My relationship with my parents.........hmmm......

My dad has passed away and he really was a fantastic guy.  He fought some of the bloodiest battles during WWII (Iwa Jima, Guadal canal, Bougainville)...and being from a small town when he came home there wasn't any fanfare welcome...he walked several miles home from the bus stop and then went to work farming and supporting his family.  He later became a city policeman and then the county sheriff and was in that office for 32 years.  He was a big guy with a great big laugh, but the biggest thing about him - even with all the horrible things he saw when he was just 19-22 - was his heart.  He also had the clearest light blue eyes and was so handsome.  Everyone liked my dad. I thought he was just about the greatest person in the whole wide world........still do.

My mom is 88 years old and just as spry as ever (almost).  She has had some difficult surgeries lately (back, knees), and still gets frustrated that she can't move around like she could in her 50's.  Truth be told - mom can get around better than I can - or could, until very recently.  She is a true red-head with a temper to go along with it.  She is funny, very intelligent and with 3 daughters she ran the household.  Mom makes me nervous.  I don't know why...she always has.  She's always been pretty critical - the first to point out when you gain weight; should have worn something differently; have something on your face; look tired; shoes are old; that you gained weight (that one is HUGE with her). ha.  She would stick her finger into the middle of your back while you were eating dinner to make you sit up straight.  I know she means well, but I'm so self-conscious around her...waiting for her to point out something wrong with my appearance, what I've done or what I've said.  I love her, admire her strength soooo much - and I know she has held the family together - well, we really aren't "together" - but has been the back bone of the family for always.  I wish I was closer to her, but I'm not - I know I will regret that I didn't call her more because even if she is telling me my house isn't clean enough, I don't get enough exercise, I stay home too much - or go out too much, etc...at least it'll be her voice. <3