I heard your voice today

A five-year old voice mail recently brought me a whole host of emotions that I was not planning on or ready for. A voice mail to my daughter from my mom wishing her happy birthday was bitter sweet. It made my heart ache and I realized how much I miss my mom each and every day. But it also was wonderful to hear mom's voice once again. I hear that voice in my head every day. My biggest fear-the day I don't hear her voice in my memories any more.

The conversations my mom and I had often come back to me often. Some are good, some are heart touching, some sad, some make me a bit angry (like the time she called me a nincompoop-I was a kid! Or the time she told me the word "crap" was not to be heard in her house again-what? That's crap! Sorry mom!) The jokes we shared, the fun. Mom always had a "lets do it" kind of attitude.
The words of wisdom she shared or favorite phrases or quotes she would say are treasures for me now. My kids now have mom-isms that they say and use quite often! Yes, I could return the favor but I won't.

My whole point is the voice of memories and reason that come back to you are from those who mean the most to you and are wonderful. I can still hear my dad's voice and the last thing he ever said just to me. Precious memories.

Some people flap their lips just because they don't know what else to do or they like the sound of their own voice. And what you say will be remembered but even more is how what you said made people feel. I like to sit and listen when with friends and in groups. It is great for memories and it is amazing what you can learn from and about people when you listen and learn. My dad loved to watch people while my mom would shop. I now understand why.

So I'm grateful for that voice mail and the memories and emotions it brought flooding back. And yes it makes me smile through tears but that is a good thing. I love and miss that voice. So thank you Ashlyn for sharing with me. There is no need to feel badly. It was wonderful to hear that voice once again.

Positive thought of the day: Remember your voice is the soundtrack of a lot of other peoples lives-more people than you probably realize. Value that gift!