Day 55

My mom went to Florida yesterday to relax, play golf and spend some time with friends. Lets just say she deserves it. Last winter she spent a lot of time traveling to both coasts of Florida and Arizona. Winter in Cleveland can be tough for her. The Summer and spring are a lot easier. Anyone who knows my mom knows she is an absolute golf fanatic. She plays probably 5-6 times a week during the summer. So when she can go on trips like this and play winter golf, it is right up her alley. Its not like she needs to be in Cleveland to watch the Browns playoff push.

My mom is a pretty amazingly strong woman. The year she had to endure I wouldn't wish on anyone. After being an unbelievable advocate for my father and watching the man she loved for 34 plus years pass away, she seemed to be doing better than expected. I cannot tell you how many people had told me how my mom seemed to be unbelievably strong. I think things were on their way to being settle and then she got received the news that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. As tough as she has been, I don't think she ever thought this was going to happen to her and so quickly. Luckily for her, the cancer was caught very early and was cut out with surgery and radiation. Thanks goodness she didn't need chemotherapy. After watching what the chemo did to my father, I know I can speak for my mom when I say she was not prepared to go through that again. She came through this all like a champ. I was a lot more scared than she was, at least what she was letting on to me.

Its funny because as I had said in my eulogy for my father that he was the glass half full guy, but my mom was the glass half empty woman and that is why they worked so well together. I know that the last year has really changed her views on a lot of things. I think now she sees that life is too short to get hung up over things that are out of her control. Her patience, or lack there of, still hasn't changed. There is nothing better than watching her walk to and from the hostess stand at a restaurant while waiting for a table. The lack of patience there is in direct conflict with the patience she has with her grandchildren. She is an unbelievable grandmother. Jace just adores her.

Between my losing her husband, her bout with breast cancer, and my brother's impending divorce, this has been quite a 14 month stretch for her. I can honestly say I am so proud at how she has handled herself. Most others couldn't have done what she has done. I am one grateful son. So to my mother, I say relax, have fun in Florida, hit them straight, and stay warm, because it is bitter cold here in the Midwest.

Song of the Day: "Give Thanks and Praise" by Sizzla