The Day before Mother's Day

This has been a fun day, but also one of reflection for me.

Today many of the women, and one man from the Oram family went to lunch. My Aunt Marti was down from Montana. Around the first of the year, she had a heart attack, followed in four days by a massive stroke. It is nothing short of a miracle we still have her with us. She has been have therapies for her speech and occupational therapy so she can learn to walk, and get some of her fine motor skills back. As a kid, she was the "fun" aunt. She knew the cool people, did the cool things, and went to the cool places. She was ALWAYS laughing. So, I was a little nervous about how she would be when we saw her this time. Physically, she seems about the same. She needs help up, walks slowly and sometimes needs help getting around. Verbally, she can say "no deal," "I can do anything," and "die" best of all. She also says "no" to every question you ask her. You have to pay attention to her head, because she will nod what she means. Up and down "no" means yes, and side to side "no" means no. Once in a while she pops out with a word that surprises the listener. After we went to lunch, we went to my grandma's house for desert. That is when the fun really started. She was so communicative with her limited vocabulary, and so expressive with her face, that there was no doubt what she was trying to say. As I watched her, I thought of what a blessing to know that what makes Marti what and who she is, is still in there. Her eyes say it all. She is very aware of what is going on around her. I think it must be so frustrating to want to say something, and not have the words. She received a blessing while we were there, and I know that she is prayed for all around the country. I have faith that she will be alright.

As I sat around the table at lunch, I was overwhelmed with the blessing of all of those women in my life. Every one of them is a powerhouse of strength and love. Some are at different emotional, mental, and spiritual places in their lives, but all are working toward the best place. I am so grateful for their great examples, and the many things they do to help me be a better person.