But, I finally picked up the phone and reconnected, and I can't even tell you how happy I am that I did.
You see, my cousin Carol is in a nursing home where she has lived for the past ten years. She suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis, and now is in a wheelchair, but her mind is still as sharp as can be. Carol was known as a trailblazer in her day, fighting her way through college, roaming Europe as a single woman before it was cool, fighting for women's rights, and challenging men along the way. She was also one of the best midwives in California in her day.
You see, my parents were so proud of her they gave me her middle name, something I am very proud to carry.
I had been thinking about her a lot the past few months and finally decided to stop thinking about her, and just call.
It was like no time had passed at all. While her body might be slowly losing the battle with time and the disease, her mind is nowhere near ready to give up the fight. After calling her and hearing how happy she was to hear from me, I decided I had been away long enough. I packed up my mother, my sister and my nephew and we hit the road for the Los Angeles area to see her in person.
She sat in the lobby waiting for us, and was so proud to introduce us to everyone we met as "her family". I was so touched that our visit meant so much. And then, for the next two hours we talked about everything from 9-11, to the economy, to college entrance requirements and even our favorite TV shows and authors. It was an amazing two hours that truly fed my soul.
As we said our goodbye's and pulled away, I vowed that 12 more years would not go by again before talking to this amazing woman.
So, if there is someone out there you haven't spoken with in awhile, pick up the phone or get in the car. It is well worth the time!
Sue Green
6 comments:
It sounds like the experience meant as much to her as it did to you...absolutely wonderful.
I am visiting from Weebles Wobblog to check out your Perfect Moment!
It sounds like you had a great visit with your cousin. And what great advice to contact someone I care about. It takes so little effort and means so much.
Thanks for sharing your Perfect Moment!
What I like most is that you not only called her, but that you road-tripped to SEE her. Bravo for remaining connected.
Oooh, that sounds wonderful, and it's definitely a perfect moment!! It's so easy to let life get in the way, props on taking action and reconnecting :)
Ziggy (visiting via Weebels Wobblog)
What an awesome thing to do! Your cousin sounds like an amazing woman.
Yes, recently I have also picked up the phone for a relative that I had not talked to in a long time...and it meant so much to her--something that took only a few minutes out of my day...truely a good moment.
Thank you for reminding me to do that more often!
thanks for the kind words everyone. I was a wonderful day, and not only was it great to spend time with my cousin, but also the five hour car trip from phoenix to l-a i got to spend talking with my mom! good times all around!
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