Small Things

I was just doing a little workout and I went back in my mind to my highschool years when one of the coaches opened up a little gym and I thought I would join with two of my best friends. It was cheap and we thought we would go all the time. Not so much- but we were under 18, so he could not hold us to any contract.

Anyhow- at some point when I was there, I got a staph infection on my cheek. I remember thinking it was a curling iron burn... I am getting distracted from the point here...

I recall feeling SO embarrassed about this thing. It was on my cheek and I was told by the doctor that it was pretty much like athlete's foot. At dinner, I shared that with my family and I remember Luke saying "Yeah, but you can't put a shoe over your face." Classic witty, cutting Luke. And I remember my dad laughing. Laughing AT me. When it was time for bed, I went to my parents for my usual hug and kiss goodnight- My dad was HORRIFIED by the thing on my face and joked "I am not going to kiss that thing"

And here is what I remember most- My mom walked right up to me, said "I am not afraid of your staph" and kissed me right there. Right on my cheek, the very place where the staph had broken out.

I don't know that I was able to explain then how it made me feel, but I could explain it now. Actually, no I can't. There are not words for the amount of love and compassion that one moment brings me.

It is something I can go back to when I am feeling sad or lonely or "far away" from my mom. I can go back to that moment, and feel that love and the strength in her rebellion and compassion.

I hope that someday my girls have moments like this to turn to as well.