Last night, I began to anticipate the morning when I would turn 49 years old. My mind went back in time and I immediately thought of my mother. Had she been excited knowing that she was about to deliver a baby who almost didn't make it here? This bundle of joy, ME, who was probably kicking around trying to find some more space in the womb was the same little surprise which kept my mother from having surgery 9 months earlier. She was scheduled to go in for a procedure, because she had a history with female reproductive issues. However, as they were prepping her, they took another blood test and said "Mrs. Mattison, you will not be having the procedure today BECAUSE YOU ARE PREGNANT". I can only imagine how my mother prayed over me for the next 9 months, waiting for the day that we would meet face-to-face. In fact, it was a Sunday morning that she would miss singing in church, because I was ready to make my entrance into the world. Today, I thought about her. Oh, if she could see me now! She'd probably look at me and start crying as she retold this same story. Her baby-girl was a fighter and was meant to be here. Thinking of her, as my introduction into and the guide through this world makes me smile.
Another thing that makes me smile is the love of my husband and my boys. Earlier in the week, Byron mentioned that he would put me up in a hotel so I could do my nails, read or sleep without any disturbances. Just kick back and enjoy my birthday in solitude. I did not reject the idea because honestly I had already had a thought of doing a solo 'stay-cation'. (Mama just needed a moment.) He booked the reservation, but I wasn't as excited as I thought I would be. I woke up at 5 am and was happy to clean my house, while everyone still slept. I ran out to a store for what I thought would be a quick trip and stayed too long. Ugh! All I wanted to do was go home, to my people and my own bed. The longer I remained out of the house, the stronger the urge was to just get back home. When I made it back to the house to pack for my overnight stay, I had to tell Byron that I no longer wanted to go. He was baffled, but I was resolute. I cancelled the reservation. What made me happy was that he felt me, he heard me and just wanted to do something nice JUST FOR ME. However the urge was to spend MY day with MY family. Once I decided to stay home, Byron and Courtland immediately left home to pick up an ice cream cake (a childhood favorite) and some goodies. I did my own manicure and pedicure in the living room, while watching a silly movie. We ordered take out and just enjoyed a nice afternoon/evening together. As the evening comes to a close and I sit in bed typing this, I realize how blessed I am. I was loved immensely when I entered this world and at the tender age of 49, I'm still surrounded by love. I'm grateful!
Now when they get the call one day next week that I'm not coming home, it's because I decided to go for my one-night stay-cation after all. Ha! On that note........let's walk it out.
