My Mother Juggles

As like many, I have thought of my mother a lot today. She is a great woman, but I have concluded that one of the best things I learned from my mother is the art of juggling. She is and will remain the master, but I like to think I am getting as good. With 6 children, one with special needs, a husband that is a little old fashioned and likes his dinner hot, and a family business, no one did it more smoothly, and while looking better, then my mom. When we were young, none of us went with out a creative Halloween costume, an event was never missed, and we all felt the love and attention we needed. There were always creative activities, home made play dough, and yummy treats in the house. I like to think it was all easy for her because she was so convincing, but I am sure there were times when her faking skills were in full swing.

Now that I have my own family and my own juggling I can see how hard it might have been for her. She never gave the impression she was yearning to escape, or in need of time for herself. I know all of us felt like we were the center of her world and we are better adults for that. I think of this as I sometimes yearn for a break. There will be time later to slow down. For now, I will keep moving forward, juggling, stressing, enjoying, and basking in the moments of complete joy I get as a result of the juggles.

I have enjoyed watching Tom take over the juggling today. I got breakfast this morning, lunch after church, and the yummiest dessert. All the kids are sick, including Tom yet I still got to sit and read my book, blog a little, and have food served abundantly. He did a great job with the juggling, but I can see in his eyes he is glad it all ends tonight.