Moments D384: Waste not want not

Today was Mother’s Day. A day to celebrate Mom’s everywhere who dig deep to find patience and who share their humor and love everyday. Today, sadly,  was not about my dear sweet Mother. (though we certainly find ways to give her love!)

Instead of celebrating the wonderful woman who raised me today, (a woman who is strong, kind and overly generous with her love and positive energy), she and I spent the afternoon keeping my Dad’s mind occupied from his coming open-heart surgery. We were all in good spirits as we shared stories and then eventually played some cards. There was much laughter in hushed tones in the shared hospital room. We giggled like silly school kids waiting to be shushed.  Fun and laugher amoung the nerves.

And while we were unable to focus solely on Mom today, I know she was comforted that I was with her. In the emotion of the day, she didn’t really read her cards. I know,  tomorrow when it is over,  she will take the time to savour every word.   But today,  today she was focused on making sure my Dad was comfortable and focused on his tough job ahead. Selfless. She’s always been so selfless.

In my own private way I celebrated Mom from the moment I left my house to the end of the day. After all, the amount of love she has for my father is tangible and adorable to watch.  (Don't we all dream of that? )  My first stop of today,  which also reminded me of my incredible Mother was the inspiration of today’s moment.

As children my Mother would always remind my brother and I “waste not want not”. The premise being, don’t take more than you need, or if you do, share or repurpose it.

On my way to meet my Mom and Dad at the hospital I stopped to eat lunch at a lo

cal Mr. Sub. There was gent, maybe a wee younger than I who ordered, was served before me, and he finished eating before me.  I watched him as he left.

He paused just outside the door and started to rub his fingers together.   It actually took me a moment to understand what he was doing.   He was actually standing there crumbling his leftover bun onto the ground below.  When the realization came I smiled immediately and thought to myself  “waste not want not”. 

There were many other moments today that reminded me how special my mother is. So, while we weren't able to have a big focused celebration of Mom today,  I know I celebrated her all day long.

Thank you Mom for teaching me what is most important in life.   Of course I'm at your side helping.   You taught me well.

Moments of childhood memories. 

Moments being thankful for such a beautiful soul in my life. 

Allergic Reactions & Reflections

This week has been a strange, surreal kind of week for me.  From an allergic reaction to hair dye (yes it's official, I won't be dying my hair again any time soon!) to my Dad being in the hospital for an emergency surgery.


You wouldn't think the two things are related, but they really are.  I mean, to what point do we chase keeping our youth?   After reading about the dangers of dark hair dyes in the market, I think it's time for me to give up the chase.  My Mom looks FANTASTIC with her silver hair and I know a few other women who rock it out too.  Is white really the new black? It seems I'm not alone with this creeping allergy to permanent hair dyes.  I didn't have such an extreme reaction as some, but I did end up with a rash on my forehead and swollen lymph nodes.  Seriously.  Scary and worth pause.

My occipital lymph nodes were VERY swollen and I'm sure a few in my neck were as well.  It's been 5 days since I dyed my hair, and my occipital lymph nodes are still swollen.  Thankfully, they are starting to return back to normal, but it's still 5 days of torturing my lymph nodes.  When one's lymph nodes get angry because you are looking for cooler hair, well, I think it's time to take a step back and reflect on things.  One's lymph nodes are designed to fight foreign particles out of one's body.  They are one of the first line of defence for pathogens, infections and germs.  This is not something I want to be messing up!  I guess I'm going to have to go back to my natural colour.  Who the heck knows what colour that even is!  Then again, maybe I'll do a little research on more natural hair dyes.  I'm not certain I'm ready to cold cold turkey.  In the meantime, I'm also searching for ways to help support my struggling lymph nodes. Stay tuned!  

Fast forward to Tuesday morning when my Dad was admitted into the the hospital dealing with an emergency surgery.   Seeing your father lying in the ICU is a scary place to be.  This is a situation that causes you to take pause and reflect on one's life.  

I've had two opportunities this week to really reflect upon what's really important in my life.  Thankfully, I'm surrounded by many loving souls that easily remind me.  Family.  Friends.   So here's a shout out to those that have sent their prayers, positive energy and love to my family and I.  

Then, Steve Jobs passed away and the internet lit up with some of his favourite quotes.  One in particular really stood out to me.  This was part of Steve Jobs' address to the graduating class at Stanford University….

"Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

May you all sleep well tonight knowing that you've had a moment to pause and reflect upon your life and find what is truly important to you.  Follow your hearts.

Patience is a virtue....

As I sit in the car waiting to arrive at the hospital....I wonder where that saying originated.   So I googled it.  (What on earth did we do without google and the internet?)
Thank goodness for distractions.