Police Beat
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/decatur/Opinion/2507/
Welcome Readers,
Having just returned from a very relaxing vacation, I thought I would have more information for this column. I was wrong.
Having that in mind from the beginning, I set out this weekend to find something to write about, but to no avail.
What will I do ? I promised our editor, Mr. Randy Moll, I would have a column for him. Desperate, I watched a couple of newsrelated shows and read every paper I could get my hands on trying to find fodder for my thoughts. I drove all over town looking for anything I could possibly use. Again, nothing.
Then it struck me. How stupid I must be ! We had storms yesterday, and today is a special day. Iím not going to write about the storms because every newspaper in the area will have coverage on that. By Wednesday when this column appears, Saturday eveningís storms will be only a memory. Iíll use my time and this space to honor some very special people, Moms.
Sunday was Motherís Day. I hope all of you remembered your mother in some special way. My mom passed away a few years ago, after a ten year battle with Alzheimerís and other related ailments. Not a day goes by that she doesnít cross my mind. Feeling guilty for poor time management, letting the rat race get the better of me this week and not getting flowers to Momís grave site for Motherís Day, I will try and honor her with a few thoughts and memories.
Mom was very special. A school secretary for about 25 years, gardener, baseball and rodeo mom she was. No matter what sport, where the event was, or how hot or cold it got, she was always there rooting my brother an me on. Mom always had a smile on her face and rarely spoke an ill word of anyone or anything.
Even as this terrible disease slowly and surely robbed her of all that she loved, she smiled and laughed and tried to communicate with those around her. She loved her flowers. And, as I drove around town this morning, I couldnít help noticing some of the beautiful flowers on display at many homes.
Mom wasnít picky. In fact, she was incredibly easy to please. You could give her anything for a gift and she would smile and thank you and then place the gift in a conspicuous place of honor, like it was the best thing she ever got.
Being the prankster I am and having a mom with a great sense of humor, one year, I placed a well-chosen cow chip in a box, wrapped it beautifully and presented it to her with a wide grin. Mom opened it and laughed loudly.
She didnít display it proudly. But I did hear her telling her mom how I had played a prank on her, and they were having a good laugh.
Later in the day, I drove all over the countryside picking wild flowers until I had a huge bouquet, which I presented her that evening.
For all of you out there who think you canít afford to give your mom a Motherís Day gift or who donít know what to get her, listen up. You are the gift she wants most. It doesnít take much to please a mom.
I hope each and every one of you takes the time to go visit your mom. Whether you can do something special for her or not, your mother will enjoy seeing you on her day.
Even if your mom isnít here anymore or is away from you on this special day, you can always let her know how much she means to you in some small way.
What do you think ?
Until next time, have a great day.