Going Home

Her intentions were to go out that evening, as she had done every weekend, but an odd caution from within deterred her. She couldn't muster up the energy to go through the grueling task of getting dressed. Nestled warmly under her jacquard comforter, she lay there for what seemed to be an eternity, silently thinking about the days events. Eventually she drifted off to sleep only to be awakened by the telephone. Tossing the comforter off, she made a dash for the telephone. Who would be calling, looking at the clock, at 1:15 a.m. she thought.

Still in a haze, she answered the telephone to hear a shrilling voice filled with the sounds of tears and agony. Unable to comprehend the words, she began to feel fear. She begged the caller to relax, take a deep breath and speak slowly. The voice, now still, becomes recognizable. The caller whimpers " Mom just died, come home quickly." Her heart sank deep within the depth of her soul. She laid the phone down on its cradle and stood there briefly in disbelief. There are no tears for her this moment. There was no time, no thought process for her, no packing, all she knew was that she had to go home

Nothing at this point made sense to her. Still in her pajamas, she grabbed her purse and the keys to the car. She awakened her children, only to put them back to bed again. What sense would it make taking them with her? She walked back to the bedroom and picked the phone up, dialing for a friend to come sit with the children. Still no tears, there was no time, no thought process for her, no packing, all she knew was that she had to go home.

Its 2:00 a.m., now in her car, she prepared for the three hour journey. Alone, her thoughts reminiscent of the telephone call she had with her Mother earlier that day. You are coming to see me next weekend, asked her Mother, she assured her that she would. Trying to keep focus in the dead of night, there was no music, she drove silently. Her speed that of ninety miles per hour, she stayed alert, looking for patrol cars. Still no tears, there was time, no thought process for her, no packing, all she knew was that she had to go home.

This journey, what should have taken three hours lasted but an hour and a half. Her thoughts as she pulled into the drive, a guardian angel carried her through the miles, not one patrol car to be seen. She turned off the motor to the car, a heavy sigh preceding, she closes her eyes for a moment and then opened the door. Still no tears, there was no time, no thought process for her, no packing, all she knew was that she had to go home.

She walked in the house to see family members conversing amongst themselves. The room grows quiet, all eyes are upon her. She went quickly they said, your Mother is with God now. Their words fell upon deaf ears, it was at this moment that all she wanted was to be with her Mother, alone. Not a word spoken, she climbed the stairs. Still no tears, there was no time, no thought process for her, no packing, all she knew was that she had to go home.

She entered the room where her Mother lay in her gown, motionless, arms folded, on the bed. Slowly she moved forward and sat next to her. Gazing into her Mothers face, she saw peace. Softly she caressed her cheeks and stroked her hair asking for her forgiveness. I'm sorry Mom, you brought me into this world and held me close, forgive me for not being here to hold you and see you home.

Mom left this world, off to a better place, no time for tears, no thought process for her, no packing, all she knew was that she had to go home....