Eileen and Larry Somers

 Larry often (daily?) said lovely things to my mom. One of his favorites was commenting on her "beautiful brown eyes." I thought of this recently when I told my dog he has such beautiful brown eyes . . . and realized that the phrase sounded really familiar! It sounded familiar because I heard my dad say that to my mom throughout my childhood. He also said "Have I told you lately that I love you?" or "Have I told you lately how much I love you?" So sweet to have this language poured out on a regular basis! I'm glad that there were as many "I love you" statements as there were in the household I grew up in. Thanks, Dad. <I wrote the above on 9.2.2020. I'm back here on 2.6.2026.>   I told my dog he had beautiful brown eyes and thought of my dad telling my mom that. He would also joke that her eyes were brown because she was "full of sh*t." My parents were very verbal - in good ways and in critical ways. There was love, laught...

Sometimes, I just wish for one more hug. Or a laugh. Or an "I love you" from her. My mom had her faults and failings just like everyone else on the planet. But her love was strong and true. I miss her always loving me and accepting me just as I am. She would listen and empathize. She was cheerful and encouraging. She was passionately in love with life. She overflowed with joy. The nice thing is that I can love my children like that. Completely. Always. It's also incredibly wonderful that I was blessed with a mom who loved me. Not everyone can say that. I'm also really glad that I am married to someone who loves me deeply. But I can still miss my mom sometimes.