I was talking with my Dad today and he nonchalantly mentioned that he was taking my mom to the doctor on Thursday. I remembered she had visited the doctor earlier this month...
Me: Why is Mom going to the doctor?
Dad: *Long pause* [My dad never pauses when talking] Well, your mom told me not to tell you, but she's going to have surgery to get a growth removed.
Me: WHAT
Dad: The doctor said it's benign but they want to take preventative measures so that it doesn't become something more.
So there it is. Moms don a cape and become superheroes. My mom didn't want us to know this was going on because she didn't want me and my sister to be worried. The selflessness of it makes me want to cry. Even as grown adults we are continually shielded with love and giving. I also thought about my coworker, who relentlessly is helping her son with ADHD plan his next steps for college, even as he lashes out at her with frustration. The giving - it's unconditional and pure and the most infinite there is.
If I could wrap my mom up and protect her with an unbreakable shield so that nothing could ever harm her, it might start to resemble the cocoon of love she's built for us.
