Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This

Question: Why is it that we tend not to appreciate people until they are no longer there?

Before I continue, I want all to know that this is NOT about death, I repeat, NOT ABOUT DEATH! Okay, now that that is cleared up....as I was pondering before I so rudely interrupted myself. Why is it that we (I mean me, but I feel applies to all) don't fully realize what kind of impact a person has on our lives until they are vacant from it? I view myself as a very independent-can do it on my own-person, so when I have these revelations of NEEDING someone, it kind of rocks my world.

These waves of thoughts are coming from a few things that have happened recently. I just saw my grandparents, who I haven't seen in almost 5 years! Preparing for this trip I plagued myself with overwhelming guilt (Debi I do NOT know how you carry that feeling all the time, it. is. awful.) for letting SO much time pass, and not including them in my "adult life" (whatever that means). But, the most beautiful thing was that when I finally saw them, we picked up right where we left off! Spending just a few days with them made me realize just how much I have missed them and just how big of players they are in my life. They are the kind of grandparents that growing up you almost consider as friends too. My grandmother is hilarious, she is seemingly so sweet and delicate, but really has an opinion about everything. She can laugh about anything, including herself, which is an amazing quality to have. My grandfather is, complex. He tries to look for a deal in anything, and is a major instigator, but deep down his heart is good (and new at that!) So many of my good memories in life have them in it. And now, being away from them again, all I want to do is have my grandfather ask me what I want to eat while I'm playing cards with my grandmother...

Moving on to the parents. I also just saw them. They are interesting people. And I love them for it! My mother is irreplaceable, imaginative, powerful, entertaining. My father is quiet, reliable, concerned, a great listener and a great putter-outter of the fires. Moving away from them, I realized that I am NOT too old to need my mom and dad. I love it went my mom shops for me. I love it when she makes me delicious breakfast. And when she plays with my hair. I love it that my dad always makes sure I have what I need. Gets me to places early. Asks how my car is, and if where I'm living/going, etc. is safe. Growing up and feeling like you have to handle everything on your own, its nice to know that, no matter what, my parents have got my back when I need them. That I can count on, along with a good story and long laugh!

Today's Headline: Amanda Realizes She Needs People! And dim the lights, draw the curtain, and segway into a musical number by the one and only Babs "people, people who need people are the luckiest people in the world!" I miss my grandparents, I miss my parents, I miss my sisters, I miss my brother, I miss my niece, I miss my best friend. You are all miss, and I forever have room for you in my life!