Too Bad Facebook Friends Can't Hug

Dear Facebook,


Thank you for connecting and reconnecting me, with so many amazing friends and family members!


All the best,
Jonathon

Monday through Friday I take the bus downtown to the capitol to work. Some days I pull out my book and read a few pages, others I just gaze out the window at what's happening on Congress, there are days that I put in my ear phone and listen to iTunes and sometimes I surf the net. No matter what I do, these activities make that short ride even shorter.

Today while I was browsing Facebook on the bus, I came upon a wall post one of my relatives. She had written a post stating that today marked twenty two years since her Mom passed away. As I read these words I know are in her mind on more days than just today, my heart went out to her: "I miss you Mom" she typed.

Parents are always with us. Every time I whip up a quick meal for dinner I think about Mom and Dad cooking in the kitchen together. How would they do this, I often think? More times than not I just call them and ask. But what happens when you can't call your folks for advice or just to chat? The times when something really awesome happens in your life and you want to pick up the phone and let them in on some of your joy. What happens then?

We Remember.

As long as I live I will remember special things that my Mom and Dad have done for me. They do that too, I know they have memories of their Moms and Dads, we all do. These are the memories that warm our hearts and make us smile. Sometimes those same memories may bring a tear to the eye, but who doesn't need a good "softy" moment once in a while?

I'm very fortunate to have both of my parents, but everyone is not that lucky. The wall post I read this morning didn't mean this person had put her life on hold. She has a busy and full life, with a career and a family; anyone can tell that from her page. It meant what it said, she missed her Mom, and isn't that what a Mom would want? To be thought of and missed...and loved always. Parents lead, guide and direct us early on, they make sacrifices, they read us stories, make us special snacks and dinners, they take us places, and most importantly they give us a love that is unconditional. A love that doesn't go away. We will always crave that no matter how old we get, and when they're gone, we miss them, no matter how long that is.

I was glad to see that many friends commented on that wall post. Family members shared in the sadness that still exists. That's how we get through those days. Friends, family, hugs and plain old LOVE...and the memories. Because the memories of the people that made us feel so special never go away, thank goodness!

I think it's always okay to miss someone, that just means they mattered!