Old Rock and Roll Highway 67

I was born in 1967, so when I saw this sign, "Rock and Roll Highway 67," I had to have a picture with it. So it means nothing really, but it's fun. Connie, Patti, and I took a bicycle ride on Old Hwy. 67 on Sunday, and I finally got my picture. The sun was shining, and the ride was great, but bumpy. That's a great metaphor to life right? Beautiful, but often bumpy. The past three months have been a bit bumpy for me. Mom died on November 1st. Since then, there hasn't been a day that I haven't wanted to talk to her. I graduated with my PhD in December without her there. I've had so many "if only" thoughts since we lost her. I try not to dwell on things that can't be changed, but rather on how I can contribute to making a lasting difference for my children. I think a lot about how they will remember me. My mother had a beautiful soul. But how do my boys think of me, I wonder. I guess the real question is, "How do I want my boys to remember me, and what do I still need to do to make that happen?" If I wanted them to remember me as a good cook and housekeeper, it's a bit too late for that. Though there are a few recipes they do come to me for...none of them ever turn down my pumpkin bread. Their childhood memories have already been formed, but what are the adult qualities that I want my boys to remember about me? I want them to know that even though I'm not always able to stand behind them (both physically and metaphorically), that I will always stand beside them. They can always count on me. So the next chapter of my life will be spent building the legacy that I will leave to them, building the image of myself that will form their memories of me.