Saying Goodbye

I had to say goodbye to my mom today.  She is flying back to the Philippines after spending a total of 3 weeks with my family.  It was especially difficult this time since it is probably the last time that I will see her.  She's 75 years old and does not plan on doing any more traveling in the future.

I'm so grateful for the time that we were able to spend together especially because it was the very first time she met her granddaughter since she was born almost 3 years ago.  I really hope that my daughter will remember the good times that we had. 

My mom and I had what every typical "mom and daughter" love/hate relationship has.  There's a lot of history and memories between us...some happy and others not so happy ones.  There was a 8 year period when we didn't speak to one another.  Since having my daughter, I think we've come full circle and have had a good relationship since. 

Spending time with her this time around was special and letting her go was extremely difficult.  After all that was said and done throughout the years, the one thing that has always been constant was that we are family.  We'll always love each other and will sometimes hate one another but the family ties are bound forever.

Take the time to be with family.  Treasure the happy moments and learn and improve from the bad ones.  Forgive, but don't forget.  Live your life with love in your heart.