My Mom

I love this photo of my Mom.  I took it when she first brought home her puppy, Mocha.  This is the dog who ate everything in site!  Carpets, shoes, books, window blinds, underwear, speaker cords.  You name it and he ate it, but she continued to care for him.  Even at the expense of her house, furniture, belongings and, eventually,  her sanity. She finally ran out of things for him to eat and he had to go! 

I have watched my Mom for years put other beings ahead of herself.  Young clients, the elderly, her parents, my brother and I when we were younger, even pets have had the best of her and she gave what was left to herself.  Some people may see that as selfless but I don't.  I strongly believe that we have to take good, solid care of ourselves before we can nurture anyone else.  If my stores of "me-time-moments" run low, I set aside time to read, run, putter in my kitchen, or sit in front of the Food Network for an hour.  It's necessary!

I now realize that this is how she  found herself with an escapism gambling problem.  She devoted herself entirely to the care of my aging grandmother at the expense of herself.  I hope you enjoy my favorite photo of her.  This is how I  see her and how I will always think of her.  She has been most happy in her life when she is caring for another being-outwardly giving of herself.  My hope for her future is that she will stop and give to herself first.