Normal Dreams

The other day I told my Dad that I was anxious for us to spend some time together that feels "normal". The kind of "normal" that resembles the way things were before Mom died. I'm not sure we'll ever be able to re-visit that "normal" again. Instead, we will continue this journey that we started on Oct. 24th of rediscovering a new "normal".

Last night I had a dream. Vivid. I dreamed that Mom was alive again. She and Dad were stitting in our family room. Mom was wearing a light blue shirt. She looked beautiful & very huggable. Dad's face was glowing. He was so happy. It was spring time. There was no snow or cold, yet it wasn't too hot. It was just...refreshing. In fact, we were watching the weather radar on TV. There was a spring storm coming in. We were watching to see if we were going to get it. (Something very "normal" that we used to do. Our family loves to watch the weather.)

My mind was trying to sort out how Mom could possibly be there in my family room. I wavered back and forth from confusion to sheer happiness and joy. I even told her, "Mom, I saw how the funeral directors took care of you. They put you in the casket and everything. I guess God must have just brought you back somehow."

Despite my happiness, I could see that Mom was burdened. She was so glad to be with her family, but she was sick again now that she was back on earth. Clearly, her illnesses were taking a toll on her...just as they used too. I remember asking God about this in my dream. He told me that my old "normal" did indeed have it's challenges.

I had to leave them. I had to drive somewhere. In the car, I was looking up into the sun just rejoicing and thanking God for giving me my Mom back. I knew I didn't have a clue how long I would have her for, but I was so thankful even for just that one visit.

Then I woke up.

I've thought about this dream all day. All day, I've had a huge lump in my throat.

I'm glad my Mom isn't burdened anymore. Her new "normal" is something I can't fathom. Her joy must be indescribable.

It's just that she looked so pretty in that light blue shirt...pretty and huggable.

Tips for Working Mothers #1

#1 Occasionally have an all out, bathroom-soaking, have-to-get-a-dry-towel-when-you're-done-water fight during bath time.

Seriously, why not? You're bathroom floor always gets drenched anyways during the 60 second intervals you turn your back to process the laundry and pack the diaper bag...no matter how many times you give the "Keep the water in the tub!" lecture. I guarantee the absolutely hysterical laughter that will ensue from BOTH of you will be entirely worth it. The extra 2 or 3 towels it takes to mop up that night will be worth the precious memory and 10 minutes of stress relief you just found. The #1 rule to make this activity a success is that you make sure you drench your child with just as much fervor as they get you. Trust me, they can handle it!!! :)

I would have posted a picture, but I didn't dare bring the camera anywhere near the bathroom during or following this new found event.