My Only Mom

May 21, 2023
 
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius
Last week was Mother’s Day.  One of my friends reminded me of that day when he said, “I’m driving to Omaha to see my Mom.  I’m beginning to realize that there aren’t that many Mother’s Days left to celebrate.”
 
As I think about my Mom today, I write this as a tribute to her.

Dear Mom:
If only I had realized Mother’s Day 2005 was my last Mother’s Day to celebrate with you, I would have made it more memorable.  But then again, none of us know what day might be the last to celebrate anything.

But these are some of my precious memories of you that I do recall and relive.  At the same time these memories bring a smile to my face, a tear comes to my eye.

• You were always there.  You fixed my hurts and picked me up when I fell;
• On Sunday morning, you’re the one who always tied two nickels into my blue handkerchief, one for Sunday School and one for church.  I don’t use that handkerchief anymore and I don’t give nickels.  Thank you for teaching me to give to the Lord;
• One day, as a little girl, you recalled riding in a horse-drawn carriage to school.  I can hear the sleigh bells even now;
• I remember how you walked to school across a pasture and a bull chased you up a tree.  On another occasion, when we were together in the barn, a bull busted through his stall and how you ran to protect me;
• The long walk from the rabbit hutch to the barn where, with a tear in your eye, you dressed a rabbit and then later fixed it for supper.  At the meal, none of us could eat it.  Do you remember that?;
• Then finally, at Thanksgiving 2005, we said goodbye followed by “See you at Christmas.”  To that you replied, “I won’t be here for Christmas.”  In that moment, what part of that comment did I not understand?  On Christmas day, at the table, your chair was empty.  So was part of my heart.

As your first grandson, Todd, always says to his Mom, “MOM stands for My Only Mom.”  You are My Only Mom and I miss you.  Though gone for now, we will be united once again soon.  Never “Goodbye” only “See you later.”
 
Love you,
Your only son, Allan
 
©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved