Too Soon--Priscilla

October 8, 2016: the day time flashed before my weary eyes. Two weeks prior, an argument between my mom and I arose. Anger, frustration, and tears filled the heated discussion over something so meaningless. If only I would’ve known she would be getting that new job. I would have taken advantage of every minute I had with her. The new job in Meridian, Idaho, 803 miles away from my family and I. It was for the betterment of my family but I assure you, I dreaded that day with a passion, hoping and praying time could stop on October 7th. The harsh reality hit when my dad helped empty her entire side of their room. No perfumes on the dresser. No outfits in the closet. No chargers plugged in on the side of the bed. All that remained was her pillow and a hair tie. Everyone woke up at 3:30 A.M., preparing to send her off to start another chapter of our family’s life, but in that very moment, each person standing in the living room desired for time to completely stop. Idaho, the potato state, was her new home. I hugged her one last time before she walked out the doors, regretted the moments I did not spend with her, and told myself it was all too soon. Instead of going out with friends the week before, I could have spent quality time with my mom whether it’d be talking about classes, my goals, or laughing at her lame jokes. For God’s sake, I desire to listen to her nag at me consistently and repeatedly telling me to “Hurry up, stop screwing around, and finish cleaning the kitchen” because she didn’t want to come home to a dirty kitchen. Now I have to wait eagerly each month to spend only two short days with her. I rather not dwell on the sadness of my mom living in another state and away from her family 90 percent of the time yet, accept the idea of her flying back once a month to do everything we possibly can. Before she left, I thought this transition would be quick, easy, and peaceful, similar to a holiday or seasonal break from school. Boy was I wrong! Thanksgiving dinner was made by everyone except my mom because her flight was delayed due to the snow storm that hit Idaho the night before. Decorating the Christmas tree while her image was buffering on FaceTime became saddening. All my family and I saw was one of the strongest women we know, frozen on the phone smiling through the pain of being away from her husband and babies. It may be cliche, but it definitely is not the same at home. Although my beautiful mama is away for this period of time, I learn to cherish time with not only her, but everyone I come in contact with because even if I spend a short minute with someone, I know that is one minute more than before.