Stages of Life: Taking Care of Mom and Dad
By Donna K. Lay, MS, LPC, CCMHC

Waiting

Before her second child was born, she waited eagerly for the birth, not knowing if the babe would be a sister or brother to her first born. Though it was weeks late, once she saw the baby's face with a brown curl framing her forehead, she knew it had been worth the wait.

Later, when her daughter went off to school complete with braided pigtails and homemade starched dresses, she waited for the bus to stop at the end of the drive. For she knew it would carry her sons and daughter home. As Mother and daughter, they would discuss what she'd learned in school that day, a book she'd read, a test she'd passed. And as they shared their love of learning, she knew that it had been worth the wait.

Later, she sat in the college auditorium, waiting for her grown daughter to walk across the stage. She smiled and clasped her hands together with nervous anticipation as the degree was awarded and the hood of a Master bestowed upon her daughter's shoulders. And she knew that all that hard work and worry had been worth the wait.

Now she watches the road through the window. Her hand trembles as she brushes the fine powder-white hair from her face. Her bright blue eyes behold her objective, and an exclamation of pleasure escapes her smiling lips as she turns quickly to walk out the front door to the yard.

Her waiting is over and her prayers answered - for now - her daughter has arrived home safely once again.

03/06/2009

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