Gloria Reborn

Hello, 

On December 25th, it will have been seven years---seven years since my mother died.  

Her name was Gloria.

Christmas is a very happy time of year for most people.  As the the day draws nigh, however, I get anxious and somber.  How am I going to react this year?  Am I going to be depressed or am I going to be happy?  Questions and confusion swirl in my head.  You see, I want Christmas to be happy again---BUT---I do not want to feel as if I've forgotten her.  This is a delicate balance.

Am I man enough for this?

There is, however, a solution.  I think.  I hope.

On February 27th, 2011, my daughter is due to be born.  

Her is name is Gloria.  

I have seen her beautiful face already, and I can't shake the feeling of my mother's presence in all of this.  No, I do not think my mother is being "reborn" literally in my daughter.  However, I feel as if the spirit of her life and accomplishments will be honored through her.  My daughter gives me hope for a better tomorrow---hope that the holidays can be joyful again.  I know my mother wishes this for me.

Yet, I feel like my daughter will be treated unfairly by me.  She doesn't deserve to have all this pressure.  I must not fail her.

Am I man enough for this? 

I guess the point of this blog is this:  If your mother is alive, treasure her.  Love her.  Do not back-talk or disrespect her.  Do not take her for granted.  You will regret it someday.  I do everyday.  Once she is gone, nothing can fill that space.  Nothing.

I feel like God is giving me a second chance---a second chance to treat Gloria the way she deserves/deserved.