I remember turning 25.
I was sitting in the parking lot of a local pizza joint.
My head in my hands.
Crying.
The first birthday that I wouldn’t get to speak with my mother.
The first birthday my Dad completely forgot.
The first birthday I didn’t even want to acknowledge.
I didn’t know if I’d ever hear her voice again.
See her laugh.
Burst into random songs.
I remember sitting there.
Head in my hands.
Wishing more than anything in the world that she return to health.
Bargaining with a God I didn’t believe in.
Hoping against hope in a Universe that had stolen my faith.
Wishing that time would stand still and let me come to terms with reality.
*****
I remember turning 26.
Flying down the interstate.
Laughing with my best friend and new boyfriend.
Strong. Invincible.
Singing to the radio.
Showing up on their doorstep, uninvited.
“SURPRISE!” we yelled as entered the house.
She laughed. She smiled.
I hugged her tightly.
“Hi, Mom. I’ve missed you. You look so healthy.” I whisper.
I send a silent thank you into the universe.
I lock eyes with my best friend. You did this, I say to her with my eyes.
The gift of a kidney. The gift of a life.
What a difference a year makes.
******
This post is in response to GBE 2 prompt of “Time”
Come join the blogging fun by clicking here
You can also visit Elizabeth’s blog for more information.
17 Responses to A Year