Since my mother passed away years ago, my sisters and I (The Syndicate) have made it a point to keep her memory alive for my son through picutres and stories about the time the two of them spent together. When he was three months old, I was blessed to be able to convince my mother to quit her job at a daycare center and come care for her grandson full-time with me replacing her income (which was criminally low) and doing extra when I was able.
I've often wondered if my son really remembers my mother, or if his memories are just of the tales we've fed him over the past four years. I got my answer last week during a bedtime discussion about our participation in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
Me: You know tomorrow is Relay for Life!
Son: I know! I can't wait!
Me: And, you know that Relay for Life is one of the ways we live our family's values, right? Remember? "We use our gifts to make the world a better place."
Son: I miss Grandma. She used to play with me and feed me and take care of me.
Me: Really? For real? Do you really remember Grandma, or are you just thinking about what your aunties and I tell you?
Son: No, Mama. I remember her. I remember the last time I saw her.
Me: Is that right? *incredulous*
Son: I was wearing a red and white shirt. It was when the TV used to be in the dinner room (which we had converted into a bedroom for her.) We were watching Rudolph. You were sitting by the kitchen, and Daddy was sitting on the other side by the two doors. Grandma was laughing. I can still picture it in my mind.
Me: *sniffling*
Son: Mama? I'm going to take care of you when you get old.
Me: You are?
Son: Yeah! It's against the law not to!
Me: Um...no...it's not.
Son: Wha?! *incredulous*
Me: Yeah. You don't have to take care of your parents when they get old. Some people don't.
Son: Well, it should be against the law!
