was dumped in my lap,  I automatically went into that organizing mode and have managed quite nicely.

Sitting for hours by her bedside at times has made me drowsy and I have rested my head next to her small sleeping form.  Awakened by a familiar cough or a restless sigh or a Mom's inquiring question "why are you still here?...go home and get some rest"

Home.

When we were kids we watched THE WIZARD OF OZ (ok, so I still watch it.) and the underlying theme of the movie is "there's no place like home"  For us as Christians, it's something we strive for as our eternal place after this temporary place.  No pain, no grief and eternal time with the One who created us to start with.

We're going home.

One of my favorite American Idol singers has a song entitled HOME.  Chris Daughtry says it all, for both the spirtiual and the Mom thing:

I'm staring out into the night...Trying to hide the pain...I'm going to the place where love...And feeling good don't ever cost a thing...And the pain you feel is a different kind of pain.

Well, I'm going home...Back to the place where I belong...And where your love has always been enough for me...I'm not running from...No, I think you've got me all wrong...I don't regret this life I've chose for me...But these faces and these places are getting old...So I'm going home...Well, I'm going home.

The miles are getting longer it seems...The closer I get to you...I've not always been the best daughter or friend for you...But your love it makes true...And I don't know why...You always seem to give me another try...................I'm coming home.

Love you Mom