When my mother was about 55 years old.  she called me and told me she was taking singing lessons. She said was leaving work one day and picked up a free paper from a box on the street. She saw the class and signed up. She went to classes faithfully for weeks. Then, the time came for the final class or should I say the big performance. 

An hour before her debut, she rummaged through the jewelry box, took out her diamond studs. Those were the same ones she loaned me to wear when I went to the prom. She finished dressing and climbed into the car. I saw no hint of fear. 

My mother got on a stage in the heart of Manhattan and belted out a song just like she did every morning in our kitchen and while toiling at work. Her voice was dazzling. Her confidence was refreshing. She appeared to be a professional singer, not a branch manager singing as a hobby. 

My mother climbed off the stage and never mentioned it again. She had checked off an item off her “bucket list.”

My mother was happy with the course of her life even on her death bed. I know because I asked her if she had any regrets or felt she missed out on anything. She confidently said, “no. I had a good life.” I don’t know if I’ll ever feel the way she did but it was a joy to witness. I just hope to be content, like she was, when it’s all over. 

Happy heavenly birthday mom. Continue to rest in peace mom. 

(P.S. my mom played the Temptations Christmas album every year) 

#RIP #grief #mothersanddaughters #uglychristmassweater #christmassweatercountdown #happyholidays #bucketlist #followyourdreams