From My Mind to....

Remembering Mom

DAY 15:  Your best friend with the time machine decides to give you another opportunity to try out his invention, and offers you the chance to go back in time and change one single moment/decision in your own life. What moment would you choose, why did you choose it, and what would you do differently?

On the whole, I have (and have had) a fantastic life.  Despite my divorce last year, I remain on good terms with my ex, and it was a wonderful roller coaster ride.  I have four exceptional children (though my boy is going through some personal issues presently) who all turned out fabulous despite my efforts to screw things up.    And, I'm very happily remarried.

But there is one thing I would do that has nagged at me for the past 26 years. 

My folks departed Maine for a month-long trip to visit three of their children who lived in Georgia and Virginia (the fourth lived in Maine already).  The trip took a toll on my mom, and by the time they reached our house ... well, she'd looked better.  It was April 1987. 

About a week after they arrived, I was up early--I was starting a new job as the Executive Officer for the Richmond (VA) Recruiting Battalion.  I'd said my goodbyes the night before as they were leaving for Norfolk in the morn to visit my brother and his family.

I came downstairs to find Mom sleeping in the recliner.  She woke as I came into the living room.

"Morning, Mom.  Uh, you don't look very good.  Can I get you something?" I added.

"No.  Sometimes I sleep better sitting up somewhat."

I asked her if she was sure, to which she replied, "Go on to that new job."  I leaned down, hugged and kissed her goodbye, still very much concerned.  She assured me she was alright; this was normal for her. 

Later that afternoon, I was called to the Commander's office.  "What's up, Sir?  I mess something up already?"  I joked.  His expression sobered me up immediately. 

"You need to call your dad.  Your mom was taken to the hospital at Langley (AFB)."

I called only to find out that Mom has passed away. 

And I should have listened to my inner voice, and made her go to the hospital.  At the very least, I should have gotten Dad up to really be sure.  Perhaps that wouldn't have made a difference.  But I've always wished I had done things differently that morning.