A New Chapter

My mommy retired.

I remember when she got the job at the hospital.

I remember what I felt like knowing that she wouldn't be home anymore on the weekends (because she was assigned to the weekend shift).

I remember watching my two little brothers alone and refereeing fights and cooking omelets for dinner and being scared when storms came and trying to protect them.

I remember how hard my mommy worked and how tired she would be after a twelve hour shift. How she still made sure the clothes were washed and the meals were cooked and the house was picked up.

It has been hard for me to watch her still work as hard in her later years.Things have had to go on the wayside. Housecleaning and grandchildren's school plays and weekend volleyball matches and making sure daddy eats right.

She has paid her dues. She has finished her job well. She is done with that chapter in her life.

And I am happy for her.

I pray she will enjoy this next season of housecleaning and school plays and volleyball games and making sure my daddy eats well.

I think it will be a full-time job:).

 (We surprised her with celebratory cake and ice cream amidst protests that she hadn't even combed her hair. She is still beautiful to me.)