Mothers and Sons, Redux

Tonight, I brought my mom to the airport.

She spent a good three weeks here at the house where my father and I live.  It was actually a preliminary trip to prepare for her impending retirement come next year.  She went about her business of seeing to whatever things that may be needed when she finally returns for good.

At first, I was hesitant about the idea of her living with my dad and I.  After all, she has been gone for a very long time.  Like I said before, I may have already forgotten how it is to be a son to her, and she might have already forgotten how it is to be a mother to me.

I soon found out that my fears were unfounded. We simply picked up from where we left off when she last visited.  It was like the proverbial glove - sure, it may be a little older, but it still feels comfortable to the feel.  There may have been a few rough patches,  but I truly appreciated her company. And I hope she appreciated mine as well.

My mom even took time out to put up the Christmas trimmings around the house.  Owing to the fact that we're both guys, my dad and I never took time out to spruce up the place during the Yuletide season.  Sure, there was the obligatory Christmas tree and a scattering of decorations here and there, but that was about it.

Mom, however, had a different idea.  She purchased a lot of twinkling lights, and put it up all over the place.  She even bought a large yellow parol and had light bulb put in it.  She hung it in front of our house, and its light has since been casting a pleasant glow on our veranda at night.

Now, the house looks brighter and cheerier.  For the first time in years, I actually feel that Christmas time is just around the corner.  And more importantly, the house has started to feel like a home once again.

All it took was a mother's touch, something that I've belatedly realized I've been missing all these years.

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Tonight, I brought my mother to the airport.

When I got home, I lingered in the veranda and gazed at the the lighted parol for quite some time; its warm glow steadily reminded me that neither time nor distance can truly diminish the bond between a mother and her son.

I'm already missing you, Mom.

Come home soon.