This sweet memory of my mom when I surprised her on Christmas day 2016 made me smile today. She didn’t recognize me at first… it was the first of many times over the next five years.

The more I watch it, the sweeter it becomes. It just shows you what a value you are to your aging parents and how seeing you is the joy of their lives.

The fact she didn’t recognize me, not even my voice, was a little sad but when she realizes it is me, it made the all night trip worth it. She laughed and laughed about it later that day. There is more video where we are talking through the door. She thought I was some church lady!!!

I love how prominent her Texas accent is when she says, “Oh my Lord! What are you doing here?” Then I hear her crying and it breaks my heart now although I know they were tears of joy.

In the new year remember if you have older parents that the roles in life have flipped. To world you may be somebody but somebody (your parents) you are their whole world.

Merry Christmas Mother. You always made the most decadent ambrosia at Christmas… oranges, cherries, coconut, and sugar. You always said it was the food of the gods. I wonder if you are enjoying it today with God, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.