Great Day In the Morning!

I have been awake for hours now. Mom rang me up around 3:00 AM and our festivities began as we waited for the royal ceremony to begin. It seems like yesterday, I was sitting on the couch watching the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. I hadn't begun my adult life. I was still in high school, waiting patiently (me), or impatiently (Mom) for my life to begin in earnest. I had no idea that I would marry, have children of my own, or live the extraordinary life I have been afforded. Mom and me sat and watched, remained awe stricken, giggling at times, having one of the many mother/daughter moments we would eventually have. Naive, hopeful and happy about what was to come for us both.
Dressed in pajamas and pearls, I sat huddled on the couch with my coffee, wrapped firmly in my favorite blanket as my mom told me of history she had learned about the royals. "Is she not wearing a hat?" we both whispered aghast at a potential faux pas. "Oh, how beautiful..." was our response to the wedding dress. My phone died and we broke momentarily for coffee and bathroom breaks. After a respite, we got back on the phone to finish watching a grand celebration of an old tradition made anew.
We spoke about watching William and Harry follow their mother's casket, not that long ago from the very church that held the wedding. I told how I never could have imagined watching my own children follow their father's casket a month later. My mom responded with a verbal hug, as she always does for me, "Oh, Kel..." I felt her deep inside my heart. That is the way of it with my mom and me. I feel her even when she remains so very far away. I may not have the good fortune to have her so close I can see her, but I always have her deep inside in my heart.
Mom is not as young as she was when we first watched royals say their vows, but for me she got up in the middle of the night to watch with me, just so we could have one more memory to keep with us forever.
Every time I approach my mom with some cockamamie idea, she gladly follows my lead. I can't really wrap my brain what it must be like for my very traditional mother to have her very unconventional daughter. I have dragged her around to things she would never have gone if not for me. I ask her for ridiculous favors, tease her endlessly and say horrendous things that make her blush; all the while my poor mother often red-faced, flustered and frequently embarrassed, continues to allow me to be me. Today it was pajamas and pearls, next month, I guarantee I will come up with something just as ridiculous that she will laugh at and join me.
We hung up a little while ago, promising to call again soon. It's been a lovely morning, watching the sun rise, two young people wed, and giggling about hats, dresses and boys choirs. I miss my mom every day. Moving to be with my husband was a huge sacrifice for all of us. Today, I missed her a little less, feeling her next to me, sharing another marked day in history.
I hope to see my mom in person soon. When I do I will have planned something completely ridiculous for us to do in order to share a giggle. Maybe, just maybe if she is really lucky, it will be something where we have to rent full head to toe costumes. There is nothing like abject humiliation to pull a family together.