Day 8 - My Fortress (Dec 10, 2009)

She is 4' nothing. But to me she is everything. I sometimes tell her, "Lady, you have wasted your life over me. When are you going to start living your life." And she would turn around and say, "Duh, you are my life." And I'd say, "Vomit, vomit - cloying- ugh!" And she would smile knowingly.

Each time I announce, "I am going to jump off the cliff," she knew I was going to turn my life (and hers too) upside down. I was going to do something, which the world would consider outrageously stupid.

Yet, she would always ask me 2 questions: Are you sure? I'd say yes. Then she'd ask, are you willing to face the consequences? And if i said yes, (which i always did), she'd say -"Fine. Go ahead, jump. I am with you."

And then I'd jump off the cliff. But invariably, she'd be the one to suffer broken bones, heart and soul. She'd bear it for me so I could enjoy my journey off and down the cliff.

This picture is very poignant and will be a precious one for a long time to come. It reminds me of a life time of love; a life time that this woman spent caring, loving and looking out for me. It also reminds me of time ticking away, which makes me want to savor every moment.

It reminds me that no matter how old I become I will always be mama's little girl. And I can run to her every time I bruise. And she will be there for me.

Yes, the little lady is my mom and she will be there for me as long as she can -which I pretty much know will be till the end.