My Instead: I tore up the check my mother gave
me for helping her all year and put it in her Christmas card.
Can you believe it? I got a check in the mail
yesterday from my mom for helping her throughout the year. She did this last
year too and I cashed the darn thing. Not this year. She doles out checks every
Christmas to all her kids, grandkids and great grandkids…and there are quite a
few of us. I remind her each holiday that this is not necessary nor expected.
We all know her income has lessened since Dad died and she can use the money
herself just to pay bills. She never listens!
But this check she mailed was above and beyond
her usual Christmas check. It’s a little something extra because I am available
and willing to do things for her. Unlike last year, I was not taking it to the
bank. I tore it up and placed the pieces inside her Christmas card. I wrote a
note saying that I’m glad I get to pick up where Dad left off during the
holidays and also whenever she needs a “man” around. And I am. It is an honor
for me to turn the tables and help take care of my mother.
With the card in hand, I went over to Mom’s to
put up her Christmas tree. I gave her the card and when she opened it, the torn
check (I taped the random pieces together so they wouldn’t land all over the
floor) fell out. At first she didn’t know what it was and after realizing, she
asked why I wasn’t taking it. I said “Because, Mom”. She understood and put the
“check puzzle” in her drawer of papers to be shredded. We ate a good supper of
chili and tapioca pudding that she had prepared for us. Then we got busy putting
up her Christmas tree.
I’m taking care of her, Dad…just like I promised.
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