And Possibly

I certainly don’t need a reminder of my far flung four, but the well used coffee mug does exactly that every morning,

While we no longer say “good morning,” seven days a week and in some cases for far far less, all four are never far from mind.

None are youngsters any more Nor am I the woman never called “Mum” like my lovely coffee mug, but always “Mom.”

Although all are currently far from the quite different world once shared, memories of each of my beloved quartet return, poignant and comforting, as I sip my coffee and remember being their “Mom.”

Obviously, there were many unique moments of pride in each one. However, the memories that give me the most comfort are separate and always distinct.

Because of the career demands of my beloved Anam Cara, their devoted Father, we five spent a great deal of time alone sharing many diverse adventures and yes, also, occasional chaos.

Those are the memories that bring slivers of warm sunlight filtering into my heart even when the chill of loneliness threatens to dominate.

Each memory is quite different and is a constant reminder of how incredibly blessed I have been on a complicated journey of life.

The oldest, the only damsel, evokes music with her magical voice and plaintive songs, as well as the memorable moments only a mother and daughter share.

The next, is ever remembered for his quick thinking and care when a station wagon stalled as a train approached and the driver (a/k/a Mom) froze in panic.

Never a middle child, a beloved son, surprised me with my first typewriter, a gift that made so many dreams come true. It was purchased with his funds from a paper route.

The youngest, my caregiver, took my hand on a sunny day in Central Park when he was five and said, “I will take care of you.” And so he has sharing the joy of his own beautiful family,

Tomorrow when my lovely coffee mug is refilled; other memories belonging to each of my beloved quartet will return.

And all will be welcome, even those of chaos, because I believe memories are as necessary as the little white pill I must now take daily.

And possibly even more.