Katy McKenna Raymond  
Personal blog of christian writer Katy McKenna Raymond in Kansas City, Missouri

Personal blog of christian
writer & fallible mom
Katy McKenna Raymond
in Kansas City, Missouri


Katy is represented by
Greg Johnson at
WordServe Literary

Read more Katy at
LateBoomer.net

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Priceless

So we spent lots of hours in the ER the other day before Mom finally got admitted. Completely unlike her last trip to the ER, during which she expressed her utter…um…dislike for me, Doug, the nurses and the doc, Mom was in a patient (ha!) and even pleasant mood. Who does HER meds, huh?

Anyway, my little sister Bridget was standing near the gurney at one point, so that Mom saw her profile. Out of the blue, Mom said, “You look so pretty, just standing there.”

Bridget is beautiful, but this was so unlike my mother to say that I think Bridgie and I both nearly cried.

About an hour later, lacking other amusement, I assumed the pose Bridget had and said to Mom, “I need you to say one to me.”

“One what?”

“You know, something like you said to Bridget. Something like, ‘You look so pretty, just standing there.’”

Mom hesitated, so I figured she must not think I’m much of a looker. And that’s OK. Really, it is. I’ve got 13 long years on Bridget, after all.

Then she said, “I think you look a lot like Kathy Griffin.” I gasped a little, then she went on. “And I think you are talented and could have a career on the stage.”

“Whoa, Mommy!” I said. “An affirmation!”

“A what?”

“It doesn’t matter what you call it. That was really, really sweet.”

And you know what? Today, as we visited her in the hospital, I purposely affirmed her. I don’t remember now what I said, but it was about something that she’s doing well at this stage of her life. She said that was very nice to hear. Then Bridget and I recalled different times and occasions when Mom has looked “beautiful,” and I know it pleased her for us to say so.

There are a lot of us adult (WAY adult!) kids out here who are still wishing to hear an encouraging word from a parent, but it works both ways. Every human soul needs to be acknowledged, praised, and loved. Even our parents, no matter their age.

I’ll gladly put my life on Broadway aside a bit longer, if it means I’ve got a chance to touch the heart of my one-and-only mother.

Posted by Katy on 06/21/08 at 10:01 PM
Fallible Comments...
  1. My dearest sister, Katy...you will always look SO PRETTY and wonderful to me! :) I love you and our time together is precious.
    Posted by Bridget  on  06/21/08  at  10:55 PM
  2. This post was indeed priceless. Thank God that your mom is doing so well, and thank you for this writing. Blessings!
    Posted by Gracie  on  06/22/08  at  01:05 AM
  3. Katy,

    I'm a bit behind. Sorry to hear you Mom is in the hospital, and glad that you had that moment. I don't know you very well, but you have a sweet spirit, and I you have touched my life in the brief time I have been fortunate to have your aquaintance. Bless you!! Sandi
    Posted by Sandi Thompson  on  06/22/08  at  09:46 PM
  4. Bridgie--Amazing that we can make "get togethers" out of ER runs and in-patient stays, eh? I have loved being with you this week. Mom had a bad time while I was there today (Sunday) but is better tonight.

    Gracie--Thank you for your kind words. Mom is doing well for someone as sick as she is! Her vital signs remain good and her spirits are up. I'm grateful.

    Sandi--I have neglected my dear commenters! I apologize for that. You are so sweet to leave encouraging words here, and yes. I am ready to run off to Ireland!!! Alas, I cannot leave my mother now and even more alas, I am broke!! :) You have touched my life, too. Thank you.
    Posted by Katy  on  06/22/08  at  10:38 PM
  5. Amazing grace moment for you and your mother. I wish I would have had more of those.
    Posted by christa allan  on  06/23/08  at  10:11 AM
  6. My mother's greatest moment of affirmation was telling me, "I know you're doing the best you can." By the way, I've missed you, Katie.
    Posted by Alison  on  06/23/08  at  03:07 PM
  7. My mother's greatest affirmation for me came when my oldest daughter graduated from high school. We had been home schooling for 8 yrs by then. Mom never quite knew how to take my "wild" ideas. She came for the week, met our great friends and family in the church and home schooling.
    As she was getting in her car to go home she said, "You have a great group here, and you have done a wonderful job with you children. I love you." WOW so hard for her to say and so precious for me to hear. I miss her more all the time. Cherish your moments. They are never long enough...
    Posted by Sandi Thompson  on  06/23/08  at  03:16 PM
  8. Thanks for sharing
    Posted by Winning lottery numbers  on  11/12/08  at  02:50 AM
    9. Page 1 of 1 pages
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