Sunday, September 5, 2010

Faithfully

When I drove up into my parent's semicircular driveway in Temple, TX Friday evening my mom and dad were there to greet me. After all, their son had recently completed a journey of a lifetime.

I hugged my mom and the first thing I said to her was, "I told you I'd be here in a couple of days". It was the fulfillment of a promise I'd been making to her practically every week since we began our walk.

As most of you know mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's before we launched from Austin in 2008 making the decision to leave one of the most difficult I've ever made. Every week I phoned mom and every week she always asked, "When are you coming home?"

"I'll be home in a couple of days", was always my answer which seemed to settle her anxieties and sadness. That same exchange continued for 118 weeks.

More than walking into Boston Common with blocks and blocks of people behind me that final mile to Boston, seeing my mom Friday marked the end of my journey.

"I told you I'd be here in a couple of days."

4 comments:

Jodie said...

I am so happy for you !!! Being able to see your parents is a treasure. I am lucky enough to still have both of mine also and see them often.

nanarosiew said...

My mom is in a nursing home because of dementia but she is only 15 minutes away. God gave you a way to help your mom through 118 weeks of waiting for her son to come home. You are like an onion because with every blog, or comment on your wall you show another layer of yourself. Your book is going to be AMAZING! You are blessed.

Anonymous said...

I;m sure it's good to be home. May the good Lord be with you, your family, hudson, Murphy & all those who care for you. You're in my thoughts & prayers. HUGS, Georgia

Hailey said...

Wow! what an inspiration you are! I am certainly going to follow you!!!

Hugs & smoochies! XOXO
Hailey