I was up most of the night. Mom came down with a bad stomach bug and fever. It was pretty bad and even though I finally settled down to sleep at 11pm after tending to everything, it was not sweet bliss after I closed my eyes. Every couple hours we were up.
After such a night I didn’t want to get up, but that isn’t usually an option for an adult on a weekday, and with a sick family member besides. Once I got moving I was met with a lot that needed attention. So I spent the day preparing meals, washing dishes that were piled high and overflowing, wiping down walls that contained who knows what, sorting clothes that were threadbear or just in need of a better home than I can provide, vacuuming and scrubbing the carpet to try to remove the stains left behind from a recent flood, making sense and bring order to a room that is in chaos (due to the flood), answering messages for work, burdening my mind with thoughts of the the future—all while tending to my sweet sick mother. But all that isn’t to complain at all! I’m more reflecting on something special—my parents. You see, all those many things I did today are things that Dad and Mom have done, day in and day out, for years. Tired, overwhelmed, frustrated, with no end in sight and no one but themselves to tackle the tasks. That was them. No one asked them to have children or a home. No one told them they had to get married and take on the huge responsibilities of home-life. But they did it—and happily at that! Who stands at the marriage altar and sighs and grumbles about all the runny noses they will have to wipe, all the dishes they will wash, all the sleepless nights they will have to spend. No, people don’t do that. They sign-up for it with all the excitement of new love. And they embrace it all because of love. Why am I saying these things? Because you know what happened on this beautiful day in Sunny Southern California back in 1980? A wedding! Yes, I realize that there were probably many weddings that took place on September 21, 1980, but one in particular is significant to me. Forty-years ago, Teresa Mudersbach walked down a grassy aisle in the park, escorted by her father, and joined Gary Kodimer under the chuppah. On this day in 1980, they became a family. When Mom got sick last night I messaged my brother and Dad to let them know and both called within minutes. After talking to David, I called Dad back. He’s always one who wants to know all the details of what is going on. Once he was well informed about Mom’s condition he reminded me, “You know what tomorrow is? Our anniversary.” I smiled, always one to remember special dates even in the midst of turmoil! People always marvel at my parents’ dynamic. Even though they have been separated since ‘97 and divorced since ‘99, they still remain as was determined on that day in September, 40-years-ago, they are--family. That’s how Dad describes it. Though unfortunate circumstances divided our home, we’ll always be a family. I admire my parents for that. Divorce is a terrible thing. It’s painful no matter how you look at it. But the respect and love Mom and Dad have extended to each other inspires me. Things can never be the same but wounds can heal. Life can be beautiful, even when it isn’t perfect. So today I want to say, HAPPY 40th ANNIVERSARY to two of the most important people in my life! I’m so thankful you were married and that I exist! *big grin* I’m thankful for being born to both of you because I really wouldn’t want ANY OTHER PEOPLE TO BE MY (1st) PARENTS! ;-) I couldn’t ask for more loving, supportive, and encouraging parents. I love you. P.S. Oh and did I mention that I didn’t get to shower until the day was basically over? I was headed that direction after breakfast but then was greeted with wet carpet when my feet entered my closet and duty trumped desire. Yeah, sounds like the life of a parent—a life we don’t appreciate frequently enough.
2 Comments
Gary M Kodimer
10/15/2020 07:51:23 pm
Believe it or not, this is really the very first time I read the entire message that my beautiful daughter wrote. Everyone can see that she has unique (God Given) qualities to be able to be so precise, articulate, informative and well versed. Teresa and I can take a very small form of credit, but it really is from God. I am Bless to have Teresa, David and Kim in my Heart and Life. Amen.
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Linda
10/25/2020 07:31:51 am
So beautifully written Kimberly! That brought tears to my eyes. Very inspiring the love you have for each other and it can only come from heaven. Praise God!
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SolominaEverything in life has meaning. There's a lesson in every object, every situation, every process. I want to go deeper, in a higher way. I want to listen, to understand, to know. Archives
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